The Estevan Rotary Club’s annual 4-H Show and Sale of prime beef on the hoof, courtesy of three district 4-H beef clubs, was carried out on the exhibition grounds and barns on July 5.
A well-fed and cared-for angus steer, raised by Benson 4-H member Emily Geisel captured the grand champion title for the region, while last year’s grand champion winner, Cooper Brokenshire, from the Outram-Madigan 4-H Beef Club, claimed the reserve championship title.
A total of 39 head of cattle went under the auction hammer of Norm Mack of Mack’s Auction Services who volunteered his services. That represented an increase of 10 steers over last year’s offering.
There was also a strong turnout of prospective buyers of the beef.
“There were a few potential buyers who went home without making a purchase, so the interest was there,” said Brian Mack, who worked as a spotter, as well as a volunteer for the show and sale and the individual club Achievement Days, which preceded that event.
Mack said there were at least 44 registered buyers.
The Geisel steer, which is headed to Calgary for a Western Canadian competition later this month, was purchased by Olney Consulting (Randy Olney) at $5 a pound, matching last year’s price for the first-place animal.
The reserve champion was purchased by Prairie Animal Health Centre at $4 a pound,
Last year’s reserve champion, raised by Colton Brokenshire, Cooper’s brother, went under the hammer at $4.50 a pound.
“The prices remained strong here, in spite of the economy,” said Mack. “The overall, average price paid for all 39 steers was $3.95 a pound, which is only slightly less than last year. The support for the 4-H program in Estevan and area is really impressive especially when you compare the prices here with others around the province.”
The bidding stayed lively throughout the evening, even with some rain clouds threatening to dampen the activities.
Prior to the auction, the awards show was conducted in the centre show ring with various deserving young 4-H members from the three clubs being named for their exemplary work over the past year. They received a variety of awards ranging from cash and scholarships, to trophies, belt buckles, blankets and banners.
A list of the various 4-H award winners will be included in the July 15 edition of Southeast Lifestyles in the Ag News section.
