July 2025 Newsletter
2025-26 Junior Show Ambassadors Announced
Through an application and interview process, two high school juniors have been named as the 2025-26 Junior Livestock Show of Spokane's Ambassadors.
Maeve Korthuis is a student at Lind-Ritzville High School and is the daughter of Kent and Tracey Korthuis.
When asked how the Junior Show has influenced her, she said: "However convoluted and stressful this period of my life is, I feel uniquely equipped to handle it because of the experiences that have taught me how to identify and tackle challenges. This is because I began raising livestock as a means of selling market steers at Junior Show, and arguably, what started as a fun way to have a purpose evolved into a solid direction that I will be following when I graduate."
Stella Nelson is a student at Stanwood High School and is the daughter of Seth Nelson, Kim and Byron Hill.
When asked how the Junior Show has influenced her, she said: "I believe the competitiveness in show ring is one of the best, but there is still great sportsmanship outside the show ring. The impact of the friends and mentors built at the Junior Livestock Show of Spokane is more important than any other show I go to, and I am honored to give back in my role as an Ambassador."
The Ambassadors will spend the next year promoting and participating in Junior Show activities. Welcome to the team, Maeve and Stella!
Upcoming Junior Show Dates
Annual Jr Show Benefit Auction
February 21, 2026
Spokane County Fair & Expo Center
91st Annual Junior Livestock Show of Spokane
April 29-May 2, 2026
Spokane County Fair & Expo Center
Please contact the office with any questions by calling 509-535-6737 or email lori@juniorshow.org
Annual Junior Show Meeting Held
An annual meeting of the Junior Livestock Show of Spokane was held on June 3. Session objectives included to provide reports to the membership, review of the 2025 show to identify areas to improve through recommended changes to the board, and the election of board members.
2026 Junior Show rules and schedule details will be available this fall. Watch juniorshow.org and future newsletters for additional information.
In the election of board members, Alyx Cory, Chris Schultheis, Zach St. John, and Kasey Wolf were named to a three-year term. Thank you to Bailey St John for your years of dedication to the Jr Show Board of Directors!
Board Officers were also elected including: Lisa Baser-President, Kris Budde-Vice President, Kasey Wolf-Secretary, Zach St. John-Treasurer, Cindy Lyden-Past President, Marc Bloss-Advisor, John Dixon-Advisor.
Ranch to Show Donation Program returns for 2025-26
The Junior Livestock Show of Spokane is excited to continue the Ranch to Show Program! We are seeking partners in this program to award a calf to deserving youth applicants, which will be exhibited as a market project at the 2026 Junior Show. Be a part of history, while showcasing your herd genetics AND welcoming the next generation to the industry. Thank you to our generous donors for ‘steering’ our youth to success!
An informational flyer with program details can be found HERE. Youth applications are available HERE and will be due August 31. Please contact the show office with questions by calling 509-535-6737.
President's Welcome
Members,
I am honored to have been elected to serve as the Junior Livestock Show President for the 2026 show! As a long time board member and former FFA advisor, it has been exciting to see growth and change to the show over the past few years with expanded classes, competitions, and educational events for our youth exhibitors. As a parent of current exhibitors and newly elected President, I look forward to seeing continued implementation of new ideas and opportunities for current and future showmen as we close in on our 100th year as the premier Junior Livestock Show in the Northwest. My goals for the show are to help to give our youth the opportunities to achieve their goals both inside and outside the ring while continuing to recognize and showcase the traditions this show has brought to generations of show families. Whether you are a first-time showman or fifth-generation exhibitor, we look forward to seeing you in Spokane in 2026!
-Lisa Baser
Outstanding Youth Mentor & Leader Announced
To recognize efforts outside of the showring, awards were added in 2025 to recognize an outstanding youth mentor and club leader. Congratulations to Raegan Reedy and Jamie Hames as the first recipients of these awards!
As submitted in her nomination, Raegan truly exemplifies what it means to be a progressive agriculturist and a remarkable leader. She is always ready to lend a helping hand or offer valuable advice. Her encouragement has motivated me to strive for excellence and to be a positive role model for others. Many in the livestock community look up to her for guidance, whether it’s showmanship tips, feeding strategies, or general agricultural knowledge. Raegan consistently advocates for standing up for one’s beliefs, and her kindness, knowledge, and sportsmanship have left a lasting impression on me. Congratulations, Raegan!
For 35 years, Jamie has embodied the spirit of agricultural education and youth development through her unwavering commitment to 4-H. Jamie’s exceptional leadership has created a lasting impact on countless young people in Garfield County. Her dedication to agricultural education, youth development, and community service makes her an ideal candidate for Leader of the Year. Her work ensures that the agricultural traditions and values of rural Washington continue to thrive through the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Congratulations, Jamie!
