Tanner Fenske, a fifth year member of the Bon Accord Beef Club, had his steer chosen as the 2024 Grand Champion at the Club’s annual Show and Sale held May 29 at the Sturgeon Agriplex east of Morninville. His steer was selected the top steer of 25 shown this year by the trio of judges, Leah Jones, Cache Schiller and Randy Grabler. Tanner’s steer, LARRY, started out the 4-H year at 658 lbs and finished at 1,373 lbs for a 3.44 lb ADG. He was sold at the evening sale at 1,360 lbs to Freson Bros. of Fort Saskatchewan for $4.75 per lb.
His brother Colton Fenske, a seven year member of the Bon Accord Club was awarded the Reserve Grand Champion steer title with his steer LEONARD. This steer started out the 4-H year at 773 lbs and finished at 1,567 lbs for a 3.83 lb ADG. The steer’s sale weight of 1,544 lbs was purchased by O.K. Fdn of Sturgeon County for $4.00 per lb. Colton also took Reserve Champion in the Carcass class with another steer, while his sister Cassidy took Grand Champion. Interesting to note, in the 2023 show, Colton won the Grand Champion Steer title, while Tanner took Reserve.
Jolene Wilson won Champion Steer Rate of Gain with her steer TANK, who gained 4.11 lbs per day during the 4-H year. Cassidy Fenske won Reserce Champion Steer Rate of Gain with her steer POTATO, with a 3.99 lb ADG.
In the female class, Clay Walsh won Grand Champion 3yr old cow/calf with Jace Walsh taking Reserve Grand Champion
In the 2 year old cow/calf competition, Colton Fenske took first, with Cassidy Fenske taking second. Colton also won the Grand Champion Heifer title, with Tanner Fenske placing 2nd.
In Junior Showmanship and Grooming, Bryn Walsh won Champion in showmanship, with Harlan Spooner taking Reserve. Jolene Wilson won Champion grooming and Greer Dostie Reserve.
In Intermediate Showmanship and Grooming, Tanner Felske won Champion showmanship, with Colin Dostie taking Reserve. Blake Bielert won Champion Grooming, with Colin Dostie taking Reserve.
In the Senior Showmanship and Grooming class, Colton Fenske took Champion Showmanship, with Tye Walsh taking Reserve. Cassidy Fenske won Champion Grooming with Colton Fenske taking Reserve.
This year’s Gordon Fuhr Memorial Award went to Tye Walsh, a 9 year member of the Bon Accord club. Since 2005, this special award has been presented to the 4-H member who best exemplifies the attributes of Gordon Fuhr. Fuhr, who passed away in early 2023. He was the founder of the Riviere Qui Barre 4-H Beef Club and Inductee to the Alberta 4-H Hall of Fame. He was noted for his “Prominent Leadership, Eminent Volunteering and Outstanding Community Citizenship.” It is these attributes that are best represented by a member each year. Tye Walsh was presented with the award this year by his grandmother, Colleen Prefontaine, a long time friend of Gordon Fuhr and former Bon Accord club leader.
In the evening sale following the show, conducted by auctioneer Nick Gulka of Heartland Auctions, the 25 steers were sold on their total 31,866 lb weight for a toal of $130,970.75. With an average weight of 1,274.64 lbs and an average price of $5,238.83, the steers sold for an average price of $4.11 per pound. (Note: these are unofficial figures)
