This year’s Young Guns contest attracted 26 submissions.
Participants, youth ages eight to 21, were asked to say how cattle and beef production impacted their lives and future.
First place, which came with a $1,000 prize, was awarded to Paytten Fankhanel of New Norway. Her essay detailed how growing up on a multi-generational family farm cultivated her passion for agriculture, hard work a her desire to carry on the more than 100-year-old family ranching legacy. Her commitment to the industry was apparent through her extracurricular activities with her provincial breed association, 4-H, and volunteering for the Classroom Agriculture Program. She is now working towards a degree in animal science with a focus on genetics.
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Second place (and $500) went to Shanea Sinke from Picture Butte, who made a video about her family ranch and learning the importance of hard work. She shared an endearing story of bidding on and purchasing her first cow.
Addison Nolette from Longview took third place with a video slideshow that told the story of moving from the city to her grandfather’s farm and becoming a fifth-generation cattle producer. She received $250.
