When the Annual 4-H Live Stock Exhibition and Auction was canceled along with the Cumberland County Fair this year, Jenn Grant of Findview Farm in Gorham wanted to find a way for young people to exhibit and sell the results of their hard work. After soliciting help from fellow members of the Cumberland Farmers Club, Grant organized a small scale event at the fairgrounds which met COVID safety standards and allowed about 34 children to proudly exhibit and sell their animals. In total seven steers, 22 hogs, and 20 lambs were sold.

Two of the entries from Gorham included Luke Goodwin with his fourth place steer Otis and Bode Bragdon with his seventh place market lamb Cerburus.

According to Grant, who has been the leader of the 4-H Steer Group for over 20 years and was once a 4-H’er herself, feed alone can cost around $300 for a lamb and up to $1,500 to $2,000 for the steers. She said, “Caring for the animals is a huge commitment of time spent working with them, feeding them, and getting them ready for a show.” She added, “Raising these animals teaches youngsters responsibility and a lot about time management, money management, and market skills.” The steer project is a year-long effort with the youth catching their steers at the Cumberland County’s Calf Scramble held the previous year. The hog and lamb projects start in the spring once the animal is weaned from its mother. Since an official Calf Scramble will not be held this year, members of the Cumberland Farmers Club have committed to ensuring the young people who signed up will receive a calf this fall. In addition to Luke Goodwin, Elizabeth Phinney will also be receiving a calf to raise and sell at next year’s Cumberland County Fair.