100 youth and young adults between the ages of 11-21 are competing at this year's Western Canadian Classic Junior Dairy Show.

This event sees young individuals from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba coming together for a friendly competition. This year the show is taking place at the Weyburn Agricultural Society Fair Grounds in Weyburn.

This is a competitive show dashed with social functions to promote friendly interaction between the participants for all four provinces.

"The youth are all involved in dairy cattle showing," said Art Pruim, Chairperson for the Western Canadian Classic. "Most of these kids are also in 4H programs in their provinces. It's a competition between individuals and between the four provinces, so there is a lot of competition going on this week."

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The purpose of this competition is to provide on opportunity for our youth to improve their skills in leadership, teamwork, citizenship, and public speaking. During this event they have the opportunity to meet new people and to stimulate and maintain interest in the agriculture industry. This event provides an opportunity for agricultural businesses to participate in the development of youth in the future of agriculture.

The first WCC was held in 1985 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This show consisted of 3 showmanship classes, 3 calf conformation classes, judging and pedigree competitions, best of three class and stall competition. Over the years WCC has grown and now consists of 3 showmanship classes, 7 Conformation classes, judging and pedigree competitions, best of three class, stall competition, clipping competition, Premier Province Competition and dairy science quiz which involves general dairy anatomy and nutrition questions.

"During the course of what happens this week, everything is rated for how good things are happening and we get a champion in every event," added Pruim. "All those awards will be presented on Saturday night here. We have a banquet that we are hosting in the curling rink and the kids will end the week with a good little dance."

The public is welcome to come watch all week. Mayor Marcel Roy and MLA Dustin Duncan are expected to attend the opening ceremonies on Friday morning.

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You can view the full schedule for the week here.

Come out and support our local youth for free today till Saturday.