Carey and LeeAnn Weinbender of Sliding Hills Charolais at Canora were the 2015 Honoree Winners at the Canadian Charolais Youth Association Conference and Show hosted in Yorkton last week.
The award, which was presented at the event banquet Saturday, was “very much appreciated,” said LeeAnn, who added “a lot of time and effort” went into the conference held in Yorkton.
But working on behalf of the Charolais breed and youth is something the couple have done for years.
Their children; Sarah, Laura and Dale, have been attending CCYA conferences since 2006, which has meant attending events from Alberta to Ontario.
The couple have also dedicated a great deal of time to the 4-H program over the years. Carey is an active Saskatchewan Charolais Association board member and is currently responsible for the 4-H and youth programs in Saskatchewan
“It’s an honour to work with so many great people,” said Carey.
LeeAnn said in the case of the Yorkton show that meant working with the Yorkton Exhibition Association who came on board with a home for the show.
“They provided the facilities for us,” she said, adding it “was a really great working relationship,” one which built on past involvement with the YEA through local 4-H.
Plans to host the Conference locally started some 18 months ago, said LeeAnn.
“I wouldn’t want to add up the hours,” added Carey with a grin.
But the hours are worth it for their children, and what they gain through involvement with the CCYA.
“They’ve experienced so much,” said LeeAnn.
“Working with other kids,” added Carey.
LeeAnn said the program teaches dedication, handwork, co-operation, and a good work ethic, things which are important beyond the cattle industry.
It’s also an opportunity to meet other youth from across the country with a common interest in the Charolais breed of cattle, said LeeAnn, adding their kids have forged friendships through the CCYA which will last a lifetime.
“It’s (the show) been a great program that’s been going for many, many years,” she said.
And the couple is not done yet, Laura and Dale are still eligible for CCYA involvement until they turn 21, meaning more trips to summer conferences in the years ahead.
In fact, LeeAnn noted the Conference will return to Saskatchewan once more before both the two graduate the program, and she did not rule out the possibility of Yorkton again looking to take on the host role.
Certainly the show here this summer was well-received, she said.
Many people gave us so much positive feedback,” she said, adding the Gallagher Centre and YEA facilities were ideal for the event.
Carey said people who had not been in the city before “could not say enough about what the city offers.”
