Each year, hundreds of young agriculturists from across the country converge on Denver with their prize stock in tow. In addition to spending thousands of hours over a period of months feeding, grooming and preparing their animals to compete in one of the largest youth exhibitions in the nation, many of these youths, between the ages of 9 and 18, attend school, participate in 4-H and FFA chapters and compete in a number of other extracurricular activities.

What is their reward? National Western junior livestock exhibitors have the opportunity to win prize money, trailers, scholarships and awards. Plus, 90 of the best animals qualify for the Auction of Junior Livestock Champions, where a winning animal could sell for more than $100,000.

The National Western hosts junior market livestock competitions for beef, lambs, swine and goats in the market-ready classifications. There are also competitions for breeding heifers and ewe lambs, as well.

Additional special youth programs include the 4-H Catch-A-Calf, FFA Heifer Wrangle, Premier Exhibitor and Carcass competitions. The llama show, alpacas show, sheep shearing contest, sheep lead competition and wool show also include youth divisions.

The youth programs at the National Western Stock Show not only are a vital part of our success, but also are a large part of the mission put forth in the National Western Charter.