The first meeting of the Hamilton Wentworth 4H beef club started off with a bang this year. New and past members attended the inaugural session last Friday at the Rockton Fairgrounds. This year's topic will be feeding - portions as well as weighing the animal. Sandra and Barry Hanes, Ken Hulak and John Mcllwraith will be leading the club this year with a new addition to the leader family, Amy Hastings.

The leaders discussed the paperwork that needed to be filled out by each member regarding feed given to our animals. Club members will be keeping a chart each week to show how much our calves get fed, the cost per pound, average daily feed and how much the animal is growing each week. Every member is also given a project sheet in which the calf's details are recorded, including a marking of the colours of the animal, tag number, sire etc. These sheets keep track of the animals showing in 4H beef for the year and must be mailed to 4H Ontario for members to be permitted to show in fairs.

Club elections were also held. We selected a president (Lucas), vice-president (Stuart), photographer (Megan) and secretary (Meg) through nominations and voting.

During the final part of the meeting, the leaders discussed upcoming shows and determined who was interested in heading to the Royal Winter Fair this year with their calf, so nose prints can be taken. The meeting was soon adjourned and club members enjoyed a snack.

The next meeting will be held at Floradale Feeds on May 10, for a tour of the feed mill. Members are asked to be there at 12 (noon), sharp. There will also be a washing and clipping meeting at the Hanes Farm in Troy on May 16, beginning at 7 p.m. As always, parents and new members are welcome to attend meetings.

Another event coming up, hosted by the social planning club, is the annual 4H family barn dance, which will be held at Merrit Hall in Ancaster on Friday, April 25 beginning at 8 p.m. Dinner will be potluck.