Announcing the 2021 Young Guns contest winners

Alberta Beef Producers’ Young Guns Contest was back this summer, with a focus on agricultural innovations in the beef sector. We asked youth (8-21 years old) involved in Alberta’s beef industry to look at what the future holds, and tell us what they think the beef industry’s greatest innovation will be in the years to come.

A panel of Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) delegates judged a number of excellent submissions, and three were selected for the top prizes.
 
First place was awarded to Warren Westerlund from the Special Areas, for his video submission on the importance of proper grass and water management. Warren walked us through his demo of a quarter section, complete with cross fencing and a water source, describing the benefits of rotational grazing.

Second place went to Paulina Wolswinkel from Red Deer County, for her essay entitled ‘Better Beef for a Brighter Future,’ which focused on sustainability and the environmental impact of beef production.

“Better feed leads to increased rate of gain and less waste. Production of high-quality feed can be achieved through increased soil sampling, proper fertilizer application, development of stronger and more nutritious forage varieties, and possibly the use of feed additives or alternative food sources.”

Paulina Wolswinkel

Third place went to Douglas Westerlund, also from the Special Areas, for his video submission on why bale grazing is the greatest innovation. Douglas described the benefits of bale grazing, how it impacts his family ranch, and protects the surrounding wildlife habitat.
 
ABP would like to thank everyone who sent in a submission for the Young Guns Contest, and encourage youth involved in beef producers to watch for it again next year.