The six main crops produced in Alberta are wheat, durham, barley, flax, peas and canola. If you look at your dinner table, this list makes up a big part of your dinner every night and you can learn more about them in Agrium Ag-Tivity in the City.

Let’s start with the wheat. At Agrium Ag-tivity in the City, you can see a mill turn wheat into flour, which is the main ingredient in most breads and baking. A common question I’ve been asked is what makes up all purpose flour, and there is only one ingredient – milled wheat.

As well you can see the process barley seed undergoes to become pearl barley – which involves removing the hull from the barley so that it can be used more easily for cooking and also can be turned into flour (commonly used in pancakes and some breads). Pearl barley is a main ingredient in Western meal-time favourites such as hamburger soup and Scotch broth.

In our post from Wednesday, July 14 “Everything you ever wanted to know about Agriculture” we discussed the importance of the Canola industry to Alberta and many of the products that are derived from this crop. Check out that post for more details.

Flax is a specialty crop and is used in foodstuffs and is high in fibre and healthy fat, and low in carbohydrates. Flax seeds can be added to yogurt, cottage cheese or smoothies and is a great addition to baking, and pizza or bread dough. Flax can also be turned into linseed oil, a main ingredient in paint.

Durham is another form of wheat and is the main ingredient in pasta; some of my favourites like spaghetti, ravioli and the eternal stand-by Mac and Cheese wouldn’t be part of dinner without durham.

Peas need little introduction – on their own, in the pod or in soup and many other dishes, they are a staple of a balanced dinner.

And of course, our chicken, pork and beef wouldn’t make it to the table without these crops being part of their balanced diets.

When you visit the Agrium Ag-Tivity in the City tent, you will also see the Twister grain bin, the primary means of storing these crops on the farm after harvest and before shipping to the grain elevators. Inside you will see models of past and present grain handling facilities and learn about their operation. Also on park, the Grain Academy in the Upper level of the BMO Centre is a great stop if you want to learn more about the field to fork process in the crop production business.

Remember all the farming and crops involved when you sit down to dinner tonight!

The Cinderella story played out a little bit last night as Neal Walgenbach won the Richard Cosgrave Memorial as the aggregate champion.  Like I said earlier, I have been with Neal when we were so close to winning this award in the past and just missed it.  To win in his last year - what a story!  While we were on stage, they played a clip of Richard that just about brought us to tears.  For those of us that knew him, it was emotional to be given our buckles by Richard’s wife Tara, mother Bernice, and son Colt.  That is a moment I will never forget.  I would like to thank Dustin Gorst for allowing me to go on stage with Neal, that was a classy thing for him to do.  I rode the first 4 nights with Neal, and Dustin rode the last 3 nights in my place because I had to ride for Luke Tournier in that heat.  Dustin is a great guy and I will find a way to make that up to him.  Anyway, the final 8 is decided and we run the last 2 heats tonight to see who makes the $100K dash on Sunday night.  The Orville Strandquist Rookie title is still up for grabs between Devin Mitsuing and Brian Mayan.  I wish they could both win it as I know it would be special to both of those drivers.  Anyway, you should come watch the last 2 nights, I know it will be exciting.

Thank You

Had enough rides, drinks and mini-donuts? Check out the Western Oasis, located in Halls D & E of
the BMO Centre. The Western Oasis features the western art and lifestyle elements of the Calgary
Stampede we know and love in an oasis-style atmosphere where you can unwind and relax. While
you’re inside check out phenomenal western photographs, bronzes, paintings, cooking
demonstrations, arts & crafts and western entertainment. Or, put your feet up and relax in one of
the natural oasis environments.

Day Nine of Stampede 2010 features the finals of the Stampede Talent Search and the finals of the International Livestock Auctioneer Championships.

