How Much is a Cow Worth?

After these last few crazy days at 4-H on Parade and my high school graduation, I have been able to get back to write you another blog post! Through this weekend, I showed female projects including a purebred heifer and a commercial cow/calf pair, and showed and sold a market steer. What was really interesting to me was the prices of the steers being sold. Through my 4-H career, the prices we 4-Her's have gotten for our steer projects have been very good. Being 4-H kids, we have always received well over market price.

First off, I will explain how market cattle are sold. They are not sold at a flat rate, but by the pound. This year, I was payed $2.00/lb, while actual market price right now is $1.03. So I got 97 cents over what the price is in the real world. I would say that is pretty good! Prices have been up and down in the past year, but one thing stays the same- 4-H kids make off like bandits!

So let's put this into perspective...

•  4-H Price- $2.00/lb for a 1212 lb. steer = $2424.00 in the bank!
• Market Price- $1.03/lb for a 1212 lb. steer = $1248.36, about $1175.64 less than what I made
• Rail Grade Price, based on carcass weight of steer (yield)- a 1212 lb. steer yeilding at 58% = 703 lbs at 1.68/lb = $1180.00

From what I can show you, selling a steer through 4-H has it's benefits. I think it may have to do with the fact that the steer buyers have the kids future in mind, and want to help them fund for it.



Me and Skoal, my last 4-H steer


Breeding cattle, however, are sold at a flat rate, depending on the agreement made between the buyer and seller. Calves, yearlings, and mature animals are often sold at different prices, as their value may differ. However, a 9 month old heifer calf could be sold at the same price as a 2 year old mature bull! Sometimes, the price of cattle can depend on whether they are sold through a public auction (with an auctioneer and a number of bidders) or through private treaty ( a private sale at the farm by the breeder and buyer alone). At a public sale, there may be numerous people bidding on the same animal, which raises the price of it. In private treaty, the buyer and seller will come to a formal agreement on a fair price.




KEW Rob Roy 196X, a yearling bull I sold a few months ago through private treaty

 Cattle prices are always chaning and so is the market for cattle. Things are not like they once were, and they will likely change in the near future as well. One thing has stayed the same- purchasing quality cattle at a fair price.

We Are Stewards

Farmers and ranchers are stewards of our land, air, water, and livestock. We contribute to the economy of Alberta and Canada- we help feed the world. We build communities, provide jobs, and build the leaders of tomorrow. Without agriculture, so much would not be possible. Take a look at the statistics below to give you an accurate report on some aspects in the agriculture industry.

•In total, Canada has 247,124 farms.
•20% of Canadians are employed in the agriculture field.
•59% (31,774) of Alberta farms have beef cattle.
•Alberta cattle and calf numbers - 5,930,000 head (39% of Canadian total)
•Alberta beef and cattle exports were valued at approximately $1.39 billion. Wheat was at $2 billion, and canola seed was at $1.33 billion.
•Alberta feeds over 2.23 million cattle each year with total annual beef production of over 809,000 tonnes
•Alberta has 21,067,486 hectares of farmland. 32% of that is natural land for pasture and 11% is tame or seeded pasture land.
•Canada’s cattle industry remains the largest single source of farm cash receipts. Cattle and calf cash receipts in 2006 totalled $6.5 billion.
•Fifty percent of Canadian pork is exported to more than 85 countries. Canada has been the world’s largest exporter of pork for the past three years.

•Top Alberta Agri-Food exports in 2009 ($ billion) live cattle-0.47, beef-0.96, wheat-2.10, canola seed-1.33, pork-0.41

Also, please view my new "Agriculture Links" page. I have given you numerous links to agricultural websites. that will give you an even broader view on agriculture's contribution.

For a quick look at the life of a farmer, watch this video!
We Love Farmers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjbQAQi8hlI

Romancing the West

It seems that everywhere, everyone wants to be a cowboy or cowgirl. People are wearing cowboy boots, belt buckles, cowboy hats, and western shirts. In their homes, paintings by Russel and Remington hang on the walls. Their stereos play Strait and Jackson. A John Wayne western in the DVD player. More and more, we are seeing urban people trying to be involved in the western and country lifestyle. In a way, I guess we can feel flattered that more people want to be like  us, but at the same time, we have to wonder, why?


