11/16/18 - Best of the Best Livestock Show Wraps Up

Published: November 16, 2018 Updated: April 19, 2024
Tags:  Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 16, 2018) — The 45th annual North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) ended yesterday with an increase in both exhibitors and rodeo attendance during its 17-day run at the Kentucky Exposition Center. NAILE drew nearly 30,000 entries with competitors, exhibitors and attendees from 49 states and six foreign countries.

For those in the livestock and agribusiness industry, NAILE is an important annual event. It’s the world’s largest purebred livestock show. 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.

Sale of Champions: Raising Youth and Raising Funds
The Sale of Champions, held Sunday, Nov. 10, raised $64,500 with proceeds distributed to youth exhibitors of market animals, charities and promotion. The Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion steers, hogs and lambs in the junior show divisions are sold to the highest bidder during the auction.

Through the years, the Sale of Champion has raised more than $1.75 million to further promote youth involvement in agribusiness and support charitable endeavors.

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. This year R.A. "Rob" Brown, Jr. from Throckmorton, TX joined an esteemed collection that includes many former presidents and agricultural policy makers.

Rob built R.A. Brown Ranch into one of the most substantial ranches in the country that encompassed a Quarter Horse band, multiple seedstock breeds, commercial cow-calf herds, stocker operations, cattle feeding and farming. His livestock have made a significant impact on the world’s genetics.

Prior to this honor, the R.A. Brown Ranch won the National Cattleman’s Beef Association’s Cattle Business of the Century, the American Quarter Horse Association’s Best Remuda, and the Beef Improvement Federation’s Seedstock Producer of the Year.

North American Championship Rodeo: Sets New Attendance Record
The Great Lakes Circuit Finals Rodeo, held in conjunction with NAILE, saw the highest attendance in more than 10 years with more than 21,000 fans enjoying the three performances in Freedom Hall.

Lower prices and increased weekend attendance helped propel the North American Championship Rodeo to a record-breaking year.

For more information, visit www.livestockexpo.org.