Brooks (Rural Roots Canada) – Another 4-H year has come to a close as youth across Alberta have recently wrapped showing and selling their livestock projects for the year.

RRC made it out to a few show and sales and had a chance to talk to a few kids about what they take away from the program every year.

One was the Newell District 4-H Show and Sale at the Silver Sage Corral in Brooks.

As with many show and sales, there is always a donor steer or livestock.

The district’s was raised by the Jenner 4-H Club, with the proceeds going to HALO Air Ambulance, Cactus Country E.C.S. and Makerspace in Brooks.

Cassidy Liboiron says the donor steer is a Simmental Cross with Angus named Snoop, adding a lot of work went into ensuring it was ready for the show and sale.

“We have to feed it, water it every day, groom it, halter break it, get it ready.”

She says the three charities they selected are very close to their hearts.

“We recently had someone that needed to be picked up by HALO Air Ambulance, so we thought that was an excellent cause for that,” Liboiron said.

She adds the Cactus Country E.C.S. could always use the funding.

“We felt that was a good way to give back to the community, as well as the Brooks Makerspace. We have some kids interested in technology and electronics, and it was a really good space to have somewhere.”

The donor steer ended up being sold eight times, bringing in a whopping $46,000 for charity.

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Jr. Grooming Winner

Showing cattle is not just about making sure the animal gained enough weight.

The youth must make sure their projects look great before heading into the show ring.

Despite only being in his third year with 4-H, Rykert Scherger from the Bassano 4-H Club seems to have the art of showing his calf off down pat.

Scherger was the winner of the district’s Jr. Grooming trophy, sponsored by Rural Roots Canada.

He says a friend of his Mom gave him a lot of great tips that helped

“This year I received some different tips, and I see the full picture now about what this is what it is all about,” Scherger said.

That whole picture included working with his calf weekly to ensure it is ready for the show.

“He’s a nice steer; he’s got long hair; it helped me a lot to poof it all up to make him look nice.”

Despite only being a junior, he takes it upon himself to encourage the younger kids.

“We had a new member, and I gave him some tips that I had to poof up the tail and legs and get him groomed and stuff.”

It’s clear Scherger enjoys making his calf look great for the show and helping all those around him achieve success.

Growing a Career

Micah Johnson, who is in his second year as a senior with the South Slope 4-H Club, has been in 4-H since he was six.

He says there are many advantages to being a member and encourages everyone to join.

“I would recommend them joining, you learn how to feed, how to manage your animals, public speaking is a big thing,” Johnson said.

He says many people are scared of public speaking, but 4-H helps with that.

The benefits don’t stop there as youth learn to keep better records.

He plans on using the skills he has learned to build a career and life in agriculture.

“I want to stay on the farm, so it’s helped me because I learned how to feed animals properly; it’s small so that you can manage it, so it’s not too much money gone.”

4-H’s motto of “Learn to Do By Doing” was on display during the event.

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