The Overall Grand Champion in the 2025 Eastgen Showcase was Ericka Mathers of Winchester, with Taylor Mathers finishing as Reserve Champion. From left: EastGen President Amanda Jeffs, Ericka Mathers, EastGen Director Lee Grant. Courtesy Photo

SPENCERVILLE – The EastGen Showcase 2025 took place in Spencerville, Ontario on July 2 and 3, and while the weather had not yet reached the high temperatures that mid-July would bring, the temperature, and the competition inside the show barn was just as intense.

The event brought together some of the most enthusiastic young people and the finest animals you could hope to find. It wasn’t just about the show ring though, although that surely was the most memorable part of the two days for many. 

The Showcase Combined fun and educational components as well as the competition categories of showmanship, calf conformation and a written quiz, as well as an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.  EastGen’s events are open to Ontario 4-H dairy club members aged 14-21.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Dr. Tim Henshaw Memorial Award. The award was established by EastGen as an annual cash award for youth in honour and memory of the late Dr. Tim Henshaw. Dr. Henshaw was a veterinarian with EastGen and dedicated 40 years of his career and played a huge role in EastGen and 4-H Ontario’s three annual livestock events. He supported the events by conducting calf health/wellness checks, providing education sessions and making show announcements.

Dr. Henshaw also supported and encouraged many dairy youth in the EastGen area and served many farm families and their herds for multiple generations during his career. The award recognizes those who reflect Dr. Henshaw’s qualities of enthusiasm, communication, leadership, encouragement and a devotion to serving others and who are already making strides to become future leaders in the dairy industry and their own communities.

This year the winner was Sarah Campbell, of Frontenac County. She was presented a cheque by EastGen President Amanda Jeffs and EastGen Director Lee Grant.

There were so many categories and so many enthusiastic 4-H members, that it isn’t possible to  recognize everyone equally, but have included most of the results. Some that are worthy of additional recognition are in the heifer classes. The winner in the Conformation Intermediate Heifer Calf Class was Emily Smygwaty of Russell County, while Euan Bagshaw of Almonte was the winner of the Conformation Senior Heifer Calf class,  Russell Prins of Wooler was the winner of the Conformation Summer Yearling class, and Colin Epps of Winchester captured the Conformation Junior Heifer Calf class. 

Ericka Mathers of Winchester was the top Junior, top Intermediate went to Presley Rochon of Renfrew, and Top Senior went to Taylor Mathers of Winchester.

Senior overall, the winner was Taylor Mathers, and the Overall Grand Champion was Ericka Mathers, with Taylor Mathers finishing as Reserve Champion.

Dundas County captured the Premier County award.

Congratulations to all the organizers, sponsors, and particularly the participants and their supporters for a job very well done.