Here are the rest of the daily highlights, as well as the Day Eight results:

• Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert: Two of country music’s hottest young performers will join forces Saturday evening. Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert played a significant role in the 2009 Country Music Association Awards in Nashville. Lambert was a nominee in the Female Vocalist of the Year category, while Aldean performed his number one hit Big Green Tractor. The show starts at 7:30 in the Pengrowth Saddledome. Tickets are still available.
• Pow Wow Competition: There is always lots going on at Indian Village. On Saturday at 3 p.m. stop by to see the adult Pow Wow competition. While there, try some bannock, shop for amazing hand-made jewelry and learn about the traditions of the five tribes in Treaty 7. Free with Park admission.
• International Livestock Auctioneer Competition Finals: The fastest mouths in the west are at it again during the 22nd annual International Livestock Auctioneer Competition finals in the Big Top tent. Competitors will be judged on rhythm, clarity, voice control, and livestock knowledge, as well as their ability to spot bids and conduct a sale. The fun starts at 11 a.m. Free with Park admission.
• Western Showcase: At 5:30 p.m. on Saturday stop by the Western Showcase in BMO Centre and watch the Dueling Chef competition finale. This popular area is the perfect way to relax, look around the many artists’ booths and unwind in the Western Oasis wine gardens. Free with Park admission.
• Must-try Midway Food: Expand your taste buds with deep-fried Twinkies, deep-fried Snickers bars or deep-fried strawberry shortcake. Feeling extra adventurous? What about deep-fried jelly beans or even deep-fried dill pickles! A few other fun and crazy menu items to keep your eyes (and mouth!) open for are the hot beef sundae, taco-in-a-bag, meat pie, pulled pork sandwich, pork parfait, alligator pizza and cheddar nuggets.

On Stage:

• Nashville North: Krysta Scoggins, Justin Ament, Hey Romeo, Jo Hikk
• Coca-Cola Stage: The Heebee-jeebees, Terry Stokes, Crash Karma, Default
• Saddledome Plaza Stage: Splash n’ Boots, Calgary Stampede Showband, Circo Comedia (new!), Treaty 7 First Nations dancers, Michael Harrison, Visiting Bands performance, Calgary Stampede Showband small ensembles, Recycled Percussion, A Band of Outriders

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Well Neal Walgenbach is one day closer to winning the Richard Cosgrave Memorial and the new GMC truck that goes with it.  That would be one of the coolest endings if he were to pull it off in his last stampede.  Also, Richard and Neal grew up together and were pretty much best friends, so I know how special that would be to Neal.  It would also be special for me because I have outrode for Neal since 1992, and he has been so close so many times.  Well, we have 1 more night to go and Neal needs a good run tonight to hold off Jason Glass and Buddy Bensmiller.  The track was great tonight with a lot of good races.  I better get to bed, tomorrow is a big night.

So.. I have a slight confession to make, I already know real cowboys (I grew up with them). This is for all the people who don’t know them. The Professional Bullriders (PBR) Merchandise Trailer is returning to the greatest outdoor show on earth.  Located by the main entrance of the Grandstand, the PBR Merchandise Trailer is where you can meet real cowboys and PBR superstars and get all your PBR gear.

Daily autograph sessions will be held immediately following the afternoon rodeo.  Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with 2009 PBR Canadian National Champion and Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) contender Beau Hill ; 2009 PBR Mexico Champion Jason O’Hearn; and 2008 PBR Canadian National Champion Aaron Roy .You can also meet PBR World Finals qualifiers Zane Lambert , Dusty Ephrom, Matt Bohon and Edimundo Gomes ; and 2009 PBR Team Canada member Ty Elliott.

PBR Merchandise Trailer Autograph Schedule
After the Rodeo | Grandstand Entrance | Stampede Park
Fri July 9 – Beau Hill and Zane Lambert
Sat July 10 – Matt Bohon and Beau Hill
Sun July 11 – Zane Lambert and Matt Bohon
Mon July 12 – Matt Bohon and Zane Lambert
Tues July 13 – Aaron Roy and Edimundo Gomes
Wed July 14 – Edimundo Gomes and Dusty Ephrom
Thurs July 15 – Ty Elliott and Jason O’Hearn
Fri July 16 – Jason O’Hearn and Aaron Roy
Sat July 17 – Dusty Ephrom and Ty Elliott
Sun July 18 – Zane Lambert and Jason O’Hearn
Note: Schedule subject to change

Also, because one can never get too much rodeo or bucking bulls, the PBR Canadian Cup National Finals presented by Wrangler will be held on November 19-20 at the Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  Tickets begin as low as $15 and are on sale now at the Credit Union Centre Box Office, Saskatchewan Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.ca or by telephone at (800) 970-7328. There is bucking chutes positioned at both ends of the arena, giving fans the ultimate PBR experience.  This is not a rodeo; it’s the Toughest Sport on Earth! Its a great event to go to.

So you now you can go and keep your promise of meeting a real cowboy this Stampede.

Matt Lait and I at the rodeo office this morning.