My hero

 I grew up a-dreamin' of bein' a cowboy
Lovin' the cowboy ways
Pursuin' the life of my high-ridin' heroes
That burned up my childhood days

During our childhood years, everybody would dress up as a cowboy or cowgirl for fun. Whether it was the cool outfits we put one, or riding our stick horse, toy pistol in hand, we all found fun in dressing up as those western heroes. For the many kids that didn't grow up in a country background, they were exposed to western television shows, movies, and music, such as Home on the Range. I grew up watching John Wayne movies, and since the age of 8, he has been my hero. We admire cowboys because they are brave, work hard, can ride, and have morals. Often, we see them as role models.

Cowboy take me away
Fly this girl as high as you can into the wild blue
Set me free, oh I pray
Closer to heaven above and closer to you, closer to you


Isn't it every girls dream to be on the back of their cowboy's horse, riding off into the sunset? Well maybe not everyone's dream, but it was mine. There is something romanticized about having a cowboy coming home to you, after being out all day on horseback working in the dirt and heat. Old western movies have portrayed the cowboy as the "it" guy, because of his many attractive qualities, such as bravery, work ethic, nature, and the way he works a pair of Wranlers. What can I say, ladies love country boys!

Amarillo by moring, up from San Antone
Everything that I got, is just what I got on
I ain't got a dime but what I got is mine
I ain't rich but Lord I'm free
Amarillo by morning, Amarillo's where I'll be


What many people love about the western life is the sport of rodeo. Starting out as competitions between cowboys and vaqueros testing their work skills against each other now has become a popular and loved sport by people around the world. The sport still shows skills of cowboys and cowgirls in the pro events of tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, and bull riding. Not always an easy life, but one that is an adventure and full of surprise and the unknow. This life is admired by many as it is free, has values, and has a wholesome feeling.

Cowboys like us sure do have fun

Racing the wind, chasing the sun

Take the long away around back to square one

Today we're just outlaws out on the run

They'll be no regrets, no worries and such

For cowboys like us

The western life is adventurous, fun, and so far away from what most people live like today. While many people won't ever get the chance to be fully involved in a western lifestyle, there are ways to get just a taste of it. The Calgary Stampede has been held annually since 1912 in Calgary, Alberta, and is described as "the greatest outdoor show on earth!". The 10 days that the show is held features rodeo, chuckwagon races, livestock shows, concerts, agricultural activities, a midway, a western art showcase, and much more. Every year, scads of people come out to enjoy themselves in one of Calgary's oldest traditions. The show still represents the dream of founder Guy Weadick; to celebrate the romance and authentic culture of the old west.

When people can have a piece of that, it brings them closer to that mystique. Whether it be a painting, home decor, music, or a pair of boots, people everywhere want to have a piece of the old west.

http://calgarystampede.com/ The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!
http://westernshowcase.com/ Western Art at it's best, plus I am featured in it this year!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMko5LelBdA My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys, Willie Nelson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hntXAO_Rq7c Cowboy Take Me Away, Dixie Chicks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KrrsLZaY9s Amarillo By Morning, George Strait
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR5LK52k8dE Cowboys Like Us, George Strait

4-H Achievement Day

Today I washed and clipped cattle, packed up my tack box, and ironed my show jeans. This is my usual preparation procedure for a cattle show, but this isn't just any other show. Tomorrow I will be showing at my very last 4-H Achievement Day. For all of you non 4-Her's out there, let me explain what Achievement Day is. It is club show in which members compete against each other's 4-H projects. The show showcases members hard work from the past 4-H year, recognizes the club leaders, and appreciates the sponsors. It works just like any other show with overall grand and reserve champion animals, as well as showmanship awards.

My 4-H club has beef, sheep, and photography projects. The beef and sheep members will show their projects and be judged, while the photography members will put their best photos on display. It has always been an exciting day for me as well as many other members. For our club, Achievement Day is the final club activity before our regional show, 4-H on Parade. I have always enjoyed showing against my fellow club members, and seeing how our projects stack up. It is a special time where members can appreciate their hard work, and enjoy the rewards received.

I have had every beef project offered in my club through out the years- market steer, yearling heifer, 2 year old cow/calf, and 3 year old cow/calf. One year, I was even able to bring a whole Breeder's Herd project to town, an accomplishment I was very proud of. Tomorrow, I will be showing a steer, heifer, and 2 year old cow/calf pair. I think that this Achievement Day will be the most special as it is going to be my last one. I look forward to tomorrow and what is yet to come in my last 4-H year!

