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Ponoka District 4-H Beef show and sale had highest average price ever

The Ponoka District 4-H Beef Committee’s annual show and sale, held at the Calnash Ag Event Centre May 2 and 3, was a “was a success on so many levels” according to district president Patrick Lentz.
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The Ponoka District 4-H Beef Committee’s annual show and sale, held at the Calnash Ag Event Centre May 2 and 3, was a “was a success on so many levels” according to district president Patrick Lentz.

The 4-H beef show and sale represents about 200 days of hard work for members of the from Ponoka West and Ponoka East 4-H Beef Clubs, from the start of their projects until show day. The event was held both online and in-person this year.

Lentz said it was a return to real life and there was a lot of excitement felt at the Ag Event Centre.

“From our female show, the evening of May 2, you could feel the energy of members returning to the ring again,” he said.

“There were many great-looking beef projects being shown over the two days, with efforts from members to keep them bathed, groomed and ready to show in front of a large crowd.”

Steer classes kicked off at 9 a.m. May 3 and continued throughout the day, leading up to an award ceremony, and the sale at 5:30 p.m.

An introduction was read about each member and their project, then auctioneer Dean Edge started the interactive bidding.

“With the amazing support of local businesses, we are proud to say we have our highest average price ever, at $5 per lb,” said Lentz.

“Prices for feed and other necessities have all increased, so this is extremely rewarding to all members.”

Two cheques were written for $5,000 each from the 4-H Charity Steer raffle: One to the Ponoka Food Bank and one to the Stollery Children’s Hospital, as chosen by the members.

“A great sense of pride was felt by all members, to see and hear from the recipients.”

From the raffle, two winners were awarded a one-half of a beef, cut and wrapped.

A steak dinner closed off the night to celebrate the event, sponsors, buyers, volunteers, family and of course the members, who Lentz said “all likely had a great sleep after a long two days.”

“It takes a community to create on an event like this, and what a community we have.”



Emily Jaycox

About the Author: Emily Jaycox

I’m Emily Jaycox, the editor of Ponoka News and the Bashaw Star. I’ve lived in Ponoka since 2015 and have over seven years of experience working as a journalist in central Alberta communities.
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