4-Hers Take Top Honors at Show

SPOKANE - April 30 through May 5, the Waits- burg Corral Wranglers, along with other 4-H clubs from Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana, par- ticipated in the 78th annual Spokane Junior Livestock Show. Members from Waits- burg that attended were Amy Farley, Drew Farley, Jared Farley, Caleb Barron, Leigh- ton Dorman, and Seamus House.

May 1, the Corral Wran- glers achieved a major ac- complishment with four of the six members placing in the top ten, while competing in livestock judging. Overall in the intermediate division, 86 exhibitors competed. Leighton topped the list in first, Jared was third, and close behind coming in sev- enth place was Drew.

In the junior division, Amy was fifth overall. An- other separate competition (although it did add points to the overall score in livestock judging) was oral reasons. In this, competitors of the live- stock judging had to explain why they placed and judged the animals the way they did.

Jared came in first in the intermediate division fol- lowed by Leighton in sixth, and Drew in ninth place. In the junior division, Amy was the high placing Corral Wrangler in ninth. Seamus and Caleb respectfully placed in the top 60 of 96 junior competitors.

All the Corral Wranglers agreed that the livestock judging was a great learn- ing experience. Caleb com- mented, "I had a great time and met new friends."

Wednesday was a busy day for both Caleb and Seamus, as they also competed in the demonstration contest. Seamus was awarded the top Jr. Demonstration award for a second year.

In years past, Waitsburg was represented in all spe- cies (sheep, goats, beef and swine). This year the Waits- burg 4-H club's members only exhibited beef cattle

Drew and Jared both had class winning market steers, allowing them to return to the show ring for the cham- pionship class. Both boys were pleased to walk out of the ring with top 10-placing steers. Amy's market steer was awarded a third purple in its class, one place shy of returning to the championship class.

The second day of show- ing featured fitting and show- ing classes. In these classes, exhibitors are judged on their abilities to show cattle. Drew, Amy, and Leighton all achieved blue ribbons. Jared was awarded a purple ribbon, allowing him to compete in the intermediate beef fitting and showing fi- nals. Although Jared did not walk away with top honors, he was commended for his style and consistency by the judge.

Sunday, as the show came to a close, the Corral Wranglers were awarded the herdsmanship trophy for the 4-H beef division. Overall, the Corral Wranglers had an exceptional show. The members made new friends, learned about their projects, and all hope to come back next year. Also, a special thanks to Sandra Farley and Stacey Dorman for helping the Corral Wranglers and other exhibitors in the beef barn.

You may have missed your chance to support the Corral Wranglers at the Spokane Jr. Livestock Show, but the Waitsburg Fair is fast approaching giving you a second chance to watch these 4-Hers in action. So, come on down June 8 and 9 to the Waitsburg Fairgrounds and support the local 4-H, as they show sheep, swine, goats, beef, poultry, horses and so much more.