County to adjust support for 4-H clubs

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Wheatland County Agriculture Service Board (ASB) discussed support of the five local 4-H clubs operating within county borders during the Oct. 2 meeting in council chambers. 

The Wheatland County ASB has traditionally supported the Rockyford 4-H Beef, Standard 4-H Sheep, and Hussar 4-H Beef sales. Historically, the ASB has purchased two steers and one sheep annually from the respective 4-H clubs. 

Following the purchases, one steer and sheep are resold “on the rail,” according to administration, and one steer is sent for butchering to be donated to the Wheatland County Food Bank. 

Throughout the county, there are five operating 4-H clubs, including Rockyford Beef, Standard Sheep, Hussar Beef, Crowfoot, and the Strathmore Rusty Spurs. 

A survey distributed by the ASB to the various clubs in July suggested mixed opinions regarding the avenues which the county has taken to support the clubs. 

“The report is very interesting – there are unintended consequences for every action that you take. We really were trying to do the best thing for our community, and I can see from some other perspectives, it may not have been the right way to go,” said member Shannon Laprise. 

Members of the ASB proposed various new avenues for continuing to support the 4-H clubs in a more balanced, fair, and fiscally responsible manner. 

Suggestions included splitting funds allotted to supporting the clubs five ways in consideration of direct equity, basing funding to each club on the number of members and their goals, and by potentially having each club present before the ASB their goals and justifications for receiving funding.

“I did hear perspectives around – it might be nice to do it split equally between the clubs. There would be some flat costs regardless of how many members you have, and … fundraising can be more challenging with smaller membership,” said member Amber Link. “This could really contribute to the sustainability, especially of those smaller clubs and maybe even help them grow.”

A motion was introduced that the ASB divide their funds between the five 4-H clubs within the local region, and a request made that each club send representatives members to present before the ASB. 

Coun. Rick Laursen suggested specifying within requests for presentations that the ASB aims to hear what projects and activities each respective club takes on and participates in. 

It was also put forward that the ASB consider increasing their budget for allocating to support the 4-H clubs to $15,000 annually in order to have an even, round number divisible for each of the respective local clubs. 

The motion was approved unanimously by the ASB.