2010 National Western Stock Show Feeds Agriculture's Growth with Big Focus on Education

If you've heard about the National Western Stock Show in Denver, you probably know that it's a major event for the cattle business, and much more. Colorado benefits in so many ways from the activities that take place each January there. But when they count the proceeds, where do they go? Most of it goes to the future - to scholarships for youth who are studying to be in the Agriculture business in the years to come. In recognition of the stock show's educational focus, this year the Government of Canada also sponsored a special event at the show.

In the educational spirit, the stock show also supports a wide variety of youth activities. There are exhibits in the Hall of Education to inform and entertain young folk, and youth are also exhibiting the results of their work, from rabbits, chickens and guinea pigs for show and for sale, to young boys and girls leading large animals into the arena for judging and later sale at auction.

A number of university programs such as Colorado State University's bring cattle to show as well. Mixed in with the other ranchers in the stockyards, they have hands-on experience and also share new ideas and research. In the Hall of Education they offer information on their wide variety of programs.

For family ranches there is information as well, from exhibits on the latest ranch and farm equipment to genetic technology and the latest computer-assisted breeding. Information helps ranchers be more productive, but it also provides a focus for the marketing of their cattle this year and in the future.

Children's versions of many events including rodeo give them the experience of being a star and participating in the events at an early age, starting with a stick horse rodeo. Mutton bustin' is extremely popular and exciting, kids grab on to a sheep and ride for all they're worth.

Thousands of school children visit the National Western Stock show during the week in organized tours with activities planned and lots to see. The first two days of the show were free to families with children who took advantage of a special offer, and regular children's prices are kept low. Up to 2000 school children visit free each day as well.

In addition to ranching, the horsemanship events showcase top notch youth talent. With major events for a variety of breeds, youth are a key part of breed events and showmanship events.

This year the Canadian government sponsored programs for young ranchers from a variety of countries around the world to foster increased global cooperation in the beef industry, educating and connecting younger generations.

The National Western Stock Show has been around for 104 years, so they have developed a good sense of the importance of future generations. Some family ranches have been attending the stock show for a good portion of the show's existence. As a scholarship-generating event the National Western Stock Show helps dozens of college students learn and develop new agricultural technologies each year. As a trade fair they help spread information to far-flung ranches in North America and around the world. Youth participate on a par with adults in many contests. Even the entertainment sends kids home with memories of the things they learned as well as enjoyed.

National Western, "Canadian Consulate Gathers Young Ranchers from Around the World", National Western Stock Show Press Release