Youth take spotlight at OH Ranch

The Calgary Stampede launched the third year of its OH Ranch Branded Beef Youth Ambassador Program, with a Steer Selection Day, Oct. 18, at the historic OH Ranch.

The event welcomed 12 young agriculture enthusiasts who were selected to participate out of 52 applicants, based on criteria that centred on writing an essay explaining what they hoped to gain out of the experience.

The program—unique in Canada—offers participants aged 14 to 18 the opportunity to raise a steer from the OH Ranch herd and showcase it at the 2026 Calgary Stampede’s Junior Steer Classic. Participants will receive 80 per cent of the proceeds from their steer’s auction sale, with the remaining 20 per cent reinvested into the program to support future youth.

Images from Steer Selection Day Oct. 18 at OH Ranch (Photos by ABP)

Top-tier agri-educational experience

The Steer Selection Day included greetings from Stampede CEO Joel Cowley, an introduction to the ranch’s history by OH Ranch Manager Ken Pigeon, and a presentation on verified beef by Deb Pigeon. Attendees also heard from guest speaker Emma Balisky of BULLSEYE Feeds before participants learn judging basics and select their steers.

Throughout the year, ambassadors will take part in agri-educational experiences designed to support their livestock projects and foster leadership development in the agriculture industry.

The aim of the program is to encourage the youth to pursue careers in the beef industry.

This year’s 12 participants in the OH Ranch Branded Beef Youth Ambassador Program. (Photo courtesy Calgary Stampede)