WESTLOCK – It was a long and busy day for parents, leaders and members of the four 4-H clubs of the Westlock District at the 61st-annual Beef Achievement Day held at North Central Livestock near Clyde June 6.
This year, after a lapse of two years due to COVID-19 restrictions, the show was scaled back from a two-day event to a one for the first time in many years.
Although the event officially got underway at 8:30 a.m. with the Female show, all those involved with the Golden Sunset 4-H Beef Club, the Double Diamond 4-H Multi Club, the Pembina West 4-H Beef Club and the Sunniebend 4-H Beef Club arrived hours before to bring in their animals, have their steers weighed and get set up in their stalls and have their animals ready.
A good crowd of parents and supporters sat in the stands or stood outside the ring to take in the event. Prior to the heifers being led in, the district judging awards were presented to the winners.
Part way through the female show, and shortly after 10 a.m., 10 Cleaver members from the clubs showed their young and somewhat hard to control calves, which provided a bit of entertainment for those watching the show. All said they plan to come back as 4-H members in the future.
After the last of the female show, which featured heifers and cow/calf pairs, and the awards were presented to the winners, a lunch break was held, with the anticipated beef show scheduled for 1 p.m. But while it had been relatively pleasant in the morning, the weather took a change, and by the time the steer show started, there was a light drizzle combined with a cool wind. By the end of the steer show, only a few brave souls, some with umbrellas and blankets, remained in the stands or around the ring. Steers, members, and others involved in the show got a good soaking before the show wrapped up just after 4 p.m., and everyone was able to move inside to await the start of the sale.
The entire show was judged by Tia Schram, with Showmanship and Grooming judge, Adele Walsh. Mark Shologan was inside the announcer booth out of the rain, along with the recording crew, but they no doubt felt the cold as well.
For the overall Grand Champion Steer of this year’s show, judge Schram chose Double Diamond 4-H Multi Club member Haisley Sonnenberg’s steer. He was the first through the sale ring and the 1,356 pound animal was purchased by Westlock Veterinary Centre for $5.30 per pound.
For the District Reserve Grand Champion Steer, judge Schram chose Pembina West 4-H Club member Connor King’s Lightning, a Charolais crossbred steer. The 1,515 pound steer was purchased by Rick Berg for $4.20 per pound.
Overall, the 42 steers from the four clubs totalled 55,364 pounds, an average of 1,318 pounds. Total sale price was $187,249.60 for an average of $4,458.32 per steer or an average of $3.38 per pound (figures are unofficial).
Kudos to 4-H supporters
Just prior to the start of the sale, conducted by Garth Rogers, Key Leader Bertha Kasbohm paid tribute to three men who have passed away in the last two years, all of whom were great supporters of 4-H in the Westlock District. First was Dennis Borduzak, leader of the Vimy 4-H Beef Club for many years and announcer for the annual show, also for many years. Dwight Stephens, owner of Bumper to Bumper, was a 4-H member and as an adult businessman supported the district in several ways, including purchasing at least one steer each year. Dwight Brown, who passed away just recently, the former owner of Brown’s Chrysler, purchased steers at the annual show for many years and also purchased on behalf of other businesses unable to make the sale, and was also a sponsor of the annual event.
Meanwhile, Pembina West 4-H Beef Club’s Courtney von Rennenkampff extended a “much overdue thank you to Fred and Rita van DeLigt, of Eastligt Farms & Feedlot, from Jarvie.”
von Rennenkampff said the couple has “led, supported, and grown the club for 24 years” volunteering and dedicating countless hours towards the members and their 4-H experiences. Having put five children of their own through 4-H, von Rennenkampff called their desire to promote the club and benefits of the program “exemplary.”
“Their hospitality and approachable nature made them a wonderful team and mentors for our members. With doors always open to stop for a tea and visit and their steadfast work ethic, Fred and Rita have inspired many youth in our small agricultural community,” said von Rennenkampff. “Thank you to you both, for the many years and memories, your continued support, and friendship. Pembina West owes you a great deal of gratitude.”
