American Royal’s 18-day Livestock Show Comes to a Close
The 123rd annual American Royal Livestock Show came to a close on Sunday, October 23, after more than 2,100 exhibitors filled the American Royal complex for the nation’s highest caliber livestock show. During the 18-day event, 4,000 head of livestock were exhibited, and champions were crowned.
This year, over $500,000 in premiums and scholarships will be awarded to exhibitors and youth in agriculture. Through the livestock show and Junior Premium Livestock Auction, the American Royal annually contributes to its mission of providing youth scholarships and agriculture education programs.
Numerous champions were crowned in market, junior breeding and open breeding animal shows throughout the nearly three-week event. The livestock show is known for providing youth exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their hard work on a national stage.
In the market animal show, the grand and reserve champion steer, barrow, lamb and goat were crowned and earned the right to participate in the Royal Elite Drive, held on October 14:
- Grand champion steer was exhibited by Harper Henney of Indiana; reserve champion steer was exhibited by Cooper Cummins of Oklahoma
- Grand champion market barrow was exhibited by Abi Lillard of Kansas; reserve champion market barrow was exhibited by Brayden Lancaster of Kentucky
- Grand champion market lamb was exhibited by Madison Woods of California; reserve champion market lamb was exhibited by Hayden Schroeder of Texas
- Grand champion market goat was exhibited by Cara Cummins of Oklahoma; reserve champion market goat was exhibited by Kenna Cooley of Kansas
Grand champion breeding animals of each species were also selected:
- Supreme champion junior heifer was exhibited by Cheyenne Brunker of Kansas
- Grand champion breeding gilt was exhibited by Deegan Sheldon of Indiana
- Grand champion breeding ewe was exhibited by Trey Goretska of Iowa
- Grand champion breeding doe was exhibited by Raegan Rogers of Arizona
“We hosted exhibitors, some as young as three years old, from 41 states in Kansas City for the American Royal Livestock Show,” said Jackie McClaskey, interim CