By MATTHEW WEAVER

Capital Press

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Hundreds of youths turned out Wednesday for the start of the Junior Livestock Show of Spokane, where they hope all the hard work they have put into their livestock will pay off.

Beau Brown, 12, of St. John-Endicott 4-H Club, was back for a fourth year, showing Bloater, a Charolais steer.

"I like the experience of coming up here to Spokane and at the end getting some money," Brown said.

He hopes to make at least $1.50 to $1.75 per pound for his animal, which he has raised since October.

"We have to clean pens, feed and water them, make sure they have good health," Brown said. "And we've got to make sure they're happy all the time."

About 550 youths will display nearly 1,000 animals in this year's show, which runs through May 6.

This is the first year at the Spokane show for Kahlotus, Wash., high school junior Sommer Boyd and her sister, Marlo, a freshman.

"We always wanted to because there's a lot of competition up here," Sommer said, adding with a laugh, "Our mom finally gave in."

Sommer was hoping to do well in showmanship with her Angus Hereford cross Wrangler, which she has worked with since February.

"I just like the work with (the animals) every day that we do," she said.

Marlo said she had high hopes for the show.

"Get a good price," she said with a laugh about her goal.

This is the last year for Maja Olson, a high school senior from Pullman, Wash., after three years at the show.

Olson is ready to apply her experience to an agriculture career or promote agriculture. She's deciding between studying animal sciences and design technology, which would include web design for agricultural businesses.

"It's just nice to be able to come up here, spend time with friends, really enjoy agriculture at its peak and be able to celebrate my hard work," Olson said. "After 10 long years of showing, I'm sad it's going to be over, but I've gained a lot from showing steers and horses over the years."

Online

www.juniorshow.org