Oxford County 4-H beef members shine at the 103rd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

By Gary West

Oxford County’s young beef producers made their community proud at the 103rd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, bringing home strong placings and valuable experience from one of the largest youth livestock competitions in the country.

One Oxford beef farmer once said, “If you want good, tasty, tender beef, come to Oxford County.” This year’s 4-H results helped prove that point, with members excelling across several major showmanship and confirmation classes in deep fields of competitors.

In Junior Showmanship, Owen Pletsch advanced to the semi-finals, a strong accomplishment in a class known for its size and intensity.

In the confirmation classes, Oxford members also held their own:

• Junior Beef Commercial Yearling: Alex Haley placed seventh and Spencer Norris 11th.

• Junior Beef Shorthorn Yearling: Tyler Smith finished eighth.

• Junior Beef Simmental Calf: Flynn Reinhart placed fifth.

• Junior Beef Simmental Yearling: Owen Pletsch earned first place.

• Junior Beef Hereford Calf: Zephyra Layman-Gilbert finished fifth.

• Junior Beef Hereford Yearlings: Zach Haley placed eighth and Sam Haley ninth.

• Junior Beef Angus Calves: Nate Campbell finished third and Brady Campbell sixth.

Leaders said the group showed impressive skill and professionalism throughout the week, noting it was “a great showing for Oxford 4-H Beef Club members at this year’s 103rd edition of the Royal.”