There were a lot of equine enthusiasts in Weyburn on May 4. More than 30 4-H’ers, young and old, joined together for the 4-H Saskatchewan’s annual Equine Symposium on May 4 in the Big Barn at the Weyburn Fair Grounds. This was a day of fun and learning for both members and leaders. The morning started with a session where 4-H members learned about equine health through a Horse Learning Lab Kit, which comes from the Ohio State University. This kit had topics around confirmation, muscular and skeletal systems, feed and more. The members enjoyed working together during this hands-on session. Once they worked through all the tables, the 4-H’ers gathered in the stands for the first presentation by the main presenter, Amos Abrahamson. Abrahamson is from just west of Maple Creek, where he owns and operates his horse training business, Diamond J Performance Horses. Abrahamson’s first session was a yearling demonstration, where he worked with a yearling horse to refine its responsiveness. After lunch, the 4-H’ers were ready to learn more from Abrahamson, who gave his second presentation on a two-year-old horse. It was his first time working with the horse he brought and the 4-H members and leaders were impressed with his calm demeanor and by him getting on the horse’s back for the first time. They were excited to ask him questions are the end of his session and were engaged with what he was telling them. The last session of the day was by Miranda Wiens from Equi-Health Canada. She gave the 4-H members a basic run down of some equine first aids tips they could use in the future. She also had members try some of the skills, such as taking the horse’s pulse, during her session. Wiens encouraged any of the 4-H’ers interested in learning more to take a full equine first aid course. It was a great day, which wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our sponsors. We’d like to thank Greenhawk for donating a pair of socks for all the participants. Since it was a cold day, many of the members immediately put on their socks. Thank you to our presenters, Amos Abrahamson and Miranda Wiens. We’d also like to thank Brittany Stepp for volunteering for the day and Lisa Halberg for bringing her horse for the first aid demonstration.
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Combine parliamentary procedure with fun activities and you have an exciting day for 4-H members. 4-H Citizenship Day was held on April 18 in Regina at the Lakeview United Church and Saskatchewan Legislative Building. Close to 20 members and leaders gathered together to learn about parliamentary procedure and the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. The day started with a presentation about how Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) make decisions and a little bit about what happens in the Legislature. The attendees then hopped onto a bus to head to the Legislative Building to attend Question Period. During Question Period, the members were able to see the MLAs in action, and witnessed how they discuss topics. They also had a fun quiz to help them learn about the MLAs and the building. After watching the politicians, the members were joined by MLA Mr. Warren Steinley. He explained he was a 4-H member in his youth and credited the organization with teaching him valuable skills he now uses as a MLA. The members asked him many questions about his career and experience in 4-H. After heading back to the church, the members participated in a Parliamentary Procedure workshop with Melodi Hawkesford-Lee, complete with some fun games. There was a short break for lunch before the members learned about what a debate is and how to debate. Then MLA Mr. Yens Pederson joined the 4-H’ers, discussing with them his 4-H experience and some tips for debating. The members were then broken into small groups to prepare their debate topics, around social media and cell phone use. Some of the members had to take on the role of their parents and teachers, while the others debated on behalf of youth. Both sides made excellent points defending their arguments. It was a fun event and 4-H Saskatchewan hopes to continue to host every year, rotating between Regina and Saskatoon. While in Saskatoon, 4-H hopes to discuss municipal politics with the members. Thank-you to volunteers, Warren Steinley, Yens Pederson and the staff at both the Legislative Building and Lakeview United Church for all their help in making the day a success! Thank you to our Title Sponsor: Mosaic Thirty-two 4-H members from across the province came together on April 13 for the 2019 Provincial 4-H Public Speaking Competition at the Lancer Community Hall in Lancer to compete for the top place honours in this prestigious competition. The speeches began at 1 p.m. and proceeded throughout the afternoon with each speaker presenting their speech in turn. All of the youth were exemplary and poised while speaking on topics that were informative, entertaining, or close to their heart. The competition was followed by a banquet and awards ceremony where special guests were in attendance, including the Honorable Doug Steele, MLA of Cypress Hills;, Honourable Yens Peterson, MLA Regina Northeast & Opposition Critic for Agriculture; Cera Youngson, executive director of 4-H Saskatchewan; Glenn Gress, president of the 4-H Saskatchewan Board of Directors; and Stan Figley, Alvin Pawlitza, and Nora Schock, delegates to the 4-H Saskatchewan Board of Directors. In the Cloverbud category, for members aged six to eight, Addison Pain earned first place with her speech “Winter Activates.” In the Junior Category, for members nine to 12 years old, Hannah Hoberg earned first place with her speech topic “How to be a loser.” Martine Bosse earned her first place with the Intermediate category, for ages 13 to 15, with her speech topic “Lights Camera Action.” In the Senior category, Makenna Heidecker earned first place with her speech “Rejection.” Congratulations to all of the top placed competitors at the 2019 Provincial 4-H Public Speaking Competition. Thank you to the clubs of the District #11 4-H Council, which includes the Abbey-Lancer 4-H Beef Club and PALS Multiple 4-H Club, as well as those on the Public Speaking committee for their hard work preparing and hosting this event. Thank you to all our judges who donated their time, including Don Connick, Joan Jackson, Darren Smid, Sarah Anderson, Karlah Rudolf, David Hagel, David Anderson, Tami Wall, John Wagner, Page Newton, Jessica Smith and Arthur Ward. Thank you to the sponsors and donors who made the 2019 Provincial 4-H Public Speaking Competition a very special day. Your generosity is truly appreciated. Special thanks to Platinum Level Sponsors: 4-H Saskatchewan Provincial Program Partners and RBC. Bronze Level Sponsors; South West Terminal Ltd, Masterfeeds, Ponderosa Ag Sales Ltd, Lime Zero Mechanical ltd, Robertson Implements. Top Placed SpeakersCloverbud 1) Addison Pain, Medstead Multiple 4-H Club (NW), “Winter Activities” 2) Chase Dyrland, Nomad’s 4-H Beef Club (SW). “My First Job” 3) Gage Goetz, Outram-Madigan Beef 4-H Club (SE), “My Heart Surgery” Junior 1) Hannah Hoberg, Sheho 4-H Beef Club (NE), “How To Be A Loser” 2) Hunter Allen, Northminster 4-H Beef Club (NW), “Why I Would Make a Great Police Officer” 3) Nadelle Murphy, Moosomin Multiple 4-H Club (SE), “My Week at Summer Camp” Intermediate 1) Martine Bosse, Herds of Thunder 4-H Club (NW), “Lights Camera Action" 2) Georgia Pawlitza, Abbey- Lancer 4-H Beef Club (SW), “8 Seconds” 3) Kaleigh McLaughlin, Moosomin 4-H Multiple Club (SE), “The Man, The Myth, The Legend” Senior 1) Makenna Heidecker, Three Lakes Beef 4-H Club (NE), “Rejection” 2) Thea Valstar, Springside 4-H Beef Club (SE), “I am… Are You?” 3) Rayna Yasieniuk, Reigning Riders 4-H Club (NW), “Our Journey” photo by Mary Kate Robertson
It was another great weekend of discussion and friendship.
