My dad claims that heaven will be a never ending Denver Stock Show, and I'm hoping he's right. Though I've only attended the stock show once (I earned a trip through 4-H livestock judging), it's legendary status among my family and the livestock community makes me feel the excitement this time of year. This huge show is held in Denver Colorado in January and is always freezing cold. The grounds have begun to feel like home, as I have attended 2 National Jr. Angus Shows there, including helping to host the show last summer.
My family's history with the stock show began when my grandfather first rode the train with his calf out to Denver. He would get on with his beef project in Hemingford, NE, and ride with the calf all the way to Denver. In his adult years, my grandfather took my mom and her siblings to the stock show every year with a carload of Angus Steers. My mom was always responsible for using a show stick to set the feet of the group as she was the shortest member of her family. When my grandfather past on, my dad, mom, and uncle continued to attend the stock show for only a couple years. The stories of shennanigans down in the yards, shows up on the hill, and the adventures in between are the source of many dinner converstions. My family isn't unique. Many farmers and ranchers in Nebraska and across the United States have similar stories about their involvement in the Denver Stock Show. The video below explains how the stock show got started.
If you are luck enough to be able to attend the Stock Show this year, have fun! It's a great tradition in the livestock industry!
'till the cows come home,
Ellie
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