After the Washington County Beef Weigh-in on Dec. 9, 101 Washington County 4-H’ers and FFA members have enrolled and weighed in 173 market beef animals for the 2023-2024 year. According to Amy Green, 4-H/Youth Coordinator, these numbers are increased from last year and others may continue to enroll through surrounding county weigh-ins held later this month and next. If a family with market calves was not able to attend on Dec. 9, they should get in contact with the Extension Office immediately for alternate weigh-in locations.

4-H’ers and FFA members could also nominate market beef for State Fair. Those animals were weighed, tagged, and retinal scanned for identification purposes. Thirty-nine calves have been nominated for the Iowa State Fair.

4-H beef superintendent and volunteers, 4-H and Youth Committee members, County Council members, Extension Staff, Washington County Cattlemen members and 4-H families assisted with the annual weigh-in. Beef superintendents Stephanie and Lyle Sexton are instrumental in the planning, organization, and carrying out of the weigh-in successfully.

“We love to see these members with the start of their projects each December and this year to have more youth participating is exciting,” said Stephanie Sexton. “We give a special thanks and recognition to Kalona Sales Barn, Schlapkohl Veterinary Services and Kalona Vet for use of equipment and facility support. They help make it possible.”

4-H’ers were encouraged to complete the pre-scale form ahead of time to have their name entered in the drawing for supplies to teach and grow their beef project. Those winners included Cameron Ropp and Ellyanna Hahn. Thank you to sponsor Tad TeBockhorst.

4-H families are required to enter the market beef weigh-in data to 4hOnline before Jan. 31. Please contact the Extension Office, 319-653-4811, with any questions on this process or for ways on how to support the market beef project area in Washington County.