The Key Players in the Chi Industry

As the world’s largest purebred livestock show, the North American International Livestock Exposition hosts many different breed associations throughout the barns. Among them is the American Chianina Association (ACA), known for its powerful cattle and great people. NAILE is extra special to the ACA members because it serves as their ACA National Show. Each year, the best in the breed come to Louisville to compete for a champion title.

The Chianina Association’s annual membership meeting is hosted at NAILE, bringing together the junior and adult members. During the meeting, the association holds an awards presentation to celebrate the most impactful animals on the breed.

“This show and the annual membership meeting make the association feel so much more personal,” said Adrienne Bryant, ACA Junior Board President.

This year was particularly special as the association honored three members, the late Jerry Stuard, Roger Deiter, and John Woodroof, who each profoundly impacted the breed.

NAILE is the breed’s second-largest show annually behind ACA Junior Nationals. The association’s Junior Board looks forward to working the ring during the National Show each year. Easily recognizable in their purple blazers, these young people spend their days helping the show run as smoothly as possible. From tailing calves to helping a young showman, the Chianina Junior Board members go above and beyond; they are the leaders of the next generation.

“It is super exciting being on the green shavings each year with the junior board. We are more of a family than a team,” said Bryant. “It’s a great feeling.”

The ACA works to make members successful within the breed and the agriculture industry. This year’s ACA National Show is wrapped up but was nothing short of excellent. The quality of Chianina cattle brought to NAILE each year is impressive, but the people who exhibit and raise these animals truly are the stars of the show.