Editor's note: We are pleased to bring to you the 4-H Member of the Month. This is a new feature that will be appearing monthly in the Mercury as part of Southeast Agri News. We look forward to recognizing more 4-H kids throughout the year. Thanks to Nelson Motors and Equipment for sponsoring this feature.
Name: Gage Goetz
Club: Outram-Madigan 4-H Club
Age: 10
Time in 4-H: Five years
Age group: Juniors
Gage Goetz has had some wonderful experiences in 4-H.
He has made some great friends, he’s won awards and competitions, and he has even raised some money for a great cause.
“It’s even helped me to make my own cow herd,” Gage said proudly. “My mom gave me a heifer, and this year my heifer is going to be having a calf. And I bought a second heifer from my brother for $1,800, and she’ll be calving next year.”
In 2019, he auctioned his 4-H steer off to support the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon. Gage, who has had two heart operations in Alberta when he was younger before the Saskatchewan hospital was open, believes the hospital is a big addition to Saskatchewan.
He also auctioned off his halter and show stick.
Public speaking is another benefit of being in 4-H. This year he won first place in the junior age division and best overall speech at his club.
This year’s speaking contest was held virtually. He had to videotape his speech and send it in. Gage will now advance to the district level.
“4-H has helped me a lot, because I’ve had my family and my friends help me with the speeches and help me get through them, and just be supportive for me. I was also pretty nervous when I first did my speech, but I still did well.”
Gage says he would recommend 4-H for other people. It doesn’t matter if you live on a farm or in town, and there are lots of different types of clubs.
