Hi-Line LIving: 4-H cow country

The 4-H Club of Havre held their annual Hi-Line Preview Saturday at the Bigger Better Barn at the Hill County Fairgrounds.

Kids traveled to Havre from all over the state to take part in the cattle show and vie for a top ranking in the competition. The season for events like these generally lasts from April to June and many of the participants will travel to various Montanan towns and nearby states to compete with their cattle.

The judges study the youths' steers on multiple aspects, including breeding, conformation and coats.

"Conformation is how the animal is built," said Lisa O'Neil, who helped run the competition. "How it's been bred for the market industry."

O'Neil said the event probably brought around 50 people to Havre, coming from as far away as Gardiner, Miles City and Billings. There was a total of 33 entries in the competition: seven heifers and 26 steers.

"Show cows are raised to perform based on appearance and handling," O'Neil said, adding that the kids either breed or purchase a steer for a project and then halter-break, groom and feed the steers.

As they nurture their calves, the youth research what foods they want to feed the animals and how much water it needs. How a steer is raised affects many aspects as it matures. The condition of its coat is maintained and improved with diet and grooming, as is its market value.

"It takes a lot of time and dedication - not only on the kids' part, but the parents' part as well," O'Neil said.

The event was $20 for each youth to enter, but the event is run by a nonprofit, so all the proceeds go back to the kids in either prize money or belt buckles. At some events, the kids can earn anywhere from $30 to $8,000 for a winning steer. Local businesses and sponsors help out with organizing and funding the events. O'Neil said her daughter, Shelby, who was the main organizer of the Havre event had 27 local donors contributed to the event.

Participants also stand to gain scholarships to universities if they stay with and do well in the program.

O'Neil said in addition to learning accountability for taking care of the animals, the youth also learn about the market industry and showmanship and gain self esteem. They follow through with the calf until it is at a good age to sell for meat.

"It makes them more global in their knowledge case about the food industry," O'Neil said. " ... They get confidence, the ability to present themselves and the responsibility of taking a small calf and raising it"

She said the event was a good way to get Havre 4-H and FFA members to experience showing their animals and gives them an opportunity to network with others.