Courtesy Photo
By Ali McClean
AgriNews Contributor
The month of May has been a busy and exciting one, packed with milestones – from my first Foodgrains meeting of 2025 to the Valley Junior Beef Sweepstakes and wrapping up square dancing season in style!
First Foodgrains Meeting: 2025 Season Kick-Off
This year, the West Carleton 4-H Foodgrains Club was thrilled to welcome six new members! At their first meeting, members began by probing the soil and collecting a sample to send for testing. Following that, they held elections and chose their club officers: a president, vice-president, secretary, and media representative. The group also took time to discuss their goals for the year and outline what each upcoming meeting will involve. This year, the club will be growing soybeans on 11.5 acres donated to them.
Valley Junior Beef Sweepstakes 2025
Despite the downpour, the barns at the Carp fairgrounds were packed with 120 exhibitors and 180 beef cattle. At around 8:40 a.m., the power went out, but as the saying goes, “the show must go on!” And it did.
Young competitors from across the Ottawa Valley – and even some from near Toronto – came out to participate in the Valley Junior Beef Sweepstakes. The weekend was a huge success, filled with fun, friendships, and reconnecting with people Ali doesn’t usually see during the winter months.
Congratulations to all the competitors who braved the weather and brought their best to the show!
Square Dance Achievement: Stepping out with Style
After a fantastic 4H square dancing season, the West Carleton 4H Square Dancing Club wraps up – for now! This year, 21 dedicated members proudly represented the club at the Vankleek Hill Square Dancing Competition in April. With three teams entered, the club earned an impressive sweep: placing 5th, 2nd, and 1st overall, and claiming the top couples in both the senior and junior divisions.
The season concluded with a lively achievement night on May 23rd at the Carp Agricultural Hall. The evening was filled with dancing, music, and plenty of great food, celebrating the hard work and success of all members.
Congratulations to everyone on an incredible season, and best of luck to those heading to the Royal!