My “Promise” for this year’s Stampede was to meet a real cowboy. I had the incredible opportunity to meet Matt Lait, a bareback rider and genuine, bonafide cowboy!! Matt is a five-time Canadian Finals Rodeo qualifier. In 2004, Matt was the reserve Calgary Stampede Champion, winning $25,000 for his efforts, at the age of 21!

Before we get started on his interview, here is a brief lowdown on what Matt’s passion is- Bareback.  It is one of the most physically demanding rodeo events. Using one arm, the cowboy holds onto the rawhide handhold of a riggin (a leather pad cinched around the horse’s girth). The handhold is snug-fitting and is customized to the individual’s grip. The stress on the rider’s arm is intense as the riding arm absorbs most of the horse’s power.
A bareback rider will be disqualified for touching the animal or equipment with his free hand, or bucking off before the end of the eight-second ride.
The bareback rider tries to reach as far forward as he can with his feet, then rolls his spurs back up toward the riggin. At the same time, he must keep from being pulled away from the handhold. The higher and wilder the rider spurs, the higher the marks. Sounds pretty crazy, right? Let’s read on and see what I learned from my chat with Matt this morning.

1. When did you start rodeo?

I was about 12 or 14 when I first got into it.  It was a slow entrance into rodeo…some kids are born into it but it was my best friend that got me into it.

2. What was your first big moment in rodeo?

I would have to say winning the $25, 000 right here at the Calgary Stampede in 2004 was my finest moment (so far!). That is a lot of money to win at the age of 21.

3. What did you do with your earnings?

Paid my truck off and went to school at SAIT for Petroleum Engineering Tech.

4. Where is the farthest rodeo you have travelled to?

Arcadia Florida is the farthest. That’s a lot of miles to put on!

5. Have you had any injuries that have hindered your progress in rodeo?

Unfortunately, yes. My biggest injury was a broken leg in 2004 that put me out for a year and half. Six weeks ago I broke my wrist so that has been really challenging. It’s difficult, lots of adjusting. When you’re healthy you let it hang out but when you’re hurt you have to change your technique to be in the least amount of pain.

6. Are you friends with your competitors?

Yes, it’s a pretty tight circle. Rodeo is like one large family. I am really lucky that my Mom and Dad are my biggest fans, along with my wife Allie. They try to travel with me as much as possible.

7. Do you have your sights set on winning big this year?

I had some big goals but being out for 6 weeks is going to maybe hinder them. But you can’t let them get out of sight… I’m still trying to accomplish them. I want to be Canadian Champion and make it to NFR (National Finals Rodeo) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

8. How do you get to NFR?

You have to ride a lot. Money won is points. It usually is about $68, 000 to qualify.

9. What is the hardest part of rodeo?

Being away from home, and staying healthy. Travelling definitely takes its toll.

10. I have been asking everyone I interview about his or her “Promise” for this year’s Stampede. I was surprised to learn you were actually IN one of the television commercials!

Yeah, I was in the Goth ad (to Promise Plaid is the new Black). For me, I promised my wife I’d win some money.

Matt, thank you so much for meeting me at the Rodeo Office today. I know how busy you are during Stampede- you are an amazing Cowboy and wish you all the best for the rest of this year’s rodeo as well as hope you make it to the NFR. I’ll be watching for you in the ‘big show’ on Sunday!

There are still lots of great seats available for the rodeo over the last few days of Stampede so come on down and cheer on Matt as he sets his sights on winning some big prize money. For updates and info on everything Stampede, make sure you follow us on Twitter at @calgarystampede , on Facebook through our official Facebook fan page, and stay tuned to the official Stampede Blog to learn more about some of the things happening Here. All Year.

Stampede 2011 is just around the corner. For a chance to enjoy it in true VIP style,  enter our amazing City Slickers contest to win a unique cowboy adventure package for two!

This awesome package covers your flights between Toronto and Calgary, 2 nights accommodation in Calgary and, of course, tickets to The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, 2011 edition.  You’ll enjoy Platinum rodeo seats, and Gold GMC Rangeland Derby and Grandstand Show seats. Ever wondered what it’s like behind the scenes at Stampede? Now you can find out with a tour of the rodeo chutes where you’ll get a rare close-up-and-personal look at the cowboys as they prepare to ride some of the rankest bulls and broncs on the circuit. You’ll also get to meet the chuckwagon drivers and their horses on an exclusive VIP tour of the chuckwagon barns.

