SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. — The Arnal Boys Memorial Bursary for Young Farmers begins on strong financial footing after three donated bred heifers sold for a total of $35,500 at the Rock Solid Bred Heifer sale here Dec. 8.
The heifers consigned by Wayne Bircham and Bircham Ranch kicked off the 10th annual sale at which the consignors take turns donating heifers to a charity or cause.
This year was Bircham’s turn and he chose to fund the bursary named for three young brothers who all died in farm-related accidents.
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Blake Arnal died in 2008 at age 14; Sean, 16, and Lyndon, 10, died this past July.
The first heifer in the ring sold for $10,500. The second sold first for $9,000 and was donated back to sell again for $8,000.
The third heifer also sold for $8,000.
An emotional Bircham said he was expecting perhaps $15,000, not more than twice that much.
Olivia Arnal, the boys’ sister, said the family was thrilled they will be able to help young people fund agricultural ventures.
The first applications are due March 1 and the family expects to award $3,000 per year to one or more people aged eight to 18.
Contact karen.briere@producer.com
