If you are looking to fill your freezer this coming year, look no further than the hardworking youth of Oceana County 4-H. Several of our members attended the Michigan Junior Livestock Society’s Winter Beef Classic, held Dec. 5–7 at the Farm Bureau Pavilion on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing. This statewide winter show brings together beef exhibitors from across Michigan to compete in showmanship, fitting and market classes while building important livestock skills.
We had a strong group of Oceana County 4-H members participate. While more youth attended the show, the following results were the ones reported to our office.
• Tori Alvesteffer earned first place with her steer in Ring B and second place in Ring A in the Hereford class.
• Kelsey Jorissen placed first in both Ring A and Ring B in the Shorthorn Plus class with her market steer.
• Miranda Merten placed fourth in both Ring A and Ring B in the Crossbred Market Class with her steer.
Our peewee exhibitors, Thomas Merten and Colton Alvesteffer, also brought great attitude and effort to the ring, showing confidence and enthusiasm as they begin their journey in beef projects.
The beef project is a year-long commitment for our members. Most youth purchase their calves in August or September to begin the new project year. By December, when events like the Winter Beef Classic take place, these project calves typically weigh between 600-700 pounds. With daily care, proper nutrition and dedicated work, members continue to grow their steers throughout the season. By the time the Oceana County Fair arrives in August, project steers usually finish around 1,200-1,300 pounds.
Families who purchase a home grown market steer at the fair can expect an impressive return. A finished project steer often yields around 500 pounds of beef for the freezer or even more depending on the animal. Buyers receive top quality locally raised beef while supporting youth who are gaining responsibility, leadership and agricultural knowledge through hands-on experience.
These talented showmen will continue to participate in upcoming local shows and will be back in the ring at the Oceana County Fair. Their beef projects will be available at the 4-H Market Livestock Sale where community support plays a vital role in helping our youth succeed.
Oceana County 4-H clubs are currently open for new members in both livestock and non livestock project areas. Now is also the time for youth in the community to sign up for market livestock projects if they are interested in joining the program for the upcoming season. Families can contact the MSU Extension office to learn more about enrollment and opportunities available this year.
I am proud of the dedication, sportsmanship and hard work our members demonstrated in East Lansing. It is an excellent start to the season.
