The Catch-a-Calf Contest at the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) will celebrate 82 years when the event gets underway in 2019. This long-running program is an important one that not only gives youth the opportunity to learn about animal husbandry, but also to compete at the NWSS.
Catch-a-Calf participants first must catch a calf during one of the NWSS Rodeo performances. They then return in May to receive their project animal, which they are required to feed and care for until the following year’s event. At that time participants bring their steers to be evaluated based on their rate of gain, appearance, and carcass. Participants must also submit a record book, participate in an interview, and compete in showmanship. The overall Grand and Reserve Grand Champion Catch-a-Calf steers are eligible for the Auction of Junior Livestock Champions. The NWSS Catch-a-Calf Program would not be possible without generous sponsors, so participants are also required to send monthly correspondence to their sponsors.
Since its inception, the Catch-A-Calf Contest has awarded nearly 3,000 steers to 4-H members hailing from the Western United States.
This practical beef cattle management educational program is open to 4-H members from Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and Nebraska who are between 12 and 19 years of age, as of Dec. 31, 2018. The application can be found online at www.nationalwestern.com; search for catch-a-calf. Applications must be submitted by Dec. 1. — WLJ
