Junior Board of Directors

Catching up with BC Junior Angus Association President Wade MacDonald

Give us a little background of yourself such as; family farm, parents, siblings, high school, hobbies, other jobs, career, interests, etc.

My family and I recently moved from Rock Creek, BC to Vanderhoof, BC where we raise commercial Black Angus cattle. My family consists of my mom and dad (Greg & Jennifer), my older sister (Sarah), younger brother (Cameron) and myself. I enjoy being on the ranch, hunting, and working with equipment and livestock. Off the ranch, I work part-time at the BC Livestock Co-Op in Vanderhoof and run Braemoor Contracting, a livestock fencing company, alongside my dad. This fall, I will be attending Lakeland College in Vermilion, AB where I will be working towards my Animal Science Technology: Beef Major Diploma. After my 2 years there I hope to return to Vanderhoof and continue fencing and ranching.

Wade – I am guessing you have spent time in both 4H and also BC and Canadian Junior Angus Associations. Tell us how many years in each and what life lessons you have learned from being involved in those two organizations.

I was a 4-H member with the Boundary “C” 4-H Club for 8 years. Throughout my time in 4-H some of the most valuable things I learned were public speaking and developing a stronger eye for cattle.

I have been involved in the Canadian Junior Angus Association since 2019, with Showdown in Barrriere, BC being my first event. I loved the community of people that it connected me with, so I became involved with the BC Junior Angus Association shortly after, first becoming a director in 2020 and then get elected to the President position in Fall 2021. Through both associations I have had the chance to become a stronger leader.

What are your best takeaways and what advice would you offer to younger members about your involvement in both these organizations?

The greatest takeaway that I have had from both the BC and Canadian Junior Angus Associations is the connections I have made with like-minded individuals. I would advise younger members to have the courage to get involved in either organization. They both have great people involved in their Executives and Board members that are always willing to mentor younger members and make them feel welcome!

Do you feel the BCAA supports the Junior’s and their initiatives enough? Please explain.

Yes, I do believe they support us enough. The BCAA is always a great help with any questions we have or help we need. They overlook all of our finances and are super supportive in any ideas we have.

Why Angus?

Angus cattle are something I have always been around, starting with commercial angus on our ranch and then moving into buying some purebreds for 4-H projects. Through owning angus cattle, I have gotten many opportunities with CJAA and BCJAA and I have loved every moment of it.

Thank you. We have been chatting with Wade MacDonald of Vanderhoof, BC.