Despite receiving a few cuts and bruises from working with their cattle children in Rimbey, Bluffton and Winfield 4-H clubs were able to shine for the judges at their recent show and sale.
Conformation judge Jared Sherman feels the families of the area, with strong agricultural roots, are one of the reasons the 4-Hers were able to raise the quality cattle they did. “It’s going to be an exceptional set of cattle we’re going to look at.”
Sherman was looking to see each animal was well trained, and the pride and keenness of the children was evident.
“It’s just really exciting to see the kids,” said fellow judge Nicole Lamb. “I think it’s a good group of kids.”
The recent show and sale, which spanned over Mother’s Day, included the club and interclub classes as well as the second annual class of Cleaver Kids who are six to eight-year-olds showing calves.
Fourteen Cleaver Kids competed this year. “We’ve got a big three clubs so there’s a lot of calves to sprinkle out this year. We’ve got a lot of community support,” said 4-H leader Dan Skeels.
This year’s show wasn’t important and proud for only the Cleaver Kids this is the centennial year for 4-H, making it significant to every contestant.
“The really big deal too is it is about the kids and grooming and grooming our future people for agriculture,” said Skeels.
“These kids have put a lot of effort into it, they’ve got a lot of pride ownership,” he added.
Along with grooming and showing their animals, the 4-Hers were able to sell them to the highest most supportive bidder.
Last year’s average price was $2.10/lb. and Skeels believed the prices would increase this year.
The interclub grand Champion steer, owned by Ben Trenson of the Bluffton Club, was purchased by Family Meats in Ponoka for $2.50/lb.; and the interclub reserve champion steer, owned by Cheyenne Schwengler of the Winfield Club, was purchased by Rimbey Pharmasave for $2.20/lb.