The contest is open to residents of Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. Click here for more details.

I saw the Grandstand Show the other night and it was fantastic! The theme this year is World Party and it celebrates the astounding beauty and wonder of life on Earth. The show features Eva Avila, winner of Canadian Idol, and Ta’Rea Campbell, who played Nala in the Lion King. The Cirque du Soleil acrobatics were amazing and the motocross stunts kept me on the edge of my seat.

There is also a special tribute to Michael Jackson featuring Daniel ‘Da FunkyMystic’ Celebre, who was one of the principal dancers from Michael Jackson’s concert that was never held, This Is It. The night finishes off with incredible fireworks. If you have a chance, definitely check it out!

Making new friends every day.

Learning to make horseshoes.

I love those Calgary Fiddlers.

It’s been a great time at the Stampede, but yesterday was one of the most exciting. Dot and I had the day off and hung around the centre of Draft Horse Town, just visiting with people. We got to watch roadbuilding demonstrations; my pals pulling the firefighter’s pumper wagon; and wagon wheel building by the wheelrights – all really interesting – usually we don’t see what we pull because it’s behind us. I have a new appreciation for the technology which goes into making it easier for us to pull. It was a really hot day, but I was thankful to be out amongst the action.

The heavy horse “Pull” teams arrived today. I thought the show hitch horses were impressive, but these guys are unbelievable. Some of them weigh 2500 lbs each and they train for hours every day. Each team had to weigh in so they could be put into light, medium or heavyweight categories. Dot and I thought it would be fun to see how fit we were, so we stepped on the scale too. Dot weighed in at 1704 lbs and, as usual, I topped the charts at 1938 lbs – pretty much the same as I was before I started training. It doesn’t seem to matter what I do – it’s clear that fat weighs more than muscle!!

We are looking forward to watching the pulling competitions over the next few nights. Each night at 7:00 pm, the pullers compete in the Big Top tent. Dot and I won’t get to actually watch (something about not having big enough seats for us), but we will hang out with the pullers in the barn after the competition. From what I know, it is a ‘must see’ event.

In the meantime, come down and see us in Draft Horse Town, where we have regular demonstrations with military equipment, roadbuilding, farm equipment, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, firefighting and all kinds of fun events including live music and a cowboy poet. Dot and I will be waiting to see you. Check out these videos – making ice cream and that’s me getting a foot massage – from our new friends at the Calgary Sun.

Can you believe it’s almost over?? It’s amazing how quickly these 10 days fly by – you grab a corndog, catch the rodeo and chucks, see a show or two and, before you know it, it’s the second Sunday!!

Most of our visiting bands are starting to pack up their equipment and make their way home – we’ve even closed up shop at our Visiting Bands Committee office in the school where all the bands stay during Stampede week. Would you believe that two of our committee members actually LIVE at the school during Stampede? Talk about the ultimate hosts! And they do an amazing job of making sure everyone is happy and safe…it’s that kind of dedication that makes Stampede volunteers so special.

Our bands performed all over the City this week – from Caravan breakfasts, to Rope Square, to right on Stampede Park. And they were fantastic (be sure to check out the photos below)! They played and marched their hearts out, and they did it in some crazy weather! Plus 30 in the blazing sun or intense winds and heavy rain – these bands never failed to please. We’re so grateful they were able to join us for the Calgary Stampede, and we thank them for the great entertainment and new friendships.

We hope they all have the chance to join us in 2011 when the Stampede will host the Mid-America Competing Band Directors Association (MACBDA), which will mean more bands and more intense competition for Showbands Live!

If you’re looking for some performances today:

“Bands Around Town” – Day 8
Britannia Plaza Caravan – Calgary Stetson Show Band
Sunridge Mall Caravan – Calgary Round-Up Band
On Park – Calgary Stetson Show Band

The Eastbourne Kingfishers (and special guest Simon the Safety Bear) play the McKenzie Towne Stampede Breakfast.

Day Eight of Stampede 2010 features the beginning of a fresh round of agriculture-based competitions including the Working Cow Horse Classic and Heavy Horse Pull, as well as the continuation of the semi-finals of the Stampede Talent Search, access to all free with Park admission.

