Young people from several different southeast communities were rewarded for their efforts to grow excellent cattle during the past year, thanks to the support shown for the Estevan Rotary Regional 4-H Show and Sale on July 4 at the Estevan Exhibition grounds.
Approximately 60 children from five 4-H clubs – Outram-Madigan, Benson, Browning, Steelman and Crossroads – had cattle available for purchase. The average sale price was $3.60 per pound, which was up from the $3.16 per pound recorded at last year’s show.
“The cattle was really good,” said event spokesperson Janine Petterson. “Our average weight was anywhere from 1,200 to 1,400 (pounds).”
A steer owned by Gage Goetz that sold for $12,000 for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan was not included in the average sale price, since his steer was sold for a total amount, and not on a per pound basis.
The quality of the cattle was excellent, too, she said, and it was reflected in the awards that were handed out before the sale.
The number of kids was also up this year.
The grand champion steer belonged to Casie Brokenshire of the Outram-Madigan 4-H Club. The 1,286-pound animal sold for $5.75 per pound to Fire Sky Energy Services.
Keaton Walter of the Browning 4-H Club had the reserve champion steer, which weighed 1,328 pounds and sold for $4.70 per pound.
The sale wrapped up three days of 4-H activities in Estevan. It started with achievement days on July 2 and 3. The Benson and Steelman clubs were involved on July 2, and Browning and Outram-Madigan clubs were the following day. Crossroads had their achievement in Stoughton prior to the event.
Cattle were judged on July 4, and awards were handed out that night, prior to the sale beginning. Members were saluted for their abilities to grow, groom and maintain their cattle, judge the cattle, and maintain their stalls. They were also recognized for their showmanship and commitment to 4-H.
Among the other awards were Brokenshire won the grand champion female, the yearling heifer, the continuation female and the best home-grown steer. Brenna Fornwald of the Steelman club had the reserve champion female and the reserve champion yearling heifer. Ian Petterson of the Outram-Madigan Club won the reserve champion continuation female.
The Steelman club was part of the sale for the first time this year. They had a very good showing, as they won several awards on Thursday, and Janine Petterson said they brought very good cattle.
Braxton Shier won the 4-H motto award, and the club had the best-kept stalls.
Some of the members had experience showing with the Browning club in the past. Petterson said it’s a good sign when a new club joins the show.
“Hopefully it gets some more people out.”
Preparing an animal for the auction is a daily effort, she said. They have to feed the animals throughout the day, get them halter-broken, and help them adapt to the different noises associated with the show and sale, so that the cattle doesn’t get spooked.
“You’re dealing with your animals every day for probably 10 months out of the year,” Petterson said.
