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Families enjoy 4-H as a time-honored tradition

Photo by Jim Muchlinski Carter Gehrke won a beef champion ribbon at the 2021 Lyon County Fair with his Charolais steer named Sylvester. He’s also competed in 4-H swine, foods and photography events. He will be a freshman this fall at Marshall High School.

MARSHALL – Carter Gehrke of the Lake Marshall Eagles 4-H club invested many hours into getting ready for the 2021 Lyon County Fair beef show, with no guarantee of any particular ribbon.

His work led to the ultimate county fair payoff, a champion ribbon in a project category.

Gehrke showed his Charolais steer, which has the name Sylvester. As Carter enjoyed his success after Thursday’s competition, Sylvester relaxed in his pen after a busy day of walking and standing.

“He’s like a really big dog,” Gehrke said. “I’ve enjoyed getting him ready to compete. It’s rewarding to see my decisions and training time pay off as he grows.”

His beef championship was a highlight of a 4-H career that has also included several other project areas. He’s competed in swine shows, and has also taken part in general projects such as foods and photography. He will be a freshman this fall at Marshall High School.

Carter was joined at the fair by the two previous generations of his family. Both his grandmother and father enjoyed similar success with 4-H livestock.

His grandmother, Mary Gehrke, began in 4-H age the age of 14 in Pipestone County. She’s stayed involved in the program over the years, both as a volunteer and as a Minnesota Extension 4-H educator in Rock County.

She’s enjoyed seeing children and grandchildren have the same kind of success in 4-H that she discovered once she became part of the program.

“My only regret is that I didn’t join 4-H sooner,” Mary said. “I’m satisfied with how I did after not getting started until I was a teenager. The rewards are greatest for kids who start at a young age, stay with it, and improve their knowledge every year.”

She added that competition is just one of the many benefits of 4-H. She said participation gives members a chance to meet the public at the county fair, form friendships with fellow club members, and meet 4-Hers from an entire home county and throughout Minnesota.

The program also has national proportions, with opportunities to meet counterparts from other places through conventions and exchange programs.

Carter’s father, Clint Gehrke, said his 4-H experiences were a good foundation for his career. He is employed in feed sales and livestock nutrition. He participated in 4-H as a club member in Rock County

His favorite part of 4-H involved competition in livestock events. Highlights of his 4-H career included being named an Outstanding Youth Leader and winning a state livestock judging contest.

“It was definitely worth my time to participate in 4-H,” Clint said. “I was strongly encouraged by my family to join I found that if I made the effort I’d have success with it.”

The 2021 Lyon County Fair also included many young 4-H members who took home reserve champion, purple, blue, red, white and participation ribbons.

In some cases it was a good first experience at a fair. For others, it often represented a personal best after several years or more of taking part.

Linken Hesse of Tracy took part in the beef show, and attended the fair with his parents Drew and Tori. He also competed in the rabbit show. His involvement in 2021 led to two blue ribbons.

As someone who will be a fourth grader this fall at Tracy Elementary School, he has at least several more years of opportunities to reach new heights at future Lyon County fairs. He is a member of the Amiret Busy Bees 4-H Club in the Amiret and Tracy areas.

“I have fun in 4-H,” Linken said. “My favorite part is showing my animals. It’s great to be at the fair with my friends.”

The 4-H program is a family tradition since Drew was a 4-H member in the Waterloo, Iowa area. His 4-H epxeriences were part of what lead to an ag-related career. He works for the C&B Operations John Deere company in Tracy.

“I became involved in 4-H since it’s a family tradition,” Drew said. “I enjoyed everything I did in 4-H. I’m glad to see Linken have the same kinds of experiences.”

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