Agribition for Dummies

Hey Folks,
We're going to be pulling our string across the border for Agribition in a few weeks. Had a few final questions so we have an idea what we're in for:

1. I know they do straw in the tie-outs for you. Is there hay available for purchase up there? If so, what kind of quality is it? And do they nail you on the price?
2. Are the chips in the barn provided?
3. Is there typically any issue with getting across the border with feed and fitting supplies?
4. We're planning on leaving Sunday the 28th to come home. Does anyone know what we need to get back across the border to the US?

Is there anything that I'm probably going to forget to bring? Anything that I can leave home because they provide it? My wife and I came up last year for the week to get a feel for the show, but this will be our first time bringing cattle for exposition. We delivered a bull to Alberta in March, so I'm familiar with getting the cattle across. The feed and show supplies are what have me nervous right now.

Thanks!

Are you taking cattle just for show, or selling them?  Just for show, you need to register them on the US side before you cross, otherwise you have to pay to import them back to the US.  Going up is pretty simple, coming back can be interesting.  We have gone back and forth with show cattle many times.  Some of the rules change faster than the customs people learn them, so patience is necessary.

Make sure you hide your tail adhesive or don't bring it. There is something in some of Sullivan's aerosol products that is now illegal in Canada and you can't bring it up. You might give Sullivans a call and they could give you a list.

There is base bedding provided and then you can buy shaving  there. I can't remember the price, but they can't be too bad because we do it every year.

I have heard American talking about making sure the border is open when you cross. Something you might want to consider for Sunday.

What breed are you bring. My family will be in the Simmental barns.

They usually have 2 types of hay there a grass hay and an alfalfa/grass mix.  We like the grass hay better it is fairly good quality.   I can't remember the prices but it will come out in the package that they send out from Agribition with arrival plans.  
In the past in the  tie outs they provide a base bedding of straw.  They just take a bale shredder and make the first bedding.  You can pay them for so much per animal to bed you tie out each day your there I think it is well worth it.  Just clean your tie out before they go by with the shredder they usually give you a time.

In the barns a base of rough wood chip (pealings) are provied, last year we had some good fire wood in ours.  You can buy bags of nice white shaving to put down on top.  The chips (pealings) are not packed  so when you get there start packing them it will help you in the long run it will keep the cattle from digging holes.

I don't know how far south you are and if you drive a diesel.  Be sure you fill up with diesel along the way as you go north to get a mix of winter diesel .  There has been Americans get up here and have their diesel gel if it gets really cold.  

Hope to see you there

We're based out of North Dakota and will be in the Gelbvieh barn. Good to know about the Tail Adhesive! If we can get away with not having to bring hay along it'll cut down quite a bit on trailer packing. We will go through North Portal for our inspection. I spoke with the folks at Agribition today and they said they're trying to get the vet lined up to be there on Sunday the 28th as well. I'm all too familiar with winter blend diesel. I noticed last year that finding a place to fill up with fuel is more of a problem than anything.

What does a guy need to be ready for when you cross into Canada? Do they tear the trailer apart? Go through the show box? Is there anythign else in the show box I need to get rid of before I get there?

We actually have 1 heifer in the sale up there, and are just showing the rest, so we're really going to get a trial by fire this year

Leave your guns at home. For that tip you could be so kind and bring me a box of beer.

Leave your feed additives at home most are not approved in Canada.  I know some people have trouble getting back if American Thanksgiving is when you are traveling. What day is it this year?

Does Pro-Biotic count as a feed additive (Appetite Express, etc)? Otherwise we'd just be bringing our normal feed with, some beet pulp, etc.

Thanksgiving is on the 25th this year. We're not released until the 27th, so it shouldn't interfere.