Members from the Neepawa, Erickson, and Rapid City 4-H Beef Clubs came together for a full day of competition, teamwork, and celebration at the annual Neepawa 4-H Fat Stock Inter Club Show and Sale on July 2nd at Stride Exhibition Grounds.
Shelley Bjarnarson, head leader of the Neepawa 4-H Beef Club and chairperson of the Inter-Club Committee, walked through the day’s schedule while the action was getting ready to happen behind her.
Full day of events and teamwork
Bjarnarson says the morning began with grooming competitions, followed by individual showmanship.
Bjarnarson says that after those rounds, club members grouped together to show off their cattle, steer, and heifer classes before everyone paused for lunch.
“We make up teams right from all ages, from cloverbuds to seniors and all different teams,” says Bjarnarson.
She adds that this year they saw ten different grooming teams formed from a group of 40 kids in attendance.
Next up came the yearly heifer and steer classes, with entries ranging from Angus to Simmental and other breeds.
“And then we'll do the championship class for that, then we'll jump into our market steer class and do the championship for that,” says Bjarnarson.
A community supper and scholarship celebration
As the afternoon heat rolled in, organizers looked forward to the community-style supper hosted before the evening sale.
Bjarnarson says the dinner is catered by Cut Rate Meats from Brookdale.
“It’s beef on a bun, salads, and we have a cake for dessert,” she adds.
Families, buyers, and supporters are all invited to attend the come-and-go meal, which leads into the 7 p.m. market sale.
More than just a sale
Bjarnarson says the sale isn’t just about moving livestock; it’s about supporting local youth and their future goals.
“At the sale, we sell off squares, which goes towards the scholarship fund,” she says.
A tradition rooted in rural Manitoba
Though the Inter-Club once welcomed more communities, the event still plays a big role in supporting local families and small businesses.
Bjarnarson notes that many attendees stop in at local restaurants and stores throughout the day.
“Everybody goes up to the local restaurants and grabs lunch and coffee and breakfast” says Bjarnarson.
Prizes, pride, and personal growth
Youth don’t just walk away with sale proceeds. They’re also rewarded for their skills and dedication.
Bjarnarson adds that there are “trophies, rosettes, banners, halters, show sticks, and blankets” up for grabs.
The Inter Club event offers both recognition and lifelong skills for participants while strengthening community ties one steer at a time.
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