Steer Aid Program Help FFA / 4H Youth

LA JUNTA – Sign-up is under way for Steer-Aid, a youth incentive program designed to strengthen market beef participation. Several years ago, longtime 4-H volunteers Curt & Susan Russell became concerned about lower entry numbers at Southeast Colorado market beef shows.

Because of this, their business, WW Feed & Supply, launched a program for local 4-H & FFA members. The incentive program, called Steer-Aid, is designed to draw more youth into exhibiting market beef. WW Feed & Supply annually assembles a pool of show calves and help youth with financing. The Russell family also offers a 2-day training clinic, and will be available for consultation on rations, advice on fitting and showing, and one-on-one visits to the participant’s project.

While the Russell’s emphasize education, through the years Steer-Aid has enjoyed numerous show & showmanship successes, and this past August one of the participants’ Steer-Aid animal was named 2013 Sand & Sage Fair Grand Champion Market Beef.

The youth signup deadline is Nov. 15th, 2013. Steer-Aid is open to 4-H & FFA youth in Baca, Bent, Crowley, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Lincoln, Otero, Prowers and Pueblo counties. Details are on wwfeed.com or call 384-4463.