A 2016 Arnal Brothers Memorial Bursary winner has been growing his passion for raising cattle in the year since he received the bursary.

Brock Doerksen, a grade 12 student in Swift Current and local 4-H member, was able to buy 15 calves with the bursary.

He says although the money was of course a big help, the biggest asset from the bursary was the experience gained while expanding his operations.

"It was a learning curve - I had some cows before that, but I learned a lot. Many people helped me throughout that, such as my 4-H leaders, neighbours, and even the vet giving me a detailed plan of how to treat these animals and help feed them better. I learned a lot, which was probably the most helpful part of the bursary," he said.

Doerksen's passion officially was kickstarted five years ago thanks to the donation of a steer from a neighbour.

"That steer was 700 lbs. at Frontier Days, which is about half of what most steers weigh, but I sold it. I went and I bought another steer next year, and through meetings, 4-H presentations and, like the motto says, 'learn to do by doing', every year I learned more and more. I went from one steer, kept buying more, and now I have a few calves that I get to take care of, which has been awesome."

With help from his 4-H leader and other members, Doerksen now has gained the experience to currently own 30 cattle - a number he would like to see increase down the road.

Doerksen will be among those in attendance this Saturday at Frontier Days for the 4-H Steer Show starting at 9:00 a.m., with the 4-H Steer Sale at 5:00 p.m.