The Arcola-Kisbey Beef Club has been a cornerstone in the southeast for nearly 100 years. The club was formed in the early 1930s as a hog club and in 1939 changed to the Arcola-Kisbey Beef Club.
The club has been active since inception and only cancelled the show one time in the past 82 years (1952).
The club’s first leaders were Walter Olsen and Bill McLean, and the first champion fed calf was exhibited by Helen Taylor. Current leaders are Jeff Lees, Corey Lees, Brody Slykhuis and Dave East.
The club currently has 12 members: Emma Lees (president), Kylee Dixon (vice-president), Kyla Lees (secretary), Kirsten East (treasurer), Becca Lees (reporter), Bode Pretty, Matthew Charlton, Jade Charlton, Andrew Charlton, Christin Dixon, Jackson Lees and Hannah Lees.
The Arcola-Kisbey club does several fundraising initiatives around the community including the Arcola Community Calendar and a community recycling program. They also assist with cleanups at Prairie Place Hall, and maintenance of the Arcola Fairgrounds.
Each graduating member of the club receives a scholarship to pursue post-secondary education, which is something that is unique to the club.
The club is planning for its achievement day to happen July 1 at the Arcola Fairgrounds, and for the steer sale in Weyburn on July 7, but that would be COVID dependent. If you are interested in purchasing a steer or sponsoring the club, they would love to hear from you.
Here are the thoughts on 4-H from members:
Christin Dixon
Age: 21
In 4-H: 15 years
I love being able to grow my cattle herd, getting to work with and show cattle, as well as helping educate others about the cattle industry. I am currently in the beef club but I have also been in light horse, photography and sewing 4-H.
Kylee Dixon
Age:19
In 4-H: 13 years
I have made lifelong friendships, learned how to look after horses and cattle while always learning new skills. I learned the value of hard work and appreciate the opportunities 4-H has given me to show cattle.
Jackson Lees
Age: 9
In 4-H: 3 years
My favourite part of 4-H is showing my cattle and hopefully winning prizes. I like the snacks at the meetings and spending time with my family.
Hannah Lees
Age: 7
In 4-H: 1 year
I can’t wait to show my heifer, I like working on my heifer with my sisters and I like being in 4-H with my cousins.
Matthew Charlton
Age: 17
In 4-H: Nine years.
I love working with my cattle, training them and teaching my brother and sister what I know. I am excited to be a member of the Arcola-Kisbey 4-H club so that I can do what I love with my family and cousins.
Bode Pretty:
In 4-H: 3 years
What I like about 4-H is that you get to show your animals. My favourite part about agriculture is driving the machinery.
Emma Lees
Age: 17
In 4-H: 10 years
I have held all office positions, and am currently the president of the club. This industry has given me so much like new friends, opportunities, and what I want to do with my future. There is always so many events happening in the agriculture world, it always leaves room for creativity and personal development, like what 4-H has done for me, and many others. I love working on my cattle and seeing them develop from start to finish. 4-H has been a huge part of my life and I look forward to what the future holds.
Kyla Lees
Age: 15
In 4-H: 8 years
I have loved every moment of being in 4-H. On my spare time I love to work on cattle and play volleyball. One of my greatest accomplishments, when in 4-H, would be winning reserve overall and best home grown steer with my Hereford steer at the Weyburn regional show in 2017. Being the secretary of my club for the past two years has help me with organizing and keeping record skills, much needed skills later on in life. Being a part of this 4-H club has brought me the opportunity to meet new people and go outside my comfort zone and I am thankful to be part of the beef industry and this club.
Becca Lees
Age: 12
In 4-H: 6 years
I have enjoyed all the time I’ve been at shows and working on cattle. In my spare time I like to work on cattle and dance. One of my greatest accomplishments, was I won reserve champion cloverbud heifer at the Weyburn show in 2017 and reserve champion steer at our achievement day in 2019. I really like 4-H because you learn new things and meet new people.
Jade Charlton
In 4-H: Six years.
I love working with my cattle but especially my heifers because we keep them and they have babies.
Andrew Charlton:
In 4-H: Five years
I love leading my calves around and training them.
Kirsten East
Age: 12 years old
In 4-H: Three years
I love the overall experience and new skills that I get to learn. I love animals so being in 4-H lets me be with my animals.
