On a prestigious platform in the world of dairy competition, a young Canadian and her “favorite cow” achieved two significant victories while in the U. S.
Not familiar with competitive dairy? It’s actually a huge deal. Winning once – let alone twice – at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisc., can change everything for farmers and their cows.
It can significantly raise an animal’s worth by tens of thousands of dollars. Future calves may also become more valuable. Plus, there’s that extra boost of national pride, especially with Canada and the U. S. embroiled in a trade dispute.
Alyson Doiron, a 16-year-old high schooler from Cap-Sante, Que., beams as she poses for pictures with her beloved cow – Arolene Dempsey Ella, or simply “Ella,” who earned top honors at the International Junior Holstein Show.
“She’s an easy cow to work with. We love her so much,” Doiron shared with .
Doiron was overjoyed and shed tears as she accepted this esteemed recognition on behalf of Ella during the Expo on Sunday. Although it’s an international event, actual competitions are held between animals from Canadian and American farms due to health regulations.
“This means a lot to me,” she said, nodding toward her home province. “It just proves that in Quebec, the [cow] show is really really strong,” she added.
The victory on Sunday was just the beginning of an exciting week for Doiron and Ella.
A Sensitive Topic for Some Americans
In the judging arena, flags from Canada, America, and Mexico hang overhead. This serves as a constant reminder that cross-border competition and collaboration are appreciated here.
“I think it’s important for us to be here,” stated Brian Carscadden, executive senior manager and part owner of Blondin Sires, a Quebec-based dairy firm involved in milk production and artificial insemination services.
“If you think about the Westminster Dog Show, it’s similar. If you win there, you’ve got yourself a valuable dog. The same applies here with your cow.”
Carscadden traveled over 1,500 kilometers from St. Placide to Madison with 25 cows loaded up in trailers behind him. He mentioned that his business hasn’t felt any impact from the trade war yet and says it rarely comes up during conversations at the Expo.
“There are jokes here and there,” he noted about his American friends’ comments along with “the occasional snide remark … that makes things interesting.”
Brian Carscadden from Blondin Sires mentions there have been ‘jokes here and there’ regarding the trade conflict among his American friends at the Expo. (Katie Simpson/CBC)
“I always tell my Canadian colleagues not to get into politics while we’re here; it’s not our country.”
Americans attending the Expo tend to be more straightforward.
The trade conflict is a touchy issue for some attendees like voters linking President Donald Trump’s broader economic policies to rising living costs.
“Grocery prices aren’t going down; gas prices aren’t either. Everything is getting more expensive which makes it hard for me,” expressed Paula Lawver.
A single mother from Indiana’s farming community attending with students from her son’s high school describes herself as conservative but not necessarily Republican.
She referred to Canada’s trade dispute as “nonsense” and indicated it would affect how she votes come midterm elections this November since she’ll avoid candidates supporting tariffs or trade wars.
Retired farmer Gary Craugh is seen here alongside his wife Pam; he believes both countries have acted ‘childishly’ during this trade dispute. (Sylvia Thomson/CBC)
Seth Muck, another farmer hailing from New York state shares he’s contemplating how he will vote this time around too.
Muck has typically voted “hard-core Republican” but feels compelled now to consider candidates presenting “more moderate ideas” after experiencing Trump’s global trade policies firsthand.
He pointed out that costs related to cash crops have soared while fertilizer prices have doubled compared to last year but remains optimistic about possible improvements ahead.
“Maybe it’ll take some time… like pulling off a Band-Aid,” he commented.
Among those willing to wait patiently regarding Trump’s economic vision though- found no Americans at this Expo supportive of inflammatory remarks impacting Canada-U. S relations.
“I believe it’s unnecessary nonsense on both sides,” said Gary Craugh-a retired Wisconsin farmer.
WATCH | Ottawa warned not to ‘interfere’:<img src="https://ontariochronicle. ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1791058068_412_default. jpg" alt="" class="thumbnail" loading="lazy"/
The White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarro cautioned Canada against interfering during upcoming midterms through lobbying efforts opposing Trump administration tariffs; stating they would face further consequences if they did so.
“I throw my hands up wondering why we’re doing all this?”
Galgowski doesn’t support Trump’s administration claiming recent management has only solidified his views towards them.
“These are tough times,” he remarked
This defense indicates no shift expected soon hence keeping tensions flowing between Canada continues onward without change ongoing amidst these unresolved matters.
Ella’s Special Day
No matter what happens between nations or tensions remain present-Canada also celebrated another success within World Dairy Expo events recently!
This past Friday Alyson proudly paraded Ella before judges competing for one coveted title: Supreme Junior Show Champion!(Katie Simpson/CBC)
This moment nearly didn’t happen! As Alyson remembers helping raise little Ellah until unexpectedly parents sold away causing heartache initially felt by young girl having loved every detail surrounding spots decorating sweet creature immensely….‘;
I ended up feeling furious thinking back upon them why would choose such option giving possession over my beloved friend whom I treasured above anything else…” reflected Alyson sharing emotional history leading eventually renewed reunion despite parental disapproval urging:”I must bring back home!”Alysons’ determination fueled passion lead back together again confirming bond truly destined meant unite forever!.
The grand moment culminated when packed audience cheered loudly finally arriving stage name went forward revealed Supreme Junior Show Champion titles awarded everyone exclaiming joyful cheer echoes resonated throughout showcasing notable achievement representing whole country dedicated perseverance uniting hearts toward shared goal successfully attained across borders where rivalry exists still endless love brings brighter futures ahead awaiting underneath skies shimmering stars illuminating roads traveled together through challenges faced bygone struggles finding strength even prevailing amidst uncertainties fostering friendships lasting beyond shores united striving attain greatness borne loyalty celebrating legacy never forgotten thriving connections formed boundless opportunities arise helping others prosper moving forward stronger than ever before standing proud seeking new horizons discovering dreams alive within reach bringing forth brighter tomorrow realized together hand-in-hand along journeys embraced fully each step taken impactful changes unfold inspiring generations uplift spirits encouraging aspirations soar limitless heights witnessed unfolding potential rise transcending limitations pushing boundaries shaping destinies unfold paths shining brightly unveiling possibilities ignited passion leads ventures blossom flourish inspiring lives changed forever.”.
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