
(L to r) Sir Loin, Don Deeter and Kevin Grant, Chestermere Country Fair, June 1991. Sir Loin was raised by the Chestermere 4-H Club, half of the proceeds were donated to STARS.
The Chestermere 4-H Club played a key role in shaping the lives of many rural youth for over four decades. Established in 1952, it began as a beef club focused on teaching young people the skills of raising livestock, keeping records, and public speaking. While it started small, the club quickly grew to become a thriving part of Chestermere’s agricultural community.
In its early years, the Chestermere 4-H Beef Club was one of five clubs in the Calgary area, alongside Airdrie, Balzac, Foothills, and Irricana. Members raised calves and participated in competitions such as the Calgary 4-H Show and Sale. At these events, their hard work was tested as they competed for Grand and Reserve Champion titles. In 1953, the club’s Grand Champion calf, a Hereford steer, sold for 65 cents per pound, earning $721.50. While those prices were significant at the time, the value of livestock has increased dramatically over the years.
By the 1970s, the club had expanded beyond beef projects to include heifers, breeding stock, and even a carcass class. Members also learned about livestock judging, public speaking, and teamwork. Public speaking became a vital component of 4-H, helping young members build confidence and communication skills they carried into adulthood. Record keeping was another major focus, with members maintaining detailed logs of their projects. Prizes were awarded annually for the best record books.

4-H Leaders Honoured. (l to r): Eric Newman, Don Barker, Hugh Bennett, unknown, unknown, Penny Holt, Harold Clayton, Bill Pollock, John Knight.
The club reached its peak in 1977, celebrating its 25th anniversary with a record membership of 50. That year, members entered a float in the Strathmore Whoop-Up Days Parade, decorated with barn display materials. The float won Best of Class and Best of Show ribbons. Members also participated in “4-H on Parade,” an annual event showcasing Calgary-area clubs. The Chestermere 4-H Club won the Barn Display and Herdsmanship Awards in both 1976 and 1977.
The Chestermere 4-H Club was more than just a learning experience for youth—it was a family affair. Parents played key roles as leaders, assistant leaders, and committee members. The Ziegler, Barker, and Rae families were among the long-time supporters who contributed to the club’s success. Leah Ziegler, in particular, became a beloved figure, often called the club’s “guardian angel.” She welcomed new members, helped them prepare for competitions, and dedicated countless hours to marking record books and supporting events.
Over the years, members participated in various activities, including 4-H camps, highway cleanups, curling, and parades. The club encouraged community involvement and teamwork, teaching members the value of giving back. During its busiest years, members and parents cleaned both sides of Highway 1 from the Calgary city limits to Langdon Corner as part of an annual spring cleanup. The event always ended with a barbecue or lunch, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Club Champion Steer, 1989. Shown by Carrie Brand. Judge Stan Jones.
Despite its many successes, the club saw membership slowly decline in the 1980s and 1990s as interest in beef projects waned. By the late 1990s, the club no longer had enough members to stay active. Today, Chestermere has a 4-H multi-club that offers a variety of projects, continuing the 4-H tradition in a new form.
The Chestermere 4-H Club left a legacy in the community. For decades, it provided youth with valuable life skills, from public speaking and record keeping to leadership and community service. Its impact can still be felt in the many individuals who credit 4-H with shaping their confidence, character, and work ethic. While the club itself is no longer active, its motto, “Learn to Do by Doing,” continues to resonate in Chestermere.