11/22/19 – Top Livestock Show Attracts Best of the Best

Agriculture industry converges on Louisville for premier exposition

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 22, 2019) — The North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) wrapped up its annual show at the Kentucky Exposition Center, ending a 17-day run filled with top livestock competition, horse shows and the North American Championship Rodeo. NAILE drew nearly 30,000 entries with competitors, exhibitors and attendees from 48 states and seven foreign countries. The North American Championship rodeo, held in conjunction with NAILE, saw near-sellout crowds with record-breaking attendance.

NAILE is the world’s largest purebred livestock show and is considered a major livestock event. The exhibitors and animals that win at NAILE are the top of their respective breeds. Included are national collegiate and youth livestock judging contests, competition within ten livestock divisions and livestock sales.

“During November Louisville is the epicenter of the livestock industry, allowing the local community a glimpse into the agribusiness world and allowing the rural community to experience what our city has to offer,” said David S. Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues. “NAILE is a unique event where both communities comes together for 17-days whether they’re here for the rodeo or a livestock competition.”

Kentucky Venues, manages three premier shows at the Kentucky Exposition Center that bridge the urban-rural divide. Field trip attendance increased by over 30%, allowing more teachers and students to learn about the agriculture industry, farming and livestock.

North American Championship Rodeo: Near Sell-Out Crowds

The Great Lakes Circuit Finals Rodeo saw the highest attendance in more than 10 years with more than 24,900 fans enjoying the three performances in Freedom Hall. Ticket sales increased by 16% over last year’s event. Lower prices and increased weekend attendance helped propel the North American Championship Rodeo to a record-breaking year.

Quarter Horse and Mule Shows Celebrate Successful Year

The North American Mule Show returned to NAILE, attracting more than 360 entries in its first year back in Freedom Hall. The Quarter Horse Show also experienced a successful year with more than 1,500 entries with open sorting and roping seeing more than 130 entries between the two competitions.

Induction Ceremony for the Saddle and Sirloin Club Portrait Collection
The Saddle and Sirloin Club Portrait Collection is an agricultural hall of fame that resides at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Each year a new member is inducted and their portrait unveiled.

Robert Hall Jr. is the 2019 inductee into the Saddle and Sirloin Club. Hall has dedicated more than 70 years to animal agriculture and is the longtime owner and president of Central Kentucky’s Farmers Feed Mill and its Hallway Feeds brand. From 1974-2012, Hall served on the NAILE executive committee and was instrumental in the formation and continued growth of the show.

For more information, visit www.livestockexpo.org.