Here are the rest of the daily highlights, as well as the Day Seven results:

• Kid Rock: Kid Rock and his outstanding Twisted Brown Trucker Band will electrify the Pengrowth Saddledome Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available.
• Stampede Lotteries: Just three days left to purchase your Stampede Lottery tickets! Only $50 for 20 chances to win including groceries for life, a boat, a motor home, a truck and much more. The Lottery booths are located throughout Stampede Park. Winners are announced live on Sunday night at midnight.
• Ignite! (new!): The Bell Midway Circus has lots to see this year including Ignite! This new show explodes each night at dusk (at approximately 10:45 p.m.) and includes a fiery high-dive show, powerful drumming and music all leading up to a fireworks display. This area is also an excellent place to catch the fireworks from the Grandstand Show every night. Free with Park admission.
• Kids’ Midway and new rides: The Kids’ Midway is every kid’s dream come true! All 24 rides are designed exclusively for families with young children and conveniently located on the north side of the Stampede Corral. New this year is the Construction Zone. Buzz, honk, twirl, soar, slide and whirl all day long. Bigger kids will enjoy new rides like The Skater, one of 35 major North American Midway Entertainment rides on Stampede Park.
• Weadickville: Located west of the Coca-Cola Stage and north of the Big Four Building, Weadickville is a re-created typical Calgary street circa 1912. It’s a cool and comfortable spot to relax and find some of the best values on Park. Stop by to pick up some old fashioned candy from the Stampede Candy Store, or some ice cream from MacKays (Stampede exclusive flavours include mini-donut, cherry cola, and beer). New this year, check out the Royalty cabin where you can learn more about the Stampede’s Queen and Princesses.

Day Seven Results:

• Rodeo
  • Saddle Bronc, Bareback, Bull Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Novice Saddle Bronc, Novice Bareback, Boys Steer Riding
• Chuckwagon Races
• Cutting Horse Competition
  • Open Finals, Youth Finals, Non Pro Finals

For more information on all the events and activities happening today at Stampede Park, as well as an up-to-date version of the daily events schedule, check out the Online Planner (PDF version here).

One of the great things about the format of the Calgary Stampede rodeo is that it allows cowboys and cowgirls to stay in one place for 4 days, giving them the opportunity to get out and meet some of our local media. Each day of Stampede a different cowboy or cowgirl stops by Breakfast Television. Here are some of the pictures from the appearances:  

JJ Elshere, Saddle Bronc Rider and Jill Belland, Host of BT

 - Photo courtesy of Glenn Stevenson 

J.W Harris, Bull Rider waits with a cup of coffee

 - Photo courtesy of Glenn Stevenson

Wayne Brooks, Rodeo Announcer at the interview desk 

 - Photo courtesy of Glenn Stevenson

Well, it felt great to get back to racing last night after the rainout on Tuesday night.  My hat is off to all the workers that spent all night fixing the track as they did an amazing job.  The conditions couldn’t have been better last night.  Also, congratulations to Brian Laboucane for winning day money - he flew out of there.  It’s been a fun Stampede so far, and we enjoyed the kid’s breakfast in front of the grandstand yesterday morning.  My wagons are hanging in there right now, but Luke Tournier took a step backwards last night.  He was forced 3 wide all the way around the track, and dropped from 11th to 17th.  That barrel we hit on night 2 is looming large right now, but 2 good runs will put us back in it.  Neal Walgenbach and Kirk Sutherland are hanging tough so hopefully they can stay there.  We will see.

Thank You

It's Pizza Time!

Making a return this year is Reggie’ll Try It! where I put my life on the line so you don’t have to.

When I found out from fellow Stampede Blogger James Radke that real alligator and cricket pizzas were being served on the midway this year, I was intrigued.

And disgusted.

But mostly intrigued. So I put it out to a vote on Twitter asking the #yyc twitterverse to tell me which one to review for you, the loyal Stampede Blog reader.

Obviously, there were many sadists out there that said “Both!” but even after tallying up the results, it was a dead heat; an equal number of votes came in for both sides.

Mildly disheartened, for the purposes of being fair and with a sincere desire to follow through on the commitments I make, I decided to review both and even tried to live-tweet my experiences with it on Twitter (just search for #bugfeast on Twitter).

Of course, as misery loves company, there was no way I was going to do this on my own. So I recruited a couple of friends to help me out. One was my buddy Lonnie Taylor, whom I needed to help take a couple of pictures (and to take over if I somehow keeled over), and the other was Mike Morrison (of Mike’s Bloggity Blog fame), whom I fully intended to make eat any unused portions I had left (although he didn’t know that at the time).

So, how did we fare?

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