It was two days of cattle showing for all the 4-H clubs that participated in the Stettler District 4-H Beef Show and Sale 2016 on Monday and Tuesday, May 23-24 with top prizes going to Big Valley's Shelby Sobchyshyn who won the Grand Champion, and Erskine's Gracie Morbeck winning the Reserve Champion.
"This year of 4-H was an accomplishment of its own as it ended on a very high note due to the community support and help from the other clubs of Big Knife, Big Valley, and Byemoor," said Erskine 4-H Club president Glen Morbeck.
With the Erskine 4-H Club hosting this year's show, Morbeck said he was grateful for all the contributions but mentioned that Stacey Benjamin was the backbone when it came to the organizing aspect of the show and sale.
"Members sold their beef projects with their heads held high as another year of hard work paid off," added Morbeck. "All involved in the cattle business were extremely impressed by the quality of the projects that every club had to offer and commented on the small differences between the champion and other steers."
According to Morbeck, the confirmation judge, Tyson Bieleny, specifically mentioned that his final decision of whose steer was "best" was one of the toughest decisions he has ever had to make due to the upscale group of steers in the ring.
"The Erskine 4-H Beef Club had 11 steers and it was clear the kids had them in top condition," said Morbeck. "They led them with confidence and showed them to their best ability, and did a tremendous job raising their projects and have a lot to be proud of."
Big Valley 4-H ClubFor Big Valley it was a triumph of sorts as the club had been inactive for a number of years until just five years ago, when Cheryl Bartley and Doug Duncan started the club back up again with only eight members, all under the age of 13 years.
Now with 28 members the Big Valley 4-H Club had a great showing said president Cheryl Bartley.
"Our members are all very proud of their steers and heifers, most of who pick their 4-H projects right out of their own herds," added Bartley. "We would like to thank all of our buyers, who help to make our sale such a success every year, our members are very thankful for their support."
The Big Valley Club winners were as follows:Grand Champion Steer - Shelby SobchyshynGrand Reserve - Emily BrownGrand Champion Commercial Heifer - Trinity MartinGrand Champion Purebred Heifer - Jessie ArmstrongRate of Gain - William BrownCarcass Steer - Jacob Webster and Aughtum Wilkie
Big Knife 4-H ClubThe Big Knife 4-H Club president Denise Jacobson said that the kids worked hard at keeping their stall display clean and made sure everything ran smoothly.
"I congratulate all our members on another successful year," said Jacobson. "It takes about six months of dedication and commitment for the members to have their animals ready for the achievement day and it's a proud moment not only for leaders but everyone involved to watch these members pick out, feed, break and lead a 1000-pound animal."
Jacobson also acknowledged and thanked supporters saying, "I would like to thank them, especially in these tough economic times, for the great support shown once again. If not for you this event would not be possible."
Some of the awards were as follows:Grand Champion Yearling - Kathryn DolliverReserve Champion Female - Kathryn DolliverGrand Champion 3-yr - Kathryn DolliverClub Champion - Kathryn DolliverReserve Champion – Shayna BrowerIntermediate Showmanship Champion – Austin JacobsonSenior Judging – Junae Ventnor (tied for first place)Senior champion record books - Shayla DerrIntermediate Champion Record Books - Shayna BrowerJunior Champion Record Books - Charlee DerrIntermediate Excellence Award - Austin Jacobson
Byemoor 4-H ClubThe Byemoor Club, in operation for 62 consecutive years, has a great group of members, according to president Tara Schilling.
"This year we had nine members and 13 projects and we have held numerous club activities throughout the 4-H year, all well attended by members," added Schilling. "At the show and sale in Stettler this past week our members represented themselves very well and made their leaders proud, with our club being awarded the Stall Display Award, which is presented to the club that showcases their club and projects to the best of their ability as well as keeping their designated areas clean and presentable, working together as a team and making spectators and guests feel welcome."
Schilling said that it was a great award to win considering we only have nine members.
"Our members also showcased their grooming and showmanship talents well and we placed second in intermediate team grooming," continued Schilling. "Our only senior member tied for first in the judging competition."
Some of the awards won by the members are as follows:First Senior Judging - Shayla SchillingClub Champion Steer - Ryan YatesReserve Champion Steer - Zach SchillingJunior showmanship - Ray Musgrove and Zach SchillingIntermediate Grooming - Bailey Musgrove and Abby MusgroveIntermediate Showmanship - Abby Musgrove and Bailey MusgroveSenior Champion for All - Shayla SchillingSenior Top Hand - Shayla SchillingMost Dedicated Member - Abby Musgrove