For many of us the National Western Stock Show is an epic annual adventure we make to one of the most elite livestock shows in the country. We go to show our livestock, reconnect with friends and make new ones, catch-up on the latest industry standards and to just have a good time! It is hard to walk through the grounds without feeling all of the history that is coming out of the pores of the National Western, from the hill to the yards it is truly a unique experience. We have put together just a few fun historical facts about the National Western that we thought you would enjoy!
– In 1906 the very first steer selected as Grand Champion was a 1550lb Shorthorn steer that fetched a whopping 33 cents a pound (23 cents above market price).
-There were 4 breeds at the first National Western: Hereford, Angus, Shorthorn and Galloways.
– January 31^st, 1906 was declared “Denver Day at the Stock Show,” schools and businesses were closed to allow the people of Denver to attend.
– In 1915 the National Western cattle show was cancelled due to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
-In 1972, “Big Mac,” the Grand Champion steer was ruled ineligible. It had been previously entered at the American Royal as a white steer, and had been dyed black for the National Western.