A few weeks ago, we wrapped up a tradition in Montana that has been happening for nearly six decades: the Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE). This stock show brought producers from across the region together for camaraderie, and to showcase their cattle and market their genetics to the region and to the world.
The NILE this year was a great event with various sales for the different cattle breeds and horses, and capped off with a great ranch rodeo to end off the week, which pinned ranches from across the region to display their talents. One of the unique things that I have always appreciated about NILE is that it draws a variety of producers to town to display cattle; producers who may only dust off their halters and clippers one time a year participate in the shows and sales.
Now, maybe some of the current trends in the show ring don’t exactly line up with everyone’s breeding programs, but I still think there’s a lot of benefits to a stock show. It is a chance for smaller producers and larger producers alike to get more eyes on their product. This was certainly highlighted when the World Hereford Conference attended the NILE to see what genetics our country has to offer.
The NILE is one of kickoff shows for many producers in a busy fall of displaying cattle. The National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO, is the end goal for a lot of the producers who attend. For me personally, making that trip down across wintry Wyoming from Montana to take in the National Western has become somewhat of a tradition of my adult career. It has been something that I have looked forward to, getting to see producers and friends from across the nation and checking out to see what this year’s calf crop has done, and seeing what genetics are working for everybody in different regions.
Recently, I have seen some blowback against participation in the National Western on social media due to some of politics around the state of Colorado and the city of Denver. I completely disagree with some of the policies and comments that have come out from the government in that state. The 2021 announcement of the “Meat Out Day” was truly a slap in the face to one of the largest beef-producing states in the nation. News articles have come out recently about Denver Mayor Mike Johnston recommending eating less beef to help the climate. Our farmers and ranchers certainly know better.
This does raise the question of “Why show cattle in a city like Denver?” Personally, I think now more than ever it is important to showcase the beef industry in a city where the political climate may not be the most favorable to the cattle industry. One of the most important things to me about cattle shows like the NILE or the National Western is that it exposes cattle and the beef industry to the public that may not ever be exposed to ranching in any aspect.
It’s a chance for people who may never see a cow in their city life to see some of the best cared for animals in the world; a lot of these show cattle get pampered better than their beloved house dog. It’s a chance for the beef industry to highlight itself, show that we do raise our cattle humanely and safely. It’s a chance to show the public that cowboys do exist, and that we are trying our best to feed the world with safe and nutritious products. A lot of times you see the city crowd at the shows and sales at these stock shows with their phones out recording. I always think to myself, “I really hope they share that,” so their friends and family can see how cool our industry is, too.
If you are one of those who show cattle at these stock shows, don’t get frustrated when the public is standing in the aisle as you are trying to rush to make it to your class. If that family shows up at your stall with a little kid who really wants to pet a cow, maybe find time to take them over and help them scratch that gentle heifer. If we keep running from cities with policies we don’t agree with, I am worried at some point we will run out of places to run to. — KEVIN MURNIN