The 2019 Annual General Meeting was held the weekend of March 23-24 at the Saskatoon Inn. During the weekend, member and leader voting delegates were asked to vote on a number of decisions. The theme of this year's meeting “For My Club, My Community and My Country”, under the communications and community engagement development pillar. There were 177 attendees, including a record-setting 109 youth delegates. After welcome and introductions, the first item of business was voting for the 18-year-olf delegates to the board of directors. There was one two-year term available and Kati Culbertson was elected by the membership. Following the election, the delegates dispersed into their regional meetings, where reports were given, regional and provincial event hosts were chosen and elections for the 4-H Saskatchewan Board of Directors, Advisory Council and Ambassadors were held. The delegates participated in a lively Parade of Regions, before joining together for lunch. They then enjoyed a Community Service Panel, with four guests who are involved in their communities – Cst. Tamara Paulsen of the Saskatoon Police Service, Judy Harwood from SARM and the R.M. of Corman Park, Brady Figley from the Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon and Eli Kearley, who is an 11-year-old philanthropist. At the end of the panel, there was time for the 4-H members to ask their own questions. There was then a short break before going back into the business meetings, where two resolutions were discussed and voted on, before recessing for the day. The first resolution discussed was changing the age categories for 4-H members. The annual Recognition Banquet was held on Saturday evening, where 4-H Saskatchewan’s sponsors and donors were honoured for their contributions to 4-H. Special guest, the Honourable David Marit, Minister of Agriculture brought greetings on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan. Provincial first place public speakers, Morgan Heidecker and Hunter Reid presented their speeches. Two individuals and one couple, Wayne and Kim Jansen, Melanie Bashutski and Richard Moellenbeck, were inducted into the Hall of Fame. All four of them have been heavily involved in the 4-H program, dedicated their time and commitment to helping develop the youth in the province. All four shared a few words with those gathered, showcasing their 4-H spirit and continuing to inspire youth. Following the banquet, the members headed to their 4-H dance – supervised by North East Regional 4-H Specialist Shelby Longworth. They brought donations for the Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon. The leaders joined North West Regional 4-H Specialist Kalynne Martin for bingo and other games, with more than $500 raised during the bingo going to STARS Air Ambulance. Although it was a late night on Saturday, everyone was up early and ready for breakfast at 8 a.m. on Sunday. Before going into business meetings, the members and leaders participated in the Focus on 4-H Forum. This was an open discussion on topics, such as Communication of 4-H Programs, Selections Processes, 4-H Branding and the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation Vital Community Conversations. There were many lively discussions and great suggestions were brought forward! The notes from the discussions were captured for the Board of Directors and staff to use for future meetings. After the auditor’s report, two resolutions were voted on by the delegation. The program came to a close with a recognition program for members and leaders reaching special milestones in their 4-H careers, and thanking outgoing Board and Advisory Council members for their service. After a final loonie draw and four special announcements, the business meeting was adjourned and everyone was free to go home. Overall, it was a very successful weekend and AGM! 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees
2018-19 Board of Directors
2018-19 Advisory Council
2018-19 4-H Ambassadors
The 2019 4-H Beef Symposium was held on February 23 in Saskatoon.
The day started with greeting from Cera Youngson, executive director of 4-H Saskatchewan. She also introduced the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association’s What’s Your Beef Trivia Contest for all 4-H members. This contest is for all 4-H members, no matter what project they are in. More details are available on the 4-H website. After greeting and a quick icebreaker game, there were two presentations by students at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Vanessa Cowan, a PHD student, spoke first about the dangers of ergot in feed for cattle. She was followed by Kendra Elliot, a Veterinary Medicine student and former 4-H member, who spoke about the importance of vaccination. Once the presentations were finished, Kendra played a couple rounds of bovine trivia with the 4-H members before a break for lunch. After lunch, the 4-H members bundled up and headed out to the Livestock Forage Centre of Excellence to tour the facility and learn about the research happening by students. The 4-H members were all thrilled to see the livestock there and had the chance to touch some of the cattle. After the tour ended and a group photo was taken, the 4-H members piled back into the vehicles to go back to the U of S, where they had a snack and filled out their evaluation forms. 4-H Saskatchewan would like to thank the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association for being a title sponsor for this event. This event would not be possible without their generous support. |
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April 2024
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