By Tom Collins
STRATFORD — While some 4-H members take their time deciding what calf to show each year, Mary O’Connor had no hesitation.
Mary, whose family runs a turkey farm in Essex County, has been showing for 14 years. She borrows a calf every year from Trish and Shawn Drennan of Drennan Farms at Dungannon, about 15 minutes northeast of Goderich. Two years ago, Mary showed Merry Meadows Jedi Caramel to success, taking home reserve confirmation at the Middlesex 4-H show. “She had a great attitude the whole year,” said Mary. “She was gorgeous, super stylish, great frame.”
When the cow calved Merry Meadows Brewmaster Caramilk in December, Mary immediately called dibs. “When she was born, I was like, this is my heifer this year,” said the 20-year-old Mary. “I called it immediately. I already knew she was going to be a great heifer. She’s got basically the exact same frame, but her mom had a super short neck, and she’s got this nice long dairy neck.”
That quick decision paid off, as Brewmaster helped Mary take home top showperson at the EastGen Showcase at Stratford on July 5. Mary went into the show with high hopes but didn’t think she’d do that well as she became ill the day of the show. “I don’t know if I had eaten something, but I was throwing up all day,” she said. “I honestly thought I was going to yak in the ring.”
Here is a list of winners from the EastGen Showcase:
Champion showperson: Mary O’Connor, Essex County
Reserve champion: Emily DeKlein, Middlesex County
Champion calf: Comestar Lamagoldy Goldwyn, led by George Mason, Oxford County
Reserve champion calf: Paulroe Jacoby Gold, led by Alex McKay, Oxford County
Overall champion: Derrick Knill, Perth County
Reserve overall champion: Dani Karn, Oxford County
Top quiz: Derrick Knill, Perth County
Best exhibit: Waterloo County
Premier county: Wentworth County