Me and my 2 year old cow Ruby, Achievement Day 2009

Born This Way?

It seems like Lady GaGa's involvement in the Facebook game "FarmVille" has been a common post idea today, but I thought I would talk about another agricultural aspect that GaGa had a big part in.
Last year at the MTV Video Music Awards, the shock pop singer wore quite a shocking outfit: a dress, hat, shoes, and bag made completely out of raw meat. A pretty normal outfit for her, but a surprise to all of us.



A beautiful piece of work

Gaga wore the dress as a message to all of her fans. She stated that "If we don't stand up for what we believe in, we don't fight for our rights, pretty soon we're gonna have as much rights as the meat on our bones." Not surprising at all, the dress offended many animal rights groups including PETA. PETA strongly disagreed with GaGa's choice in dress as "meat is the decomposing flesh of a tormented animal who didn't want to die." Hmm. Animal rights groups such as PETA often look at the slaughter of animals as cruel and ununnecessary. By making slaughter look like a disgusting thing, they attempt to lead more and more people to vegetarianism and veganism. The picture that they create is in fact, not accurate at all.

Thanks to the positive changes made at stockyards and feedlots, market beef animals don't live in cruelty (I will talk more about these changes later). Many have become humane and the animals are treated well. We live in Alberta, Canada's biggest beef province. This is cattle country, and this is how  we make our living in. Nobody knows more about this industry than we do. We need to educate those naive in the subject about the truths of animal slaughter. Please visit the links for more information and I will discuss these matters later!

http://www.canadianbeef.info/index.html
http://albertabeef.org/

And one last note: Thank you GaGa, we fully support your clothing choice!

Visit this site for the whole story on GaGa's controversial outfit!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/sep/13/lady-gaga-meat-dress-vmas

Food for Thought

Just as in humans, nutrition is an on going scientific exploration in cattle. People continue to modify and fine tune their feeding programs to achieve a program that works for the cattle and the breeder. The search for the right feed has been going on for years and years. Here is a little history on the topic...

Back in the day, the countless feed supplements we have available to us were not convenient. Stockmen, were often searching for feed and supplements that would provide better results. As I mentioned in an earlier post, my great-grandpa fed turnips and sugar beets to give nutrients to his cattle. At one point in time most cattlemen fed their animals bone meal, as it was a source of phosphorus.

Not only did the cattleman create the feeding program, but he mixed the feed himself as well. The feed mill  now does the blending, but years ago it was done by hand. People would cook and mix all of their feed at home. My grandma recalls bringing a mixing box to every cattle show as cattlemen would not have feed pre-prepared. Boile barley was popular for feeding show cattle. As the years went by, rolled grain became preferred over grinding (chop). The texture was better and nutrition wasn't lost. Liquid molasesses was fed to improve feeding, but could only be used in moderate weather. It became easier to use when it became available in a dry form. My grandpa found that feeding a mix of rolled oats, bran, along with mineral, slat, beet pulp and econolass was a good ration. Corn and barley were added at the appropriate time depending on the animal and it's use. While the feed has always been changing, providing cattle with salt and mineral has been imperative, as it is an important part of their nutrition and fertility needs. Cattlemen understood what was necessary as far as nutrition and then would fine tune their feeding program with added supplements and nutrients.

Currently, the involvement of the breeder has changed, as feed mills, such as Master Feeds, UFA and Feed Rite, do the mixing. Since we no longer mix the rations ourselves, we need to put our trust in the feed company and their advisors. There are numerous supplements on the market for every species. Their are specific feeds for putting on fat cover on market animals, adding muscle, soundness, improving joint health, fertility and probiotics  for better feed efficiency. Not only that, but now feed supplements can even grow hair on animals! Yes, American cattleman Kirk Stierwalt invented Shag, the amazing feed supplement that has proven to grow hair on your cattle. Pretty neat!



Shag, the new feed supplement that is taking the
show cattle world by storm

 Having a good feed program is an important part of the herd health program that you implement. Not only is it important when feeding a show animal to achieve its optimal potential, but also to the entire herd to maintain health and nutrition. A ration that you feed to a fat animal (market) will differ from one you will give to a breeding female or to a herd bull.

There was alot of experimenting in the earlier years, but cattlemen now turn to nutrition specialists. With this evolving information, we now have more knowledge about feed and nutrients to maintain herd health.

