With the postponement of the National Western Stock Show (NWSS), in Denver, CO, normally held in January, two venues have decided to hold alternative shows to take place during the dates that would normally be dedicated to the livestock industry.
The Grand Island Livestock Complex Authority, as well as the Cattlemen’s Congress of Oklahoma, have announced plans to hold shows in January 2021, to provide an opportunity for cattle producers to showcase their livestock.
The NWSS board of directors announced Sept. 15 the show would be postponed to 2022 due to COVID-19 restrictions. The decision was made early so contestants and exhibitors did not incur costs and could plan accordingly.
Grand Island
Grand Island, NE, Mayor Roger Steele and The Nebraskan Livestock Show group have announced a show will take place Jan. 9, 2021, at the Grand Island Livestock Complex Authority (GILCA).
“Our National Western Stock Show leadership is supportive of Grand Island stepping in and creating a new event to provide an outlet for cattle producers across the country who may have been planning to come to our show in January,” said Paul Andrews, president and CEO of NWSS.
“When asked if they could assist in some way, we saw this as a chance to support those cattle producers in need of exhibiting. We will provide livestock panels and consulting services to help Grand Island show staff streamline their show schedule to best replicate what ranchers and cattle exhibitors would have experienced this January in Denver. We are grateful Grand Island is providing this one-year-only opportunity for the cattle industry during the National Western Stock Show absence in 2021,” Andrews continued.
The GILCA complex is home to the Nebraska State Fair held during August and September, and the Aksarben 4-H Stock Show and Purple Ribbon Auction held at the end of September each year.
“With our experience with numerous junior national shows who already hold their events in Grand Island, we know the Fonner Park Campus is an excellent site that meets the exhibitors’ and vendors’ requirements that would normally be at the National Western,” said Bill Ogg, executive director of the Nebraska State Fair and lead contact. “The site allows exhibitors the opportunity to exhibit, promote, market and sell their various breeds of livestock. We are pleased to be able to offer this alternative site in 2021 to those who typically attend the National Western.”
As GILCA and The Nebraskan Livestock Show group continue to coordinate efforts, more information will be made available at a later time. For more information, you can visit GILCA’s website at gilca.org.
Cattlemen’s Congress
According to Showtimes Magazine, the inaugural Cattlemen’s Congress will be held at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City from Jan. 2-17, 2021. The Cattlemen’s Congress will provide marketing opportunities, showcase genetics and access to the latest products and education opportunities for livestock enthusiasts and breeders.
The OKC Fairgrounds has the ability to house 2,500 head of cattle with tie spaces and pens for the display of the herd sire display. There are five show rings to provide the opportunity to have live auctions with socially distanced arrangements and video lots.
Although no schedule is published yet, the Cattlemen’s Congress will showcase events such as open and junior breeding cattle shows; supreme overall open bull and female and junior breeding heifer show; junior market steers; herd sire displays and collegiate junior and senior judging contests.
There will also be displays of the industry’s latest products and services as there are several buildings which can accommodate displays. In addition to the fairgrounds, there are several hotels and other facilities in the area to hold breed association functions.
The American Maine-Anjou Association (AMAA) announced it will hold its show at the Cattlemen’s Congress. The AMAA stated it will hold the same activities it does at the NWSS. Hotel blocks, entry information and a schedule will be made available soon through the AMAA website and through social media.
It is anticipated that additional breed associations will also announce details in the coming weeks on their websites and social media. — Charles Wallace, WLJ editor
