The East Lacombe 4-H Club has reported the 2015-2016 project year is officially underway.
On Saturday, Oct. 17th, the club, which consists of 16 members, brought our steer and carcass projects to be weighed in.
We all met at the Sharp’s farm at 9 a.m. to begin the process. Each animal is individually weighed and has a topical treatment put on them called Ivomec to prevent internal and external parasites. Our club leader Ken Chessor provided an official 4-H tag to each member that is then put in the calf’s ear.
The end tally was 14 steer projects and eight carcass projects with weights ranging from 500 lbs. to 800 lbs. Our club photographers took photos of each 4-H member with their calf, which are then used later on in our record books.
That morning we also weighed in the ‘Charity Steer.’ This is a steer that is raised by a different club in the Lacombe 4-H Beef Club district each year. This year it is our club’s turn to do so. The Suominen family has two members in the club this year and they will be the host family for the steer. Tickets are sold on this animal up until show day in the spring and then a raffle is done to determine a winner.
Money collected from ticket sales is then donated to a charity of the club’s choice. The club will select a charity in the coming months.
Overall, the day was a success with no major hiccups to report. Myself, along with my fellow 4-H members are looking forward to a fun and successful year.
- Dylan Fuller, East Lacombe 4-H Club reporter.