The fourth annual Minnesota Junior Spring Classic cattle show brought 200 participants from around the midwest to the Mower County Fairgrounds April 16 and 17.

For many contestants, this was their first competition of the year in which they enterede several different classes, such as Heifer, market animal, senior showperson, intermediate showperson and junior showperson.

The show, which had an increase in participation last year, grew once again as 20 more contestants entered with 20 more cattle for a total of 280 head of cattle.

And Mower County had no shortage of winners, as elementary- to college-age kids showed their animals in several of the classes.

Mower County champions:

Hannah Burkhart, of Austin, first place, Highland Heifer.

Mya Burkhart, of Austin, champion, Highland Steer.

Matthew Mueller of Austin, reserve champion, Highland Steer.

McKenzie Marlow, of Rose Creek, first place, Commercial Heifer.

Conner Bollum, of Austin, second place, Shorthorn Heifer.

Madison Stout Swanek, of Dexter, second place, Shorthorn Plus Heifer.

Other champions:

Champion Heifer: Matt Purfeerst, Angus Heifer, of Faribault.

Reserve Champion Heifer: Maria Weber, All Other Breeds Heifer, of Lake Benton.

Champion Market Animal: Tyler Trihus, Market Heifer, of Blooming Prairie

Reserve Market Animal: Justin Blumer, Crossbred Steer, of Fountain.

Champion Senior Showperson: Matt Purfeerst, of Faribault.

Reserve Senior Showperson: Garrett Weber, of Lake Benton.

Champion Intermediate Showperson: Brady Neel, of Alden.

Reserve Intermediate Showperson: Clay Johnson, of Peterson.

Champion Junior Showperson: Caroline Meyer, of Peterson.