Neepawa 4-H Fat Stock Show and Sale

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Along with showing cattle, Robertsons enjoys playing fastball with the Neepawa Tigers high school team and is currently playing AAA with the U17 Manitoba Westman Magic team. In the winter she enjoys curling and getting the fall/winter show string ready for Ag-Ex in Brandon and Agribition in Regina.

Robertson said. “I believe it’s important to give back, whether it be volunteering in the community, my school or giving back financially to organizations that I feel strongly about. For the past few years I have been purchasing goats for widows and single mothers in Africa through the Sauti Moja Foundation. I have also donated towards junior livestock shows in Manitoba.”

Robertson won both Grand Champion female and steer classes at the 2023 show. Just before her champion steer went up for auction Robertson stated, “I would personally like to thank each and every person that has sponsored our 4-H Achievement, contributed to our fundraisers and attended our show and sale. The support of our community is greatly appreciated and I look forward to supporting your business in return.”

Robertson’s steer weighed in at 1,375 pounds and sold for $4.56 per pound to TIC of Neepawa. Before the steer went under the auctioneer’s gavel, Robertson asked that the prospective buyer allow her to retain care and control of the steer so she could show the steer at the Canadian Charolais Youth Association Conference and Show.

Darrell Leboutillier of TIC, Neepawa readily agreed to that arrangement.

Carson Baker

Carson Baker is in his 10 th year in 4-H and showed 2 steers this year. Baker said, “My market steer is named Bruce and my progeny steer,Kenobi. Baker noted, “Throughout this year I have had many adventures through sports and cattle.

Joining the High School hockey team and making the finals in my first year, being named an all-star in football and playing against a team Saskatchewan in the Challenge Cup.” This past summer Baker was at showdown in Brandon and showed his heifer that he showed as a cow this year. Baker said, “All the profits from my steers this year will go towards my adventures after high school in post-secondary studies of agribusiness.”

Sveinna Bjarnarson

Sveinna Bjarnarson is15 years old and is a member of the Neepawa 4H Beef Club. This is her 9th year in the club and 2nd year as Secretary. This year, Bjarnarson has three projects, a Market Steer, named TBone, a Purebred Shorthorn

Bjarnarson said, “I have had a fun-filled 4-H year. I represented Manitoba for the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture, Junior Division that was held in Toronto during the Royal Winter Fair in November.

It was great to meet young speakers all over Canada and to attend the Royal Fair. Manitoba 4-H Council invited me to speak at Ag. Days with my speech from CYSA. Early May I attended the Fun Camp and the Recognition Day that the Rapid

City 4-H Beef Club hosted.”

Bjarnarson was able to make a leather belt from scratch, play minute to win it, and do a calving workshop with Clover the Cow. In mid-May, the Manitoba 4-H council organized a 4-H Rally in Brandon. Kirk Stierwalt from Oklahoma came and did a fitting workshop over the 3 days. “It was great to reconnect with friends, and to meet new friends, said Bjarnarson. She is also on Team Manitoba for track.

Bjarnarson was able to show last fall at Ag-Ex in Brandon, and was excited to attend the Canadian

Western Agribition with Horner Cattle Co. This summer Bjarnarson plans on attending the Manitoba Youth Beef Roundup in Neepawa and the National Shorthorn Junior show in Carman this August.

When not working or showing cattle or working on the family farm, Bjarnarson can be found playing all sports. Her JV basketball team was consolation winners for Provinicials, she attended HS Provincial Track and Field for discus and also competitively lifts weights.

Bjarnarson saId. “I believe in giving back to my com- munity or helping fellow 4H members. This year, I will be donating 10per cent of my steer sale proceeds to Kaleb Bootsman. Kaleb is a fellow 4H member from the Rapid City 4H Beef Club. Kaleb was diagnosed with TENS, which is a life threatening skin disease that causes severe painful skin rashes that blisters and peels. Kaleb requires frequent visits to the hospital and I would love to help him and his family out.”

Bjarnarson thanked everyone for their support throughout the 4H year saying. “It’s greatly appreciated.”