Youth take spotlight at OH Ranch

Calgary Stampede kicks off third year of OH Ranch Branded Beef Youth Ambassador Program

The Calgary Stampede is launching 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 welcomes 12 young agriculture enthusiasts who will each select a steer for their year-long project.

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.

Top-tier agri-educational experience

The Steer Selection Day includes 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 will also hear 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.

Watch ABP Daily for photos and updates from the Steer Selection Day — coming soon!