Massachusetts 4-H and UMass Dining Work Together to Feed Students
Zoey Violette is pictured with an award-winning steer.
The positive relationship between University of Massachusetts Amherst’s 4-H Youth Development program and UMass Dining Services has flourished for seven years now. Since 2018, UMass Dining Services has purchased steers raised by Massachusetts 4-H’ers at The Big E’s auction each fall, bringing the process full-circle and putting cash in the pockets of Massachusetts 4-H’ers.
In 2024, thirteen 4-H’ers raised steers for The Big E. The process begins each February when the
4-Hers commit to The Big E, explained Andrew Samuelson, the Animal Science Specialist for Massachusetts 4-H. “The 4-H’ers feed them grain and hay every day, water them daily, put them into pasture, and monitor their growth,” said Andrew. The steers must weigh at least 900 pounds to be eligible for the auction.
Leading up to the auction, 4-H’ers practice the business side of raising steers by marketing their cattle, said Andrew. “They create a flyer to distribute to potential buyers before the sale,” explained Andrew. “They also talk to potential buyers ahead of time and answer questions about their steer.”
Zoey Violette, a 17-year-old from Sutton, has learned firsthand about raising steers. She sold two steers at The Big E in 2024 and plans to sell two more in 2025. A senior at Blackstone Valley Regional Technical High School, Zoey prepares for The Big E by showing the steers in earlier contests like the Worcester County 4-H Fair. At the fair, 4-H’ers answer questions about their breeds, judge mock competitions, and try their hand at an old-fashioned beef cookoff.
Zoey’s hard work has paid off. In 2024, she sold two steers: one sized 1,230 pounds at $9/pound and a 1,165-pounder at $5.50/pound. Zoey values all the animal science knowledge she has gained by raising beef throughout her eight years in 4-H. “I think it’s a really great experience,” she said. “You learn so much from it: budgeting, raising an animal. It’s about building the bond with the animal but also learning their purpose. I’ve been lucky with the prices I’ve gotten [at The Big E], and I’m very grateful.” Zoey hopes to continue her education in the Animal Science Department at UMass Amherst.
4-H’er Zoey Violette proudly shows her steer, Zion, purchased by members of UMass Dining Services in 2024. Eugene Cassidy of The Big E is pictured third from left in the red tie.
UMass Dining Services aims to purchase three to four steers per year from 4-Hers to further their goals of serving local, sustainable food and backing 4-H’ers. “We recognize the hard work and effort of 4-Hers who have beef projects,” said Garett Distefano, Director of Dining Services at UMass Amherst. Through their relationship with 4-Hers at The Big E, Dining Services introduces the youth to UMass Amherst as an option for college, Distefano explained.
Long after The Big E is held, the larger lessons endure longer than the steers’ sale proceeds for
4-Hers. “This is such a life lesson for kids,” Andrew said. “They know the animal will be harvested, and they’ve put their heart and soul into the animal. It is one of the most difficult but most beautiful things you will see a 4-H’er do.”
