Council heard last week how a young member of the Bergen 4-H Multi Club developed a passion for the organization.
“Imagine,” said seven-year-old Colt Needham during the March 4 meeting, setting the stage for his tale.
“1,335 pounds of red and white beast blowing snot all over you.”
Following a round of laughter from those present, Needham expressed gratitude for the opportunity to practise public speaking, which is but one of many aspects involved in 4-H, which stands for head, heart, hands and health.
Donning full western attire including a cowboy hat with a green tie to boot, Needham recalled his first year with the organization as an incredible experience packed full of great memories and new friends.
“I told my mom at age three that when I turned six like my bigger cousins, that I wanted to show my own steer. Three long years later, my dream came true,” he said.
The process began by searching out his prospect, riding a horse through a herd and making a note of potential options, he said, adding that he eventually narrowed his list down to a red Simmental steer with a white face.
“The first few days with Andy after the weigh-in were interesting, to say the least,” he said, frequently looking up from his notes to make eye contact with council.
Although the steer did not seem to mind being brushed within the confines of the chute, learning to lead and tie the animal up outside the fencing “was a whole different story.”
It took some time and work before his mom Christa Bowhay felt confident enough to let Colt lead Andy by himself.
“I knew it should be easy. But in reality, who was I kidding. I weighed a whopping 42 pounds and Andy outweighed me by too much to think about,” he said, eliciting another round of laughs.
“I was scared stiff but mom kept encouraging me and in no time my confidence grew.”
Driven by the desire to win the showmanship competition, Colt was enthusiastic — albeit nervous — to take part in his first show and sale last May and was ecstatic after placing first in his age group.
With achievement day lined up next later that month, he could barely sleep the night before the event, not only due to the excitement but also because of a case of the runs Andy had developed.
“Needless to say, he had to be re-washed,” he said, adding his effort paid off when he again won in showmanship.
“However, the huge surprise of the day was winning grand champion steer. It was a trophy so big I could barely lift it,” he said.
“By this point, I was hooked on 4-H forever.”
At the regional fair, he said his mom had cautioned him that the competition would be stiff and not to get his hopes too high as well as to be gracious regardless of how he finished.
“It was a long day,” he said.
All of his hard work culminated in being recognized by a judge who walked across the arena to shake his hand. But the best part was finally getting to sell Andy, he said.
“I was excited to finally get paid. It was all worth it,” he said.
“That final walk with Andy was a happy one.”
Not destined for slaughter, the steer ended up “happily living at Alta Genetics,” he added.
“That 1,335 pounds of red and white snot skipped the carcass class.”
Following the conclusion of his tale, Coun. Charlene Preston, who hails from a fifth generation 4-H family, praised Colt’s presentation and encouraged him to keep up the good work.
Jim Bowhay, Colt’s grandfather, later told the Round Up the presentation was not only an opportunity for Colt to practise public speaking, but also a chance for members of council to get a glimpse of what 4-H offers.
