Amherst -
For 23 years beef farmers have looked forward to the Border Classic Beef Show and Sale as a place to showcase their industry. They didn't disappoint over the weekend auctioning off 16 steers valued at over $56,000 while raising another $10,000 for the IWK Children's Hospital in Halifax.
This year's event had added meaning in that it was held in honour of longtime supporter Jim 'Tex' McInnis, who participated in the show from its foundation and was an active contributor in the Border Classic. McInnis passed away last August following a courageous battle with cancer.
It was also the first year for the Jim 'Tex' McInnis Memorial Award that is presented by his family to the owners of who they think is the best steer of the show. The inaugural winner, who also happened to be the show's grand champion, was the Trueman family.
In past years McInnis used to go around the barns during the show portion of the event in Nappan and judge who he thought was the top steer. Later, during the dinner he would present an award to the owners of that steer.
After his passing, the family wanted to continue his tradition and created the award in his name.
Another award, the Chris Dowe Memorial, as most sportsmanlike was presented to Andy Carter by show chair Peter Greeno and Bill Dowe.
The grand champion steer, weighing in at 1,270 pounds, was purchased by Sobeys for $5 per pound.
It was also named the best bred and owned steer of the show.
Tim and Erin Coombs had the reserve champion steer this year. Weighing in at 1,230 pounds, it was purchased by the Amherst Superstore/Sackville Save-Easy at $4.25 per pound.
Other results included:
Steer owned by Harold, Cindy and Mark Oulton, weighing 1,150 pounds, purchased by Green Diamond Equipment of Moncton for $3.75 per pound.
Steer owned by Kaitlyn McAloney, weighing 1,310 pounds, purchased by Casey Concrete/PBS for $3.50 per pound.
Steer owned by P&S Farms/Josh Greeno/Springwater Farms, weighing 1,060 pounds, purchased by Northumberland Veterinary Services for $2.85 per pound.
Steer owned by George D'Orsay and Earl Cail/Timberwood Farms, weighing 1,300 pounds, purchased by CIBC/Wood Gundy, Stephen Maltby and Ernie and Stephen Fage for $3.80 per pound.
Steer owned by Jacob and Lacey Fisher, weighing 1,230 pounds, purchased by Fundy Bay Tractors for $2.85 per pound.
Steer owned by David Siddall/Nic Nat Farms, weighing 1,245 pounds, purchased by Cumberland Realty and Don's Radiator Service for $2 per pound.
Steer owned by Peter and Nathan Greeno, weighing 1,115 pounds, purchased by Bank of Nova Scotia for $2.10 per pound.
Steer owned by David and Linda Locke, weighing 1,250 pounds, purchased by Harrison's Home Hardware for $2.95 per pound.
Steer owned by Clarence and Weldon Estabrooks, weighing 1,090 pounds, purchased by Green Diamond Equipment for $5.60 per pound.
Steer owned by Andy Carter, weighing 1,240 pounds, purchased by Brian Creighton law office, Doug Bragg Enterprises, Stuart Pontiac-Buick, Peter Swan and Dale Mattinson Auto Services for $3.35 per pound.
Steer owned by Scott and Beverly Dixon, weighing 1,115 pounds, purchased by Amherst Chrysler, Atlantic Kia and Rod Allen Auto Sales for $3 per pound.
Steer owned by Doug and Jennifer Trenholm, weighing 1,230 pounds, purchased by Robert Acton and Family and Scothorns for $2.90 per pound.
Steer owned by Ashley Smith-Gaudet and Family/Margaret Ann Reynolds, weighing 970 pounds, purchased by Jim Hatheway Ford for $2.90 per pound.
Steer owned by the Wheaton Family, weighing 1,140 pounds, purchased for $3.10 per pound.
Companies and individuals that successfully bid on the IWK cake were: Casey Concrete ($900), Art Arseneau and Associates ($900), Green Diamond Equipment ($750, $800), Bruce Ritchie and Family ($825), Bordertown/Tantramar ($700),Scott Dixon/Nathan Greeno ($875), Jim Hatheway Ford ($875), Beale & Inch Construction ($875), Newcon Construction ($1,000) and Brian Trueman and Family ($600).
