Valley Youths At Livestock In Spokane

SPOKANE - For more than eight decades, several Dayton and Waitsburg families with FFA (Future Farmers of America) and 4-H have made the annual trek the first full week in May to the Spokane Fairgrounds to compete in the Junior Livestock Show of Spokane May 3 - 7. This year was the organization's 76th year.

The Farley children - Jared, Drew and Amy - represented Waitsburg. They brought four steers, two of which sold, the others being prospect steers. The first day they received reds, then blue ribbons for fitting and showing. They made presentations like the Dayton participants described below

For 60-80 Daytonites it's a family affair. Starting in early spring, Val Turner reminds the parents, grandparents and members about signing up for food to feed the multitude. Rick Turner and Kathy Norris work together to produce a menu for the food, provide paper/plastic/ cooler needs list AND to see that the quick lunches and evening meals are pulled off.

Years past, it's rained on the 'potluck' many times so a 15'x20' walled tent has been a welcome addition in camp. For years now, Dayton attendees have occupied the last row or SW corner of the RV area at the Spokane County Fairgrounds.

The timeline for each FFA member to choose an animal is in the fall. By May, the member wants the animal to be the perfect market or show animal. Then, he/she feeds, exercises and trains the animal to lead/follow for the next 6 - 7 months. FFA advisors for Dayton High School are Steve McLean and Ilene Hall.

Four FFA members chose to show their market steers this year. They are listed with the weight of the steer following: Grant Heinrich had 2 weighing in at 1118# and 1115#, Hayden Fullerton 1227#, Jason Norris' steer weighed in at 1176#, Kellie Wessels brought two up to show and they weighed 1075# and 1237#.

FFA member Malia Frame's steer didn't make weight but she was there every day to help her team be the best in herdsman ship. In addition to keeping their animals and pens neat and clean, FFA members are also asked to contribute an informational poster explaining an aspect of being a livestock breeder/raiser. Heinrich's was 'Can Cows Really Go Mad', Wessels informed us about 'Warts', and Fullerton wrote about 'Foot in Mouth Disease'.

Columbia County Corrals 4-H members lead by Val Turner showing steers were: Darcie Hall (Beethovan weighing 1127#), Lexie Ramirez (Luigi weighing 1095#) and Josilyn Fullerton (Big Boy weighed 1403#). They also were asked to bring a poster demonstration. Hall's was on Malignant Catarral Fever (MCF), Ramirez wrote about Brucellosis, and Fullerton wrote about Clostridium.

Columbia County Marksmen 4-H is lead by John and Caroline Laib had two members bringing swine. Levi Laib's York X weighed in at 251# and Bonnie Laib's York X was 260#. These two are unique exhibitors because they are not only brother and sister but twins. They attended their first JLS when they were eight months old and have never missed one in their lives. Levi Laib's demonstration was on the Digestive Pig System with him commenting that its amazingly like ours. Bonnie Laib's green and white poster explained the meaning of the 4-H emblem.

Days start early at the fairgrounds when you have an animal to get washed, dried, brushed and fed. Usually, the 'crew' is assembled in the barns by 6:00-6:30 am. Each member will participate in several turns at barn duty.

The Herdsmanship Contest is a highlight of the show. All members are encouraged to care for their livestock, pens and equipment to keep their animals clean and attractive at all times. All clubs are automatically enrolled and are eliminated if any adult is caught doing any work. As of this writing, it's a tight race with Dayton FFA in 3rd position out of 27 clubs!

The Columbia County Corrals were also in very high standing being third out of 17 for herdsmanship. Final trophies were presented on Sunday after the market sale .

As with any close-knit community, good friends are made better friends, working together goes smoother and encouragement comes easy in just normal conversations.

Many have attended for three to four generations and you might recognize their names as outstanding citizens of Dayton.

County Extension Agent Art Sunderland commented that he had no idea in 1957 when he accepted the county extension agent position that he would be returning to the event for the next 64 years.

He and his wife, Jean, were there with their boots on for opening day.

These young ladies and gentlemen are the leaders of tomorrow and they thank you for your support, both spiritually and monetarily for this year and years past.

More information on final placings are available at the High School for FFA and at the Columbia County Extension office in Dayton.