The Viking 4-H Beef Club marked its 80th year with a birthday cake at the district show and sale this year.
But after a remarkable year for the club taking high honours in many categories, the club is folding. This was the final year for a club that ran strong for eight decades in the community but, due to dwindling membership numbers, must now dissolve.
“For our club, it was a very successful Beaver District Show,” said Viking 4-H leader Karen Brooke. “Our members achieved the honoured project show placings of Grand Champion Market Steer, Champion and Reserve Champion Heifer, Champion and Reserve Cow-Calf Pair, and Supreme and Reserve Supreme Female.”
However, it was not enough to keep the club going into the future.
“I will add that it was a bitter sweet celebration as we also announced that this will be the final year of the Viking 4-H Beef Club,” she said.
“Due to declining membership, we are no longer able to fulfill the minimum membership or leader requirements,” Brooke explained.
The marking of 80 years as a club during the Beaver District Show and Sale included a display of memorabilia and a presentation to honour the anniversary of the club’s existence.
“We acknowledged the current and alumni members, and leaders of the Viking Beef Club, as well as the many individuals, businesses and local community groups who have supported the group over the course of the years,” said Brooke.
To commemorate the anniversary, all the current members received a custom belt buckle. Also presented buckles were Austin and Landon Hogstead who as alumni spent many years as members.
But they also returned every year since their 4-H graduation to assist the club with the Achievement Day shows.
The era has now ended, however. The club will officially dissolve after Sept. 30, 2024.
Patricia Harcourt
Editor
