It was another successful season of growing and grooming for members of four southeast Saskatchewan 4-H Beef Clubs who gathered on the Estevan Exhibition grounds from July 6 to 8 to conduct club Achievement Day events followed by the Regional Show and Sale on the 8th.
The highlight auction sale, featuring all 29 steers raised by club members saw near record-setting prices being set thanks to eager buyers who were willing to spend money for the best beef on display.
Earlier in the day, a black steer owned by Carlee Ross of the Outram-Madigan 4-H Beef Club captured the grand championship banner from the judges. Her prized 1,277 pound animal fetched $5.75 per pound when the Mack Auction Services hammer went down to confirm that Allan Kendall had made the purchase.
The reserve champion steer, owned and groomed by Emily Geisel of the Benson 4-H Beef Club grabbed even more money per pound, $7.50 to be exact with Gillis Casings Services making the purchase of the 1,305 pound animal.
Last year's grand champion steer sold for $6 a pound while the reserve champion went for $4.25.
Last year the 50 steers produced by the four-club members that went up for auction sold for an average of $3.10 a pound while this year's 29 steers sold at an average of $4.90 per pound.
"There were fewer steers, but the quality was really up there," said Brian Mack of Mack Auction Services who volunteered their time and talent for the Rotary-sponsored auction.
"We're fortunate to have this kind of community support. They seem to realize the importance of the 4-H program, and they are supporting it,' said Mack, referring to the spirited bidding that went on.
Carlee entered the winner's circle a few more times during the awards part of the evening, picking up the junior showmanship award and overall showmanship title and the coveted Lord of the Ring junior stock show title donated by Rodney Dukart and Cecil Mantei that included a $500 scholarship.
Emily also captured the award for raising the reserve champion continuation female along with the reserve champion steer.
The Exhibition Association scholarship went to Alua Gress.
The four participating 4-H beef clubs included the Benson and Outram-Madigan along with Browning and Crossroads (Stoughton) teams.
A more complete rundown of all regional award winners with photos can be found in this weekend's Southeast Trader Express in the Agri News section.
