Top Livestock Show Attracts Best of the Best

Agriculture industry converges on Louisville for premier exposition

The North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) wrapped up its annual show at the Kentucky Exposition Center, ending a two-week run filled with top livestock competition and the North American Championship Rodeo. NAILE drew more than 25,000 entries with competitors, exhibitors and attendees from 48 states and Canada. The North American Championship Rodeo, held in conjunction with NAILE, saw Saturday sell-out with record-breaking attendance for the three nights of the show.

“The success of this year’s North American is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of our livestock industry. The past two years have brought innumerous obstacles within the industry, but this year’s NAILE saw increases in entries, auction sales and attendance. It’s wonderful to see this level of livestock exhibitors in Louisville and we look forward to what the 2022 show will bring,” said David S. Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues.

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.

“There is something really special about youth in agriculture competing to the best of their ability and supporting the winner no matter where they themselves placed. NAILE allows Kentucky Venues and the Commonwealth of Kentucky to showcase their support of both the agriculture industry and youth livestock exhibitors. The young people competing in NAILE are the future of the industry,” said Jonathan Pinkston the Kentucky FFA President.

North American Championship Rodeo: Saturday Sell-Out and Record Breaking Attendance

The Great Lakes Circuit Finals Rodeo saw the highest attendance in 10 years with more than 25,100 paid ticketholders enjoying the three performances in Freedom Hall. Ticket sales increased by nearly 20% over 2019’s event with Thursday night seeing a 111% increase. Pent-up demand and increased weekend attendance helped propel the North American Championship Rodeo to a record-breaking year.

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.

Neil Orth is the 2021 inductee into the Saddle and Sirloin Club. During a career that has spanned more than 50 years, Orth has mentored three generations within the livestock industry through his work as a livestock marketer and breed association executive.

Miss Rodeo Kentucky Pageant makes NAILE debut
The Miss Rodeo Kentucky Pageant was held Saturday, Nov. 13 during NAILE, a new addition to this year’s show. The pageant crowned three new winners: Junior Miss Rodeo Kentucky Tinzley Doss, Miss Teen Rodeo Kentucky Allie Congleton and Miss Rodeo Kentucky Morgan Askins. The women selected excel in agriculture, horsemanship and will serve as ambassadors for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

For more information about the North American International Livestock Exposition, visit www.livestockexpo.org.