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Vail Daily column: Vail Resorts purchase aids 4-H programs

Bryce Ettles stands tall with Vail Resorts’ Bryan Austin, Joe Walker and Davy Ratchford after the company purchased her grand champion steer at the Eagle County Junior Livestock 4-H Auction on July 27.
Special to the Daily |

Editor’s note: This column, submitted by Vail Resorts, showcases the nonprofits that the company supports through its Vail Resorts Echo program.

The culmination of nearly a year’s worth of hard work, determination and fortitude by 4-H members was seen at the Eagle County Fair Junior Livestock Auction on July 27. Members of 4-H have been feeding, grooming and exercising over 90 animals during the past year — and beyond. Grand champion steer winner Bryce Ettles started working on her project prior to it even being born in February 2012.



“I have been working on my breeding program for three years and it finally paid off, as I was able to win with a calf we raised on our ranch,” Ettles said. “It makes it that much more special to win!”

All animals sold at the auction are carefully raised with the consumer in mind, checking in at the ideal weight with a large amount of muscling and a sound structure. Buyers came from all corners of the state to bid on the quality livestock.

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“It is awesome that we have a community of buyers that come and support us every year,” Ettles said. “We are very thankful to donors like Vail Resorts Echo. The money we get is used to fund future projects and savings for college.”

With rich history and an expansive network reaching every corner of the country, 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization. Eagle County has more than 200 4-H members alone, and these youth are truly making a difference. The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development recently conducted by Tufts University found that youth engaged with 4-H are:

• Nearly two times more likely to earn better grades in school.

• Nearly two times more likely to plan to go to college.

• 41 percent less likely to engage in risky behaviors.

• 25 percent more likely to positively contribute to their families and communities.

Hats are off to the amazing supporters, contributors and volunteers that make the 4-H program possible in Eagle County. To learn more about 4-H, visit http://www.eagle county.us/CSU/, “like” us on Facebook or call 970-328-8630.

Jenny Wood helps run Eagle County 4-H. Through Vail Resorts Echo, Vail Resorts hopes to connect its communities to its efforts — from on the ground conservation programs to grants for local schools. Aimed at both protecting the natural resources that surround the resorts and helping build stronger communities where its employees live and work, Vail Resorts Echo encompasses three core efforts: environmental stewardship, charitable giving and community engagement. Learn more at http://www.vailresortsecho.com.


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