Cauy Hartel Sets Goals for 2019 McKenzie County Fair

Cauy Hartel is a fifth-year member of the Banks Willing Workers 4-H Club and he is also a member of the Watford City FFA Chapter where he is currently competing for a position on the 2019-2020 North Dakota State FFA Officer Team.

While keeping busy with clubs, Hartel also helps out on his family's ranch and works for the City of Watford City.

In the summertime Hartel looks forward to participating in the McKenzie County Fair. "My favorite part of 4-H is the fair time. It's cool to see everyone with their animals that they've been working with leading up to fair time and it's fun to see all the creative indoor projects on display," explained Hartel.

Hartel was first introduced to 4-H by his father. "My dad was the one who made me interested in 4-H. He convinced me to sign up for it and helped me with my first woodworking project, which was a washer toss game," added Hartel.

Hartel has participated in photography and market beef projects. "I really like both of the projects I do. I like being able to watch my steer progress and behave better as the year goes on. Participating in the photography project helped spark my interest in filming and editing, which I really enjoy! Last year for my photography project I used my uncle's drone to take pictures so that was a really neat and unique experience," explained Hartel.

Hartel was awarded the 4-H Award of Excellence in photography two times and considers that to be one of his greatest accomplishment within 4-H.

Hartel explained that he has developed many useful skills in the organization. "4-H has impacted my life by teaching me plenty of life skills such as the importance of responsibility with a steer and technical skills from the static exhibits," said Hartel.

This year Hartel is working extra hard on his showmanship skills and halter breaking his steer. "My main goal for 4-H this year is to do good on my showmanship. I can't control how my steer will place after we go out there, so I want to do good on what I do have control over," explained Hartel.