The Angus steer, donated by Glenburn Station, Baswater in Victoria is being prepared by the Rodd family and will compete in the coveted hoof and hook competition at the Royal Canberra Show next month.

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In what has become a true family affair veteran cattleman John Rodd has been preparing the steer, called Blue Recovery, with the help of his two daughters Nicole and Kimberley Rodd.

And his other two daughters Amanda Hall and Fiona Rodd both work for the Wagga Community Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Service which will ultimately be the beneficiary of the funds which will assist families and young people in the community.

Mr Rodd has prepared 14 steers for different charities over the years and said it was always encouraging when cattle owners donated cattle for a worthy cause.

He estimates Blue Recovery will put on some more weight in the next month or so and tip the scales at 550 kilograms at Royal Canberra Show.

And with some buyer support at the auction, which is part of the hoof and hook competition, it was hoped the steer would make $5000.

The Wagga Community Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Service is based in O'Reilly St and provides a range of age-specific specialist services for people experiencing mental illness or drug and alcohol issues including child and adolescent, adult, and older persons mental health services.

Team Leader Pauline Kelly said the funds raised from the charity steer provided a great opportunity to enhance support for local families.

Mrs Kelly has also been involved in the steer preparation process and helped to coordinate donations of feed and fodder.

Blue Recovery will go under the hammer in Canberra on February 21 at 2pm.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing Mental Illness, please phone the Murrumbidgee Local Health District AccessLine on 1800 800 944.