4-H livestock sales go virtual for second straight year

(Rural Roots Canada) – For the second straight year, 4-H livestock sales will be done virtually.

RRC soundbites · Virtual 4-H sales get underway

Due to the pandemic, youth have been working on their livestock projects, attending meetings, and competing in public speaking competitions via Zoom throughout the year. A year that is about to come to an end with the annual sale of their livestock projects, which get underway this week.

We had a chance to chat with three members from the Tilley 4-H Club from the Newell District in Southern Alberta about what the past year has looked like and about their upcoming sale.

Russell Buteau says helping their younger members with their projects has been one of the challenges they have had to overcome during the pandemic.

“It is for sure a lot different because you’re not allowed to go over and physically help them with their animals, so you have to socially distance with all the restrictions,” Buteau said.

He says it’s tough to teach them because a lot of it is ‘learn to do by doing’ or by actually seeing it happen, you just have to do the best you can.

Liam Sjodin says he will take away a few lessons from this year.

“No matter what goes on, you just have to take the good with the bad and make the best of the situation, just keep working,” Sjodin said.

Buteau says they will miss the in-person interaction with the buyers this year.

“It’s nice in person, sales are better because you get to actually meet the buyers, you get to go say thank you and talk with them for a bit about your animal. So it’ll be tougher this year to show your respect for them for coming out to support, but anytime somebody buys 4-H beef, it’s always appreciated.”

Chloe Green says buyers should log on to the 4-H club’s sale page before the sale.

“Actually get a look at all of the animals before the sale even starts so that you can get a good look at everything,” Green said.

For Chloe, Russell, and Liam their sale will happen on Monday, May 31, one sale of dozens taking place across the province.

Rural Roots Canada has tracked down as many sales as it could find in Alberta, they are listed below. If you don’t see your club’s virtual sale please let us know by clicking here!