ADAM JACKSON/Ponoka News
Get your barbeques ready; the Ponoka District 4-H beef show and sale is quickly approaching.
The annual show and sale runs May 2 and 3 at the Ponoka Arena Complex.
The 4-H club is an organization that helps children ages 9-21 years old to continue their livestock raising activities.
Steers are purchased at premium prices to allow for a greater profit of margin for the teens raising the animals, encouraging them to continue in the agriculture field.
An example available is if one buys a 1200 lb. steer at $1.30 per pound from the 4-H members, and one resells the steer to commercial buyers, the actual cost to the person purchasing the steer will be $360.
Individuals interested also have the option to purchase the steer, freeze it or split it with a friend.
The 4-H not only helps the children involved raise animals, but also teaches them other valuable life skills.
“Responsibility is what these kids learn,” said Kathy Matejka, who is intimately involved with the group.
The participants also learn valuable life skills such as public speaking.
17-year-old Carling Matejka, a student at Ponoka Composite High School, benefited from the 4-H club greatly. Carling has won a scholarship for district public speaking through the 4-H club – a scholarship that will help her with her dreams of being in veterinary medicine.
“(Being involved with) 4-H shows responsibility in students and it shows that we have pride in what we do,” said Carling.
The 4-H club encourages purchasers to make prior arrangements for slaughter or sale if you are planning on purchasing a steer.
There is also a charity calf that was purchased by 4-H members and the proceeds from that will go toward the Ponoka Agriculture Centre and Big
Brother & Big Sisters.
The steer sale starts at 4:30 sharp on May 3.
There will also be a beef dinner immediately following the sale.