Airdrie and District Agriculture Society hosted their annual Ranch Hand Competition on Saturday, July 23rd.

Held at the Airdrie Pro Rodeo Grounds, the event simulated how a working ranch operates through competitive activities.

12 open teams, made up of local farmers and ranchers, competed in 5 events.

The day was made up of simulated branding, team sorting, team penning, simulated doctoring and trailer loading of cattle and for the kids a calf scramble.

One of the objectives of the event was to provide spectators with a firsthand look at the cattle handling skills used by local area ranchers and farmers.

The simulated branding was a timed event based on a total time to brand 3 calves using paint rather than irons.

Taking place from 12:00p.m. - 4:30p.m., spectators were treated to beef-on-a-bun and a beverage gardens.