National Western Stock Show Champions Rack Up Over $540,000
The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo (NWSSR) concluded on Sunday, January 21 in Denver, Colo. The NWSSR is regarded as the most prestigious livestock show in the world, or as Denver likes to call it, the "Super Bowl" of livestock shows.
Jan. 6-21, youth from all over the country came to Denver to showcase their hard work and dedication to their livestock projects. The market shows, which are known for their profitability, were the main attraction. The market, showmanship, and breeding shows were the most popular, but shows featuring herding dogs, chickens, turkeys, and even alpacas were also held at the NWSSR.
The market livestock category focused primarily on steers, hogs, goats, and lambs. The NWSSR is a unique show because it is a "hair" show, meaning that the steers cannot be clipped.
Over 1,500 young people participated in this year's market show. Youth aged 9 to 18 were allowed to showcase one animal each. Out of the over 1,500 competitors, only 98 youths were invited to the Auction of Junior Livestock Champions.
The 2024 NWSSR Auction of Junior Livestock Champions generated over $1,374,000 from the sale of 98 heads of livestock, the second-highest earning auction in NWSSR history.
A large portion of the proceeds goes to the showman to further their education and continue advocating for agriculture. A small portion of the funds is returned to the National Western Scholarship Trust.
Grand Champion Steer
- Shown by Croix Reimann from Ree Heights, SD
- Sold to Ames Construction Company, $185,000
Reserve Grand Champion Steer
- Shown by Mason Shalla from Riverside, IA
- Sold to Transwest Trucks Inc., $100,000
Grand Champion Lamb
- Shown by Kinely Pruitt
- Sold to APC Resources, $52,000
Reserve Grand Champion Lamb
- Shown by Carson Kellar
- Sold to TKM Foundation, Audra and Sean McNicholas, $40,000
Grand Champion Hog
- Shown by Gavin Straka from Yukon, OK
- Sold to Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, $60,000
Reserve Grand Champion Hog
- Shown by Kamlynn Mason from Montgomery, TX
- Sold to OXY, $55,000
Grand Champion Goat
- Shown by Sayde Allen
- Sold to Babson Farms, $30,000
Reserve Grand Champion Goat
- Shown by Dayton Mortvedt from Lynnville, IA
- Sold to Northwestern Holding, LLC, $26,000
The NWSSR has marked the beginning of the livestock showing season. The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo has just begun and is scheduled to run for the next two weeks. It is the only other "hair" livestock show.
Livestock shows and events are excellent ways to promote agriculture and the Western way of life beyond rodeo. They offer a great opportunity to showcase our love for our livestock and our land.
