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2022 ONTARIO BLONDE POINT SHOWS

With all of our regular shows returning in 2022, the Ontario Blonde Point Shows made a comeback as well! After a complete hiatus in 2020 and a smaller than usual circuit in 2021, we had hoped that the anticipation of a full show season would have the show barns filled with Blondes all year. Unfortunately, our numbers dwindled to the point that our Blondes were moved to the All Other Breed class at a few of our favourite fairs. With that being said, a small group of dedicated breeders did what they had to do to keep our breed in the public eye. Though numbers were down, the Blonde camaraderie was out in full force, once again!

As always, the quest for Top Female, Top Male, and Premier Exhibitor began in August with our first point show at Campbellford Fair. The infamous ‘3 mile walk’ to the ring and ‘the dreaded ramp’ make for a daunting first fair, and with a pair of our standbys unable to make it, the breeder’s on hand still brought an impressive lineup of cattle that were a sure sign there was going to be quite a race for the top honours again this year.

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It was another exciting race to watch all season. A front runner shot out early in the chase for Top Female.

Machaila Dunham’s 4-H project, Donaleen Kaylee 26K looked to have what it took to take the top honours, as she ran the season undefeated in the heifer calf class. Luck was not in the cards, though, as Machaila’s 4-H Achievement Day fell on the same day as the National Show, which was a required qualifying show. Hope was not lost for Donaleen, though, as their senior yearling quietly rose to the top after a consistent season of her own. Donaleen Jazzy 3J, a Beau Bois Cafe 26C daughter found her place at the head of the class and was named Top Female for 2022.

The competition for Top Male was a two-way race from the start a solid bull calf and a powerful senior yearling battling it out. In the end, Donaleen Jackpot 1J exhibited by Donaleen Blondes, proved unstoppable and came out on top being awarded Top Male for 2022.

Taking back the title and making it a clean sweep, Donaleen Blondes was crowned Premier Exhibitor. A banner sponsored by the Ontario Blonde d’Aquitaine Association was presented at the Cream of the Crop sale for their three big wins! Congratulations to The Dunham Family (and extended family) for putting together an outstanding showstring and exhibiting quality animals, as always! Thanks to all who participated this year. We need more out on the show road, so get your 2023 winners picked out and start halter breaking...the thrill is in the chase and August will be here before you know it!

After it’s triumphant return back to in-person in 2021, we were thrilled to continue our summer tradition of gathering together for that annual OBdAA summer picnic in 2022. During the AGM in March, Shane and Nicole Baker of Shelbramack Blondes graciously offered to host the year’s event. Having seen the picturesque setting from Nicole’s amazing photography, we jumped at the chance to head to Baker Mountain and take in the views for ourselves!

Sunday, July 31, 2022 approximately 50 of our breeders headed to Sunderland! The pressure from the altitude was nearly strong enough to make your ears pop as guests climbed the driveway to share in the Blonde family’s camaraderie and hospitality. The heifers and yearling bull grazing peacefully in the adjacent pasture were a sure sign we’d come to the right place and Buddy the border collie was sure to welcome each guest upon arrival. A much needed and lengthy catch up session was top priority. It’s as if no time has passed between our visits, as everyone picks right back up where they left off discussing life, family, and of course Blonde cattle. Pasture tours are always the big highlight for both hosts and attendees. A chance to showcase the fruits of your labour of a solid breeding program and to see some new genetics that might catch your eye. Shane and Nicole led the group to the heifer pasture first. An exceptional group of home-bred heifers and two more who had come home from the 2021 Cream of the Crop sale and had settled into the herd nicely. Running with them was Langstaff Hercules, also purchased at the previous year’s sale as the high selling bull from John Langstaff. Even a crew like ours couldn’t scare the group as we walked amongst the cattle discussing genetics

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