BONNYVILLE – The communities of Bonnyville, Ardmore, and Beaver River congregated at the Bonnyville Agricultural Society ground for their annual 4-H District Beef Show and Sale on May 31.
Shelbea Gamache, senior member of the Bonnyville Beef 4-H club, describes the experience as irreplaceable for someone who wants to grow up and enter the agricultural industry.
“It’s a testament to the power of community and collaboration,” says Gamache, referring to the immense volunteer and parent efforts paired with generous sponsorship and community investment.
The kids showed up with their groomed and coiffed cattle, ready for the show ring. The day started with an opening ceremony. The kids stood in their respective clubs behind their banners for a land acknowledgement, the national anthem, and the 4-H pledge.
Hailey Lobe, President of the Bonnyville 4-H club and emcee for the event, says, “This year we had an interesting twist, and welcomed two horse clubs, Lakeland Long Riders and Iron River Wranglers, to join us on this special day.”
Lobe reports that the riders bared flags representing the 4-H symbol and the sponsors of each category.
Some wild Lakeland winds also joined in on the event, highlighting the determination and resourcefulness of the agricultural community – despite the weather.
“The [riders] had a bit of adversity at first with the wind and the horses being wiggly, but they did amazing by the end of it. That’s what these days are all about - growth,” says Lobe.
MD of Bonnyville Reeve Barry Kalinski and Town of Bonnyville Coun. Brian McEvoy participated in the opening ceremony, showing the municipalities’ support for the kids, and the future of agriculture in the region.
Kalinski also got to enjoy the benefits of the tent the MD of Bonnyville helped fund for the sale, when a downpour hit before the auction.
Heather Brundige, general leader of the Beaver River beef 4-H club, said “It was our club’s turn to put it on, so we did most of the leg work...I think the day went really well. Other than the weather, the calves co-operated, the kids did well...It was very windy – so it was good to have [the tent] for the sale, it made for a nice atmosphere.”
Gamache spoke to the most valuable skills learned in 4-H. “Taking care of animals requires daily commitment and teaches discipline. Patience is necessary when training and working with cattle, as they can be unpredictable. Teamwork often comes into play when preparing for shows, whether it's working with family or fellow members... perseverance is essential... setbacks are common in agriculture, and learning to overcome them is a crucial skill.”
Colton Mathes, 10, from the Bonnyville 4-H beef club shared similar sentiments.
“I’ve learned that sometimes things don’t go as planned and you have to work harder to figure out how to fix them... I gained better work ethic that I hope can help me in my future careers.”
Gamache spoke about how rewarding it is helping younger members at the show and witness their growth.
The 4-H community showed up in large numbers for the event, and local bidders we’re very generous during the sale, highlighting the broader community’s support for 4-H.
Both Reeve Kalinski and Town of Bonnyville Mayor Elisa Brosseau purchased cattle at the auction as well as local businesses and individuals.
The Town of Bonnyville will donate the meat to local non-profits, as discussed as a recent Town of Bonnyville council meeting. Organizations such as The Hive and the Bonnyville food bank were put forward as possible groups that may benefit from the purchase of the steer.
“It’s truly gratifying to see the support of the community. Knowing that so many local people and businesses are invested in the event makes me feel honoured and appreciated,” says Gamache.
Mathes expressed how grateful he is for the community support. “It felt amazing. I’m very grateful and proud to have all those wonderful people there supporting all of us 4-Hers.”
Mathes continued, “It’s nice to watch all the support. Just makes you feel like all your hard work has paid off. But it’s very sad to say goodbye to your steer. It’s the hardest part for me.”
Results
Pen of Five
1st - Beaver River Beef Club - Melody Brundige, Ava Campbell, Lily Brundige
2nd - Bonnyville 4-H Beef Club - Zaidee Heraid, Jessica Tetreau, Gavin Gamache
3rd - Ardmore 4-H Beef Club - Kody Plouffe, Cora Lee, Isabella Cory
Junior Judging
1st - Melody Brundige
2nd - Vanessa Vasseur
Intermediate Judging
1st - Autumn Cory
2nd - Ava Campbell
Senior Judging
1st - Shelbea Gamache
2nd - Lily Brundige
Heifer
1st - Luke Brundige
2nd - Hudson Martindale
2 Year Cow/Calf:
1st - Lily Brundige
2nd - Melody Brundige
3 Year Cow/Calf:
1st - Shelbea Gamache
2nd - Gavin Gamache
Supreme Female
1st - Luke Brundige
2nd - Hudson Martindale
Rate of Gain
1st- Anika Schoch (3.51)
Cleaver Kids
Wyatt Adrian, Tessa Lee, Olli Schoch, Ryleigh Cooper, Ryley Kardash, Tayah Williams, William Thiessen.
Senior Grooming
1st - Lily Brundige
2nd - Shelby Campbell
Senior Showmanship
1st - Lily Brundige
2nd - Shelbea Gamache
Intermediate Grooming
1st - Luke Brundige
2nd - Ava Campbell
Intermediate Showmanship
1st - Luke Brundige
2nd - Arielle Thiessen
Junior Grooming
1st - Melody Brundige
2nd - Anika Schoch
Junior Showmanship
1st - Melody Brundige
2nd - Adley McMann
Market Steer
Grand Champion Market Steer - Hudson Martindale
Reserve Champion Market Steer – Luke Brundige
Club Display
1st - Ardmore 4-H Beef Club
