Editor's note: This is the latest article in our 4-H Member of the Month series, sponsored by Nelson Motors. Thanks to Nelson Motors for supporting this initiative, and to 4-H for the difference they make in young people's lives.
Name: Dylan Frey
Club: Alameda 4-H Club
Age: 16
Age group: Senior
Years in 4H: 11
Being part of 4-H has proven to be a great learning experience for Dylan Frey.
Frey, 16, is one of the experienced members in the Alameda 4-H Club, having been involved for 11 years. He joined because his parents were the leader and the general leader of the club, and because they have 350 head of cattle.
“The people are great,” he said. “And I just love showing cows and raising. They’re among my favourite things to do.”
He has met so many people in the cattle industry through 4-H. His family has taken them to Canadian Western Agribition in the past, and he has competed in the grooming and showmanship components at the prestigious cattle show.
Frey won a banner for his heifer in 2019 at the regional 4-H Show and Sale in Alameda, and he has been recognized for his showmanship, judging and grooming skills.
Last year, he earned a banner for 10 years in 4-H.
Public speaking is an important part of 4-H and Frey earned third in a public speaking competition this year. And he has spoken at an event in Neepewa, Man.
He expects the lessons he learned in 4-H will pay off in the future. There is little parental assistance in the club, and he has learned to do most things by himself.
“My family always has a bunch of calves. We’re up at 4:30 or 5 in the morning to be… washing calves. You have to take charge and be responsible.”
Frey plans to go to college for crop technology and wants to get a degree in agronomy.
He would recommend the club and 4-H to other people. It teaches hard work, and while he has done so much through 4-H, he said he could do anything he dreams of, ranging from cattle and chickens to learning to bake.
