Brien Sheep's Kay successfully defended her title as Reserve Champion at the 2023 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.
"We’re very happy with Kay’s performance at the Royal. Both in and out of the ring," said owner Gary Brien. "At a show this prestigious, and on the national level, being Reserve champion is something we’re very proud of. Doing it two years in a row, just makes it even more impressive," he added.
Kay is a Polled Dorset yearling ewe. She will turn two in January and will be lambing in mid-February.
"She is probably one of the best ewes we have ever raised and we look forward to seeing what kind of offspring we get from her," Brien said. He noted that while there are no guarantees there's a good chance some of Kay's lambs may exhibit at the Royal in the future.
Kay had other duties, on top of her win, as she was named the best known sheep at the fair, making her the fair's Royal Ambassador.
"All week we have had people approaching us saying they saw us on tv, or social media and came to the fair specifically hoping to meet her," Brien said.
He added that it's encouraging to see that people are still looking to experience what agriculture in Canada has to offer.
"Competing at a show like the Royal Winter Fair definitely takes a lot of time an effort," Brien admitted. He said that they begin preparing for the next one almost as soon as they return home adding that they're constantly evaluating and planning throughout the year.
"In the months leading up to the fair, preparation definitely ramps up. Shearing, washing, training the sheep, and even food prepping," he explained.
"We're unbelievably grateful for the support while we’re gone. Being able to leave the farm for almost two weeks and know that it's in capable hands is the only reason that we are actually able to do this," Brien said, also expressing gratitude to the staff at the fair, and friends and family who continually support the farm.
"Our experience this year has been the best one yet," he added.
The Brien family has long been involved in the 101-year-old fair, taking on different roles and committee appointments since it's inception. Gary's grandfather, George S. Brien first exhibited at the show in the 1940s.
Brien Sheep is located just west of Ridgetown and offers purebred Polled Dorset and Texel breeding sheep.