Post Tour wrapped up and its back to reality!

Now that the dust has settled and and the majority of us are back at home and reality, its good to know that many international visitors are still in the country having arranged individual herd visits. Larry Toner reports from the post-tour which ended up in Saskatoon that it was a joy to travel with people intent on having a good time. This has been a real boost to our industry and breed and we should feel results for years to come!

View photos taken during the Forum HERE.

Your comments, input wanted

The planning committee for the World Angus Forum in Canada would like to know your thoughts about the WAF. To register your comments about your experience visit AngusResults.com/comments.html and click the "Send us your comments" link.
A list of news stories, video and photos on the Forum are also being compiled. If you spot an item, please sent it to news@everythingangus.com and it will be added to the list.

Spruce Meadows goes back to horses

The 10th World Angus Forum is now history and horses have been restored to their usual place on the grounds at Spruce Meadows. Kudos to all exhibitors and volunteers for clearing out all traces of cattle right on schedule. Special recognition to barn bosses Carol High, Sandy Hosegood and all members of the volunteer committees. This was an extraordinary event staged by extraordinary people. The medals won and friendships started or renewed will be treasured for years to come.
Now back to the day to day business of raising good Angus cattle!

Final 2 Forum days beautiful for the shows

Sorry to be a bit shy on updates here, but most efforts have gone into mingling, visiting and updating AngusResults.com. Be sure to check out the site as all the events are posted as soon as complete - sale, shows, candids, links, etc. Lots of people watched the shows live on the internet and have been checking out the website. The parking lots at Spruce Meadows are filled and the traffic through the barns has been great. Certainly heard a number of different languages being spoken.
Just the closing Gala to go and then it is time for Argentina and then New Zealand to take over World Forum planning. I'm sure the 10th WAF in Canada will be talked about for a long, long time.

WAF catch-up

Phew! A hectic few days and that's with not even attending all the events! Just a short summary here now, and photos will be added after snatching a few zzz's.
Monday - rain, rain and more rain. So much in fact that the pitch fork BBQ was transferred from the Flying E Ranche to the Stavely Community Hall. An excellent bit of last minute magic by the WAF committee and caterers to get all those people moved and fed in an hour. And despite all the work and preparation that went down the drain with the rain, the Sears family from the Flying E were in great spirits and wonderful hosts at the changed location.
Tuesday - less rain and more jam packed. Meetings - Sale - Opening Gala. The comment that stands out in my mind as I was leaving: "it was worth every cent to put this on and to be here!" Visit AngusResults.com for initial sale results.

Barn & Display setup underway at WAF

Wow! Breeders have really outdone themselves in their stall displays at Spruce Meadows. About half the barns are set up with the rest to follow Monday. And it all looks outstanding. It has also been a great opportunity to meet new breeders and catch up with old friends. 

Tomorrow will be a very busy day in the barns as well as the Market Place and Horizons Pavilion as the final touches get put on all the displays and the rest of the cattle move in and get washed. If you get a chance to visit anytime July 14-16, you really should do a tour. 

Pictured are just a few scenes during set up. Lots of work but still time for play in the shavings. Even the odd difference in direction! But by Tuesday a.m. it will all look amazing.

WAF at the Chuckwagon Races

The WAF Pre Tour participants were joined by many other Angus enthusiasts at the Calgary Stampede Saturday night for a trackside steak BBQ followed by the chuckwagon races and grandstand show. The crowd was welcomed by WAF Chairman John Lee, Canadian Angus President John Donaldson & Stampede President David Chalack accompanied by the Stampede Royal trio. Most participants seemed thrilled with the tour so far and had gotten into the Stampede spirit with the purchase of a few pairs of cowboy boots and hats along the way. Many are off to the rodeo finals Sunday afternoon and it even looks like the weather might be favourable (cross your fingers).

Also a busy day out at Spruce Meadows with volunteers ensuring all things are set for cattle arrival to tie-outs and display set up in the barns. Had to change the WAF website to read: "It's Here!" After counting down the days until the Forum start for a year and a half, less than 24 hours to go until July 13 seems incredible.

Special note: Former Eat Beef driver Tyler Helmig made a terrific run off of barrel 4 in the final heat of the night at the chuckwagon races and placed 2nd out of the top 8 meaning he will be in the final dash for the big bucks off barrel 1 Sunday night. Go Tyler!

World Angus Forum on the world wide web

Did a Google search for World Angus Forum and found a few interesting sites featuring news. William MacLaren, president of the UK Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society has been writing a blog on the association website about their pre pre-tour in Canada. Quite interesting to see how our cattle are perceived! You can follow his reports on the adventures of the UK group HERE.

Also posts on CattleToday.com,  SteerPlanet.com, Angus e-list, Twitter & Facebook, where hourly show updates are promised (although you can watch all the shows live on LiveAuctions.tv). Available results, photos and video will also be posted through WorldAngusForum.com & AngusResults.com. Take it all in!

Pre Tour off to cool but event filled start

By the time our news source collected the Aussie who missed two connecting flights (poor guy was fading fast) and detoured for a rescue pickup, day one of the pre tour was well underway. The combination of altitude, changing weather and great grub should have the tourists sleeping well before their trek to the Columbia Icefields and Banff National Park. 

Then its off to Stampede where we will catch up with them again at the trackside BBQ and the chuckwagon races on Saturday night. We'll be rooting for former "Eat Beef" chuckwagon driver Tyler Helmig to make it into the semi-final 8 (he's currently sitting in 9th overall).

Pictured are participants at a demonstration of cowboy mounted shooting - complete with earplugs! Click pics to enlarge - see anyone you know?

WAF Pre Tour Starts Today

Welcome to Canada and Alberta! The WAF Pre-Tour starts today and we're all hoping the cool, wet weather changes to be a bit warmer (except in areas around Camrose and Stettler where rain is really still very much needed). Keep up to date with the ever changing weather conditions for Calgary by visiting Environment Canada's website.

The tour starts from Calgary and heads north to visit Alta Genetics, Irvine's Tack, Trailer & Western Wear and then a stop at the Olds Auction Mart where everything is spic and span for the Stampede's Auctioneer's Contest on Friday. Then off to Marshall Feedlot for lunch, the Sylvan Lake Hockey School and Alhambra for a demonstration of horse skills and supper. The day ends at Rocky Mountain House for overnight before heading to the mountains. Several volunteers will accompany the tour on the first day. If any photos filter back, they'll be posted here.