With the restrictions in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, 4-H Clubs, who would normally be bringing their projects to competition, are looking at different ways to market.
The Drumheller District 4-H, made up of the Delia 4-H Beef Club, the Rumsey-Rowley Beef Club, and the Morrin Multi-Club typically have their annual Show and Sale at the beginning of June. 4-H has cancelled all sanctioned in-person activities and events. This has left the club looking for ways to carry on the tradition without their annual show.
Kent Holowath of the 4-H Club said right now they are working with club members on how the youth will finish their projects. The District is producing a sales catalogue and are approaching previous buyers from the last few years to see if they are interested.
“We understand that not everybody can financially do it, and it is not expected we get the same support as we usually received,” said Holowath.
He adds they are looking at different ways of marketing the animals.
“There are three options, they are either going to market their animals live, or they are going to sell it as boxed beef, whether it be quarters or halves or what they would be interested in,” he said. “If a business wanted to participate in that manner then we would appreciate this. Even if they can’t purchase a steer in its entirety or any of it, but see the value of 4-H and wanted to make a donation to the district, that money would get divvied up amongst the market steer and market lamb projects.”
“You would still be recognized as a sponsor.”
In the meantime, the members have been busy raising their projects and getting them cleaned and groomed for the catalogue shoot. Koren McDougald tells the Mail, the 4-H has plenty of resources, from online videos and lessons on how to prepare their animals to present it in the best possible way for buyers.
“We have been going through them, and it is everything from how to take a picture of your animal, what is the best lighting, the best video, all these tips for the members,” said McDougald.
“Either way we are going to have to finish off their projects, so they are going to do a video on their year. It is going to be a really different year for everybody, so it is going to be a learning curve.”
Those interested in getting a catalogue can contact Holowath at 403-820-6352.
