The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

The Fort Belknap 4-H Fair got started on Monday, August 8 with the Steer Project Poster Design and rodeo ground cleanup. The Market Animal weigh-in took place on Wednesday, August 10, and the 4-H Market Livestock Showmanship and Judging took place Friday morning, August 12 at the Wasay Wakpa Rodeo Arena Grounds in Lodge Pole. The Fort Belknap 4-H Fair concluded later in the day following the conclusion of the 4-H Livestock sale that began at Noon, Friday afternoon.

It was another fantastic showing by the youth at the Fort Belknap Fair and the hard work and dedication put on display by seven members of the Lucky Charms 4-H Club as they proudly led their Steers around the sale ring. The seven Market Steers sold for a combined total of $40,678.75 with the average steer bringing $5,811.25, The overall average steer weight was 1,185 pounds and brought $4.86 per pound during the sale.

Mason Lone Bear was the weeks big winner, taking home top honors in multiple categories. Mason and his Steer 'John Henry' won the Showmanship competition and was named Market Beef Champion. John Henry was weened at 770 pounds and his selling weight was 1,360 pounds netting the top price of the sale at $6.00/pound for a total of $8,160 to the Fort Belknap Tribe. Lone Bear fed John Henry R&G Champion steer Feed and Grass Hay. Frank Sonny Cole was the Reserve Showmanship Champion selling his 1,355 pound steer for $5.00/lb. to R&G.

Kimowon Windy Boy was the Junior Showmanship Champion and her 1,095 pound steer was sold to Triangle Communication for $4.50/lb. Katherine Windy Boy earned Reserve Market Beef Honors selling her steer to Art's Furniture for $4.75/lb. Katie Flansburg (1,110 lbs for $4.75 to American Prairie), Emma Cole (1,145 lbs. for $5.25 to IMDG) and Jazlyn Flansburg (1,060 lbs. for $3.75 to Fort Belknap Tribe) also sold at the Livestock Sale.

Don Racine Sr. served as Judge, Joe Demontiney was the Auctioneer and Liz Werk was the MSU-Extension Fort Belknap Ag Agent that oversaw the Fair. Hillary Maxwell played a huge role in helping the kids get through the week as well as getting them ready. The Fort Belknap fair is the culmination of months of dedicated work by volunteers, parents and the Lucky Charm 4-H members themselves. Prior to the sale organizers reached out to potential buyers thanking them for their participation, stating, "4-H livestock projects provide opportunities for youth to develop many life skills that will help them to better serve their community. The 4-H Market Animal Sale offers communities and its members an opportunity to invest in youth and their future. Proceeds from the sale of projects often fund college educations, enhancing the ability of these youth to contribute to their communities."

At the conclusion of the Fort Belknap Fair, it can only be deemed a success, the sale generated top dollars and the kids that sold their animals benefited. The focus now shifts to next year and organizers are already looking forward to making 2023 even better.