By Sam Donnelly For the Bashaw Star
Lee Wilson of Miller Wilson Angus and Tyler Bullick of Prairie Cove Charolais, both locals, won the Beef Supreme Challenge at Agribition late this November.
Miller Wilson Angus took the prize for their male DMM Maximus 18G while Prairie Cove Charolais took the prize for the cow/calf pairing with BRCHE Berkly Ann 8507 PLD ET.
Both ranchers were top of their breed at Fairfield International before reaching the supreme competition. Both animals were found grand champions of their breed before being judged supreme against other grand champion animals of different breeds.
Both winners are related and close neighbours to each other’s ranches in Bashaw.
“To win with family made the win extra special,” said Dawn Wilson of Miller Wilson Angus.
The families have been ranching for generations, building on the skill and expertise brought by more experienced relatives. Both ranch owners and their relatives all work on raising cattle of their own or helping prepare the animals for competition.
When asked what made DMM Maximus 18G so special, Lee said that his size paired with his mobility made him very special.
Bullick said that BRCHE Berkly Ann 8507 PLD ET’s size, muscle and udders made her a champion.
“She’s like a finely trained athlete,” said Bullick
When asked, both ranchers said that dedication and hard work were part of what made it possible for the right cow to reach their potential.
“You go to bed thinking about it. You wake up thinking about it,” said Bullick.
Bullick also took the time to give credit to the farming community of Bashaw.
“You’ve got some of the greatest people in the world looking after your supper.”
Despite the big wins, the ranchers are continuing to work their hardest as the calving season draws closer and closer.
However, both families joined together in late November for a brunch to celebrate and reminisce about the competition.
As of now, both ranches anticipate a high number of orders, coming in from around the world, after the win.
Wilson said that the competition brings their ranches into international focus as both competitions were live streamed throughout the world. Ranchers from around the world have come to both farms to witness and purchase products from these two supreme animals.
According to Bullick, BRCHE Berkly Ann 8507 PLD ET’s calf will continue competing in coming events.
“It’ll be something special to carry on Berkly’s legacy.”