Another strong 4-H auction at the fall fair this year

Kerry Hyatt of Devlin entered another top-notch 4-H steer, which grabbed the “Grand Champion Market” title at the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society’s annual fall fair in Emo over the weekend.
Hyatt also earned the “Grand Champion Showman” award.
“It was really big surprise and an honour to win both awards at the same time because it’s something I’ve been working for for years,” she said.
This year’s steer proved to be even better than last season’s award-winning animal—earning Hyatt an extra 11 cents per pound during the live auction.
Bidding was back up where it should be, noted local 4-H leader Kim Jo Bliss, though adding each steer cost the kids more to raise this year because of the high grain prices across the country.
“The auction prices put a smile on a lot of people’s faces because we didn’t know what to expect this year,” Bliss admitted.
“Hard times are being felt across the region and we were concerned the kids wouldn’t get the rewards they need, so when the numbers started coming in, I felt relieved,” she remarked.
The weekend’s win also confirmed Hyatt is a fierce competitor in the auction ring, Bliss said. “She loves showing her steers and works hard out there,” she noted.
Hyatt’s steer earned her a total of $3,036, which she noted will be put towards her education loan. Hyatt graduated in the spring from Assiniboine community college in Brandon, Man., where she was studying agri-business.
Hyatt, a longtime member of 4-H here, is no stranger to the local ag community. In fact, she worked for the Emo Agricultural Research Station last year as part of her co-operative education requirement.
As well, Hyatt has been showing cattle at the fall fair for 12 years. She also took the grand champion title back in 1999 and 2007, and the reserve champion market steer title in 2005.
At $2.41/pound, Hyatt’s steer fetched one of the highest bids (from the Rainy River Future Development Corp.)
“This was one of the best auctions I’ve been a part of, and it was really exciting to see a lot of people out and spending money,” she said.
All 26 steers went for above $2/pound, whereas last year two participants saw their prized animal sell for less than $1.40/pound.
“I was really worried I wouldn’t make any money this year because of all the costs, and industry troubles,” Hyatt noted.
It cost Hyatt roughly $40 a week in grain to add little extra plump to her steer for the big day. “That’s a lot of money to spend on just one element of the feeding process,” she admitted.
But she stressed it’s not all about the money and the cost of raising an animal–it’s also about the experience.
“I think 4-H is a great learning and growing experience for kids because they learn not only about the cows, but themselves, too,” she said. “It also teaches them self-discipline, financial responsibility, and life skills.”
Because of her age, Hyatt won’t be in the ring at next year’s auction but rather sharing her expertise with the younger generation as a 4-H leader.
“It’s time for me to move on and help with the program I loved so much,” she said.
The results for the 2008 4-H beef show are as follows:
•Grand Champion Market Steer–Kerry Hyatt
•Reserve Champion Market Steer–Sarah Truelove
•Grand Champion Showman (Hereford Association trophy)–Joshua Zimmerman
•Reserve Champion Showman (CIBC trophy)–Samantha Stahn
•Grand Champion Heifer–Joshua Zimmerman
•Reserve Champion Heifer–Nathan Zimmerman
•Craig Advent Memorial Award–Damien Stang
Other awards were as follows:
Senior Beef Showman
(four + years of experience)
•Champion Senior Showman (Baduik Equipment Ltd. trophy)–Kerry Hyatt
•Reserve Senior Showman–Nathan Bujold
Intermediate Beef Showman
(three years of experience)
•Champion Intermediate Beef Showman (ETA Contracting trophy)–Jessica Haw
•Reserve Champion Intermediate Beef Showman–Nicholas Donaldson
Junior Beef Showman
(two years of experience)
•Champion Junior Beef Showman (MacDonaald Motors trophy)–Damien Stang
•Reserve Champion Junior Beef Showman–Savannah Hughes
Novice Beef Showman
(first year)
•Champion Novice Beef Showman (Barwick Service trophy)–Connor Bujold
•Reserve Champion Novice Beef Showman–Julianna Donaldson
Senior Heifer Class
•Grand Champion Heifer (Cattleman’s Award)–Riley Caul
•Reserve Champion Heifer (Gemmell Award)–Sarah Truelove
•Top Charolais Heifer (Carlson Family Award)–Riley Caul