"Fit to be Shown"

Last week, I was preparing my yearling heifer for an upcoming cattle show. This preparation consisted of clipping and dyeing her hair. And at the show, I would also be fitting her. So if you aren't involved in the cattle business and on the show circuit, you probably have no idea what I am talking about. So today I am going to show you about show day preparation for beef cattle!

Many of my town and city friends are aware that I am in 4-H and show cattle. What they don't know is all of the work that goes into getting an animal ready, starting from weaning day to the show ring.

First off, let's get a little history on the concept of "fitting". Back in the day, fitting was simply called grooming. Back then, showmen didn't have the modern convieniences that we do today. My grandma recalls drying the cattle and doing all hair training simply by brushing. Definitely makes our work nowadays look easy!



Grandma preparing the bulls to be shown, 1970

 Hardly any show products were available at the time. All of the work to make the hair grow and be trained was done by nothing but brushing. Grandma says it was all elbow grease until you wore out the brush. Though it sounds like hard work, it in fact makes a lot of sense!

I mentioned earlier that I had been dyeing my heifer. In the old days, any sort of dyeing was prohibited, as it was considered changing the appearance of cattle. Today, many are doing it, but only to enhance the animal's natural hair colour.

Nowadays, "fitting" refers to grooming of animals. Back then, fitting was a completely different concept. Fitting referred to putting the proper weight gain and condition on an animal, a skill admired and sought after.

In the 1970's, my grandparents operated the Wise Custom Fitting Service. They prepared many cattle for shows and sales by feeding every animal properly and getting the right amount of condition on them.



Haram Cattle Co., an operation that kept their cattle at my
grandparents place. They fit their sale cattle.

 Fitting was difficult as there weren't the convinient feed supplements and finishing feed as there is today (I will talk more about this later). Fitters had to find other things to give them the edge and put condition and finish. Here I have put a diary entry of my great-grandpa's from 1937 about his search for the perfect supplement.

"Apparently I have not the success I have been looking for fitting show cattle on grain alone. This year I have been trying roots with some success. One thing certain you will not burn your beasts out as with barley."

That year, my great-grandpa fed his cattle roots from turnips and sugar beets, as he mentioned that by just feeding grain alone, you could not achieve the condition and finish that was desirable. Plus, the roots kept the animals healthy and walking. Today, many people still feed their cattle beet pulp, as it is a protein and fills up the animal.

As times evolved, those who were skilled at grooming didn't want to be called "groomers", so they began to use the term of fitting when they referred to themselves. And to this day, the term fitter has remained. Fitting has not only changed in terms of its' name, but also by the skills learned and the products used.

In the 80's, the blower, one of the best inventions was making its mark. Basically, it is a powerful hair dryer used to dry a wet animal and blow out dirt. More show products were coming in as well, such as Slick Black pomade and Sweet Georgia Brown pomade.

In modern days, the number of show products is endless, but the goal of grooming an animal has stayed the same. Hair training is number one! Of course, we have products, like grooming adhesives, styling mousse, and oil to aid us. And clipping is the same as well- taking off unneeded hair to enhance the animal and bring out their beauty.



Grooming adhesive, the
product every fitter relies on



We as fitters have been exposed to so many more products that help us while preparing our animals for show. If we didn't have these products, I think a good deal of us would be lost. While the people of the 60's were rinsing their cattle and brushing them to stimulate hair growth, nowadays we are sticking our cattle in cold rooms to grow hair. It seems that work back then was harder, but really, it is far simpler. My grandma continues to tell me that brushing is the way to go if I want well trained hair on my show cattle, and in fact, it has been the best fitting technique I have learned along the way.

Whatever you choose to call it, fitting or grooming, you got to keep those cattle looking their best!

Got Milk?

Do you ever wonder where the milk in your fridge comes from? I did a couple of years ago, but now thanks to a bit of education on the topic, I now know the real deal on milk production and dairy cattle!

Although I was born and raised a beef girl, I have taken an interest and learned a bit about dairy cattle over the years. But let me tell you, the first time I was introduced to dairy animals, it was a totally foreign thing to me. They are very different animals from beef cattle, from their conformation to their purpose. However, they are just as important in the agriculture industry as my beef cattle. These beautiful animals give people around the world everybody's favourite drink!

There are over 14,000 dairy farms in Canada, all of which play an extremely important role in milk production. The cows have to be milked twice a day, starting at the remarkably early hour of 4:00 AM. Yep, dairymen are early risers. It is a true dedication to a lifestyle and producing the wonderful milk that we all need.

I have become familiar with a number of dairy breeds in Canada. The one I am most familiar with is Holstein. Holsteins originated in the Netherlands, and have a black and white or red and white colour pattern. The average cow weighs close to 1500 pounds, and stands at an amazing 58 inches at the shoulder. More than 93% of Canada's dairy population is Holstein. 

Dairy cattle can be quite pricey animals as well. About a year and a half ago at the Toronto Royal Winter Fair, a Holstein cow sold for a whopping $1.2 million!

                                                                                  Missy, the million dollar cow

For the past number of years, I have attended the Dairy Classic Youth Judging Workshop put on by the Calgary Stampede. I really enjoy this workshop as it gives participants an in depth look at the makeup of dairy cattle by world renowned dairy expert Dr. Gordon Atkins. This was something I could have never learned on my own. We have the opportunity to judge classes of yearling heifers and mature cows.

What is easy to understand and what I really admire about dairy cattle is that they have a scorecard. When a cow is analyzed, four things are taken into consideration: their mammary system (their udder), dairy strength (the characteristics that make them a feminine, strong cow), the rump, and feet and legs. Yearling heifers are scored as well, but not including the mammary system. Cows are judged on this criteria and given a score. I really like that there is an exact standard of dairy cattle, and everybody respects that. In the beef industry, every cattleman simply has their own opinion on cattle. Beef cattle can be judged in many ways, but that winning dairy female is the same in every dairyman`s eyes.

Over the last few years, I have participated in many dairy judging classes (winning once with a score of 100!), become familiar with a number of breeds, and even made some friends who are in the dairy business. Even after all of this time, I am still in awe over these beautiful animals and the importance of them to the agriculture industry.

Check out these websites for more information!

https://www.holstein.ca/Index.aspx

http://www.cowsmo.com/

Devastating Losses

The current flood in Manitoba is not only devastating to the people, but also to agriculture and livestock. Some of the best farmland in Canada is currenlty underwater by the forced release of water from the Assiniboine River. The Manitoba government felt that they had no choice but to make a cut and begin the intentional breech of the dike on the Assiniboine River near Portage La Prairie. They estimate there will be 150 homes swamped by the water.

There is no way to know what the damage will be to people's property, and for many their livelihoods. The efforts to save livestock will more than likely not be enough and thousands of beef & dairy cattle, sheep, hogs, and poultry will be lost. For the animals that will be managed to be saved, the debate of where they can stay, what they will eat, and who will feed them is still a big problem.

Manitoba has some of Canada's best farmland. But the main reason that it is so good is that this land is on a flood plain, and unfortunately, most of it will be lost too.

View the links below to get an in depth look at this crisis.

http://www.portageonline.com/
http://www.cbc.ca/manitoba/features/flood2011/

Million Dollar Babies

From the beginning of February to the middle of April, it is calving season at the Wise Maine-Anjou Ranch, every cattleman’s favourite time of year. Right. Well maybe not favourite, but definitely one of the most important times of the year. Calving is when our 100 cows give birth to baby calves. Once born, the cows nurse them and raise them.

Before calving begins, our cows are put out on a quarter section of pasture. When the cows are out in pasture, they often have to walk anywhere from a quarter mile to a half mile to water, which keeps them in good condition while in calf. When the first cows are due to calve within the week, they are brought in to stay in a maternity pen and stay in the barn at night. It is important that the cows are brought in to the warm barn on the -30 degree nights, because a calf can be born at any time and can't survive in the cold. Calves in the cold can be subject to all sorts of problems- they can get frost bite and lose parts of their ears and tail, and being too cold can result in death. But once warm weather comes around, the threat of frozen babies diminishes. When it is very warm, cows don't necessarily need to be inside the barn, but can be comfortable in a bedded shed outside.

                                 A cow and calf cozy in the barn on a chilly night.                   

Comfy in the shed on a warm Spring day.

The rancher has many responsibilities when it comes to calving. We must check the cows periodically throughout the day and night to make sure that the calves are delivered with no problems and that the momma's are doing their role- cleaning the babies and letting them suck. It is imperative that the calves get up and suck right away, as they need to receive momma's milk. The milk they produce right after they calve is called Colostrum. It is full of protein and antibodies. This keeps the calf from getting sick and be able to grow into a strong baby.

New baby up to suck from mamma.

The 2 AM cow checks are not what we look forward too. However technology has made that part easy. Many cattlemen have a closed circuit T.V. system. Basically, cameras are set up in the calving barn and the video is shown on televisions. Having a close eye on our cattle makes it easy as we don't necessarily have to go out in the cold every 2 hours. My family has had this T.V. system since the early 1970's. It's truly a great invention.

It's not always an easy time though. Many problems can occur before the calf is even born. Malpresentations happen where a calf may be backwards, upside down, or have its' head turned around in the cow's uterus. Cows may have a difficult time giving birth and the rancher will have to pull the calf their selves. Sometimes, the calf may be too large altogether or there may be other problems and the vet may have to show up to perform a caesarean section. Not fun. But we do all we can to deliver a calf safely to ensure its health and its mamma's. It is also our job to make sure clean bedding is set out everyday to keep the cows and calves cozy a dry.

It is important that cattlemen have a successful calving season, as these calendar year calves will go on the become replacement heifers, market animals, and breeding bulls, in our herd or someone elses. These babies will be the cattlemen's profit. This year was an easy and successful calving season, as we lost no calves or cows, and had only 3 sets of twins. Calving season can have its ups and downs, but it is an exciting time of year for all!

                                             Enjoying a little nap nestled in the straw.

                                                  

Mama's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all! While we all celebrate and appreciate our moms today, I think about my mom and my grandma and how they have gotten me to where I am today.

My grandma, Leta, is my inspiration in life. She has been in the purebred cattle business all of her life and is a highly respected cattle woman. She has a quiet manner and a natural instinct when it comes to cattle. She has shown since an early age, and when I started to show, she gave me advice on picking my animals and working with them. She doesn't attend shows too often anymore, but always wants to hear the details when I return home from one. I have learned many things from her, and she still offers advice everyday. She has accomplished so much in her life, and she is everything I want to be. She is a true vision.

My grandma, Leta, at 12 years old showing in the Calgary Bull Sale Baby Beef show, Champion Shorthorn Steer.

I don't know where I would be without my mom, Della. She too grew up in the cattle business and has worked many shows and sales. When I started showing, she was the one that encouraged me to get out in the ring and do my best. There are times when the responsibilities of life seem to be alot to handle, but Mom keeps me grounded and working hard. If it wasn't for her, I don't think I would have accomplished as much as I have in my show career, and I definitetly wouldn't have the same motivation. Mom encourages me to reach my goals and live life to the fullest every day.

My mom, Della, 7 years old at Olds Fair.

It is important that we young people have mentors and people encouraging and inspiring us to be successful in agriculture. Without my mentors, I wouldn't be where I am today. I feel lucky that I have a great mom and grandma who constantly push me to do my best and go for my dreams.



Me, 8 years old, Pee Wee Showmanship at Westlock Fair, my very first show :)

So let's all celebrate our mother's and thank them for being our inspirations and motivations!

4-H Cleaning Up Alberta

Today saw many of the province's 4-H members pitch in at the 4-H program's annual fundraiser, Highway Cleanup. The 4-H program has been cleaning up Alberta's highways annually at the beginning of May for many years now. It is an excellent fundraiser as we make for a cleaner and healthier environment.

The Alberta 4-H program lets youth grow and learn together with other people who share the same interests. The philosophy of 4-H is to learn life skills for the future, become leaders, cooperate, and learn to do by doing. The 4-H program pledges to clearer thinking, greater loyalty, larger service and better living to our club, community and country. And in case any of you are wondering, the 4 H's stand for Head, Heart, Health, and Hands.

4-H members strive to become leaders and strengthen communities by volunteering and leadership work. Highway Cleanup today allowed us to do work in the community and to work together in groups. Not only did we do a good deed for the community, but it was a team-building activity as well. 4-H clubs need to continue doing these sorts of activities to ensure we maintain our reputation as young leaders in the community.

I have been a member of the Irricana 4-H Beef and Multi Club since I was 12 years old. Now practically an adult at 18, I feel that my 4-H experience has let me grow as a leader and develop skills I probably wouldn't have if I had never joined 4-H. Thanks to my experience, I feel I can use my leadership and cooperation skills in the future. Volunteering has motivated me to continue to help out in the community and make a difference. The 4-H program has been an excellent place for me to grow as a person.

Where's the Beef?

Today my family booked in our first steers to be processed. Rather than just using our market animals for ourselves, we have started custom beef sales to customers. Our custom beef sales have grown every year and have been a very important part to our ranch. Our customers have told us that the quality of the beef is outstanding and that they will not purchase from the grocery store anymore. The customers like that the beef they purchase are processed and cut the way they want. We have been quite successful with these sales and they will always be a part of our program.

Although the sales are successful, they were ultimately the result of BSE. In 2003, BSE, technically known as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, a fatal disease in cattle, caused the borders to be closed to the export of Canadian beef. This devastated the Canadian cattle industry. When the borders closed, my family's ranch lost our buyers from the United States, which were in fact the majority of our sales. Producers had to go back to the drawing board and rethink of how we were going to remain successful in the industry. Without our seed stock buyers from the United States, we too had to find a new way to make profit. This is where our custom beef sales came into play.

The rest of my family have been doing these sales since BSE became a crisis, but I actually came into the business through 4-H. When I joined my 4-H club almost 7 years ago, my sister and I had project steers, and like many other members, alternate steers as well. After the 4-H steers were sold, the alternates were sent to be processed. While we kept a side of that beef for ourselves, my sister and I found buyers of our own for the rest of it. Ever since then, we have kept up a relationship with these buyers and sell to them every year. I see this as a project I will continue in the future to my own custom beef business. Many cattlemen have found new ways to make profit in their programs and I believe I have found my way.

Will We Have a Voice in the New Canadian Government?

Monday's federal election gave us a Conservative majority government. Everyone is probably relieved that we won't have to go to the polls for another 4 years. Our MP is Kevin Sorenson, and he has been a strong supporter of the agriculture industry, however, federally agriculture was not an issue in this election. While Alberta's votes were guaranteed to be for the Conservatives, let's hope that our Prime Minister and his MP's remember who feeds this country and the world.

Legal at Last!

Just as I had mentioned before, today is my 18th birthday, a big milestone in my life! I was able to spend my day with my family and my friends from school. While I wasn't able to see my friends from outside of school, many of them wished me a happy birthday on Facebook. Recieving these birthday wishes from my friends made my day even better, but it also got me thinking about the impact of social networking. In recent years, social networking has given people the chance to stay in touch with friends in a very easy way. More and more people have come together and have been able to share their information, photos and news with their friends through programs such as Facebook, Twitter, and blogs. Not only do individuals have profiles, but social networks have given the opportunity for ranchers and cattlemen to make profiles for themselves. By doing this, many cattle producers can have an identity on the internet, where so many people are ineracting nowadays. The world is always changing and bringing in new ideas and innovations, and the opportunity of social networking have kept cattlemen moving with these changing times.

I am a Canadian.
A free Canadian.
Free to speak without fear,
Free to worship in my own way,
Free to oppose what I belive wrong,
Free to stand for what I think is right,
Free to choose those who shall govern my country.
This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for
Myself and all mankind.

This was adapted from Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, on July 1st, 1960. I couldn't agree more. As free Canadians, it is only right that we respect our freedom and vote. This year, many of my friends have turned 18 and had the pleasure of voting in the federal election today. Unfortunatly, I did not get to share in this privelage. My 18th birthday is tomorrow, May 3rd. So I missed voting in my first election by a mere day. However, when the next election comes around, I will be a proud Canadian and stand up for my beliefs. I will do what I badly wish I could have done today- vote.

And it begins!

Welcome to Born to Fly! I am Keltey Whelan, a fourth generation cattle producer and avid show girl. My family currently raises about 100 head of purebred Maine-Anjou and Maine Influence cattle and I am actively involved in its day to day production. Although I take part in daily tasks on the ranch, my main responsibility is marketing our program. This includes everything from creating advertisements & promotional flyers, designing websites, and showing our cattle. Marketing has become a passion of mine in the last few years. I enjoy participating in marketing competitions at 4-H and Junior cattle shows, as well as promoting my family's ranch. I have also become interested and talented in graphic design, which I incorporate into many of my marketing pieces. This Fall, I will be attending the University of Lethbridge to start a Bachelor of Fine Arts. In the future, I hope that my University education can take me into a career in graphic design and social media in the agricultural industry. It is my goal to promote my business and to work with other cattlemen in promotion of theirs, and to make a name for myself in this great industry!