The 4-H program in Alberta has seen many changes over the years, such as how 4-H beef projects used to be sold at 600-700 lbs, and are now finished at 1200-1400 lbs.

An event called Centennial Fever, took place in Olds August 4-6, celebrating 100 years of 4-H in Alberta. Olds was chosen for the location since it was the birth place of 4-H in Alberta.

17-year-old 4-H Ambassador for the East Central Region and member of the Concert 4-H Beef Club, Sarah Tkach, says she is a third generation member of the program.

"I like agriculture, just because I'm a dad's girl. I absolutely love farming, and 4-H gives you a little bit of an insight of something past your own small, little community by being able to go to all these other shows and see how other producers and farmers have different views and ways of dealing with things."

Tkach says, even though the faces of 4-H have changed over the past hundred years, the values of the program have not.

Chairmen of the Board of the Alberta 4-H Foundation, Kevin Luft.

Chairmen of the Board of Directors of the Alberta 4-H Foundation, Keith Luft, says the program has also played a large role in his life.

"I was in the Cremona 4-H Beef Club, and all three of my kids were in the Cremona 4-H Beef Club, and they've passed through it now. My wife was in a 4-H club in Bearspaw, and we actually met in 4-H."

Luft says the program is working to build more opportunities for youth in agriculture, since the industry has changed and job opportunities are no longer as evident as they used to be.

The weekend long event included activities such as campfires, fireworks, a concert, craft sessions, and remising with 4-H alumni.

They encourage anyone interested in 4-H to check it out, as there is now many opportunities to participate, even if you are not on a farm or acreage.

 

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