From the rapid-fire rhythm of world-class auctioneering to the inspiring voices of young agricultural advocates and the raw power of heavy horses, Saturday delivered a dynamic showcase of talent and tradition at the Calgary Stampede.
The fastest mouths in the West were in the spotlight during the International Livestock Auctioneer Competition, where 10 competitors from across Canada and the United States vied for the Grand Champion title in the Nutrien Western Event Centre.
Competitors were judged on rhythm, clarity, voice control and livestock knowledge, as well as their ability to spot bids and conduct a sale. Finalists were required to sell brand consignment cattle and one Black Box item.
Second-generation auctioneer Colvin Connell of Willard, New Mexico, was crowned Grand Champion, earning $12,000, a custom-designed belt buckle and entry into the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship.
“I grew up around the sale barn and watching my dad for 50 years. I’ve had some great mentors. I wouldn’t be here without them,” said Connell, who described the win as a dream come true. “Young auctioneers, don’t give up. Follow your dreams. This has been a dream of mine for many years. This is my 19th year of auctioneering and hopefully it carries on.”
Competing at the Calgary Stampede for the third year, Connell thanked Calgarians for their hospitality and said he looks forward to returning as a judge.
Lars Deleeuw of Harley, Ontario, claimed the Reserve Champion title, earning $8,000 and a custom-designed belt buckle, while Tye Werk was named Rookie Champion and received a custom-designed belt buckle.
The International Livestock Auctioneer Competition is presented by the Calgary Stampede Livestock Competitions Committee.
All results for the Calgary Stampede International Livestock Auctioneer Championships can be found on this page.
Also on Saturday in the BMO Centre, youth passionate about public speaking and agriculture took centre stage in the Youth Agriculture Speaking Championships, presented by BURNCO.
New for 2026, a preliminary competition was added in Athabasca, Alberta, expanding opportunities for youth in northern Alberta to participate. The competition is a partnership between the Calgary Stampede, which hosts the Calgary preliminary; Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture, which hosts the Olds preliminary; and the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies, which hosts the Athabasca preliminary.
Open to youth ages 11 to 24, the competition features Junior and Senior divisions. Contestants deliver a five- to seven-minute speech on one of five agriculture-related topics selected annually. The top four participants in each division from each preliminary competition advance to the finals at the Calgary Stampede.
Seventeen-year-old Shelby Duterte of Bonnyville, Alberta, captured first place in the Senior division. Although she did not grow up on a farm, Duterte focused her speech on empowering the next generation and connecting youth with today’s agricultural producers and leaders.
“I’m very passionate about bringing youth into agriculture. I like to talk about agriculture a lot, so when I saw this opportunity come up, I thought it would be perfect,” she said.
Duterte said the opportunity to learn from her fellow competitors was one of the highlights of the experience.
“I expected the competition to be really good. Everyone is so passionate about agriculture. Listening to the others inspired me,” she said.
Ariella Enechukwu of Calgary, Alberta, took home first place in the Junior division.
All results for the Calgary Stampede Youth Agriculture Speaking Championships can be found on this page.
The action continued in the Nutrien Western Event Centre with the middleweight division of the Heavy Horse Pull. Owner ZD Pickering Farms, with teamster Larry Burton and horses Bill and Stoney, pulled 11,500 pounds to capture the title.
The team is now a two-time winner at the 2026 Calgary Stampede after also taking top honours in the lightweight division on Friday.
“I feel very blessed. It’s an honour. I put a lot of heart and soul into this,” said Burton.
The Columbia, Kentucky native travelled to the Calgary Stampede last year for the first time and won the middle weight division. “
I really enjoy the Stampede. I’ve pulled a lot and this is in a league of its own. This is a once in a lifetime experience, especially for someone from the U.S.,” he said.
Don Lee was named Class of the Class winner in the middleweight division.
All results for the Calgary Stampede Heavy Horse Pull can be found on this page.
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