This year’s drought has brought a change to the rules for Saskatchewan

4-H livestock clubs.

Traditionally, the clubs require 4-H members to show a live animal at

the spring achievement days. But with the feed shortage and dry

pastures causing some ranchers to cull their herds, some 4-H members

might be without an animal.

“We want to encourage members to stay in 4-H,” said Valerie Smith,

executive director of Saskatchewan 4-H.

Smith said when the provincial board met recently, it discussed this

year’s unusual weather and decided no member should be punished for

such situations.

Instead, members without animals will be encouraged to do innovative

projects such as displaying photos of a visit to a feedlot, or sharing

an animal and its care with another member or going with a single

animal for a club.

Of the province’s total of 238 clubs, 100 are focused on beef.