The annual 4H Beef Auction raised close to $6,000 for CancerCare BTHC at the Carman Country Fair.

Retired Elm Creek farmer and cancer survivor Francis Poulsen donated a steer to the local 4-H Beef Club. The animal weighed 1,135 lbs and was bought by the Jim Abbott Cattle Company at $5 per pound.

Poulsen wants to donate this money to local cancer supports because he has battled prostate cancer.

“I was just so proud that I could do something for an organization that helped me clear my sickness,” he said.

Poulsen explained that 4-H was a big part of his up-bringing. He took part in the program from ages 9 to 21, participating in the sewing club, beef club, and seed club. He was also leader of the Elm Creek Beef Club for 12 years. He stated that all his children grew up in the program, and that it is a great opportunity for young people.

“It's just such a worth-while organization to get kids to recognize agriculture, learn so many different aspects of it. There's just so many things in 4-H to give people a chance for public speaking and learning what's on the other side of the fence.”

Poulsen said that asking questions and making connections with other people is how he continues the education he got at 4-H. He added that 1956 was when he sewed his first crop.

Elm Creek 4H Beef Club leader Lisa Carlson said that every year the club chooses a charity project to take on, and this year Francis Poulsen offered his idea.

“The kids were fully in for it right away, they even offered up to pay for half of the feed from their own steer checks that they'll be taking home,” she said.

The steer was raised on the Halarda farm, and the kids took turns feeding it and training it to walk.

The club currently has 22 beef members.