ST. PAUL – On April 17, over 60 4-H members from the five 4-H clubs in the St. Paul region attended the first-ever district-wide learning day at the Ag Corral.
The Goodridge 4-H Beef Club, Boscombe, Elk Point, St. Lina, and the St. Paul and District 4-H multi clubs co-organized the event, said Denis Kotowich, who was among the event coordinators.
He said youth learned many skills related to both caring for cattle and doing business, including how to groom animals, showmanship, cattle judging, and how to prepare for show days. Special guests were also present, speaking to members about animal health and nutrition, including Dr. Melanie Wowk who previously chaired the Alberta Beef Producers, as well as Dr. Barry Robinson who is a beef and dairy nutritionist.
Youth also learned other skills like rope halter making, said Kotowich.
"The 4-H program teaches kids how to excel," in many agriculture-related areas, according to Kotowich. This included how to be better business people. The skills they learned during the day all relate to that, he added.
While 4-H members do raise cattle then sell them at annual show and sales, doing business takes a different skill-set, he explained. Even if members may not choose to directly deal with cattle in the future, business-skills like public speaking and engagement are still transferable skills to many other areas.
Ultimately, 4-H programs teaches both soft and hard skills. "It is to instill quality workmanship in our youth," Kotowich said.
Kyle Yaremko and Emily Yaremko helped teach youth about cattle grooming and judging. The siblings, both from St. Paul, are currently completing their post-secondary education in Oklahoma and flew back home to visit family but also to help teach the 4-H members during the learning day.
"4-H instills hard work, ethics, dedication, and responsibility," said Kyle. "It shapes the youth into well rounded individuals. They're the stars of tomorrow, so if we're able to set them up for that success, we're leaving the industry in good hands."
Emily said 4-H also teaches basic life skills, how to give back to the community, as well as leadership skills. "I was super shy for the longest time, and now I'm able to go and present in front of a group of kids," she said, adding, she hopes to teach similar skills to the young 4-H members.
Kotowich thanked all those involved, including volunteers who helped out with the logistics of the event, the instructors who shared their knowledge during the day, and the businesses who helped sponsor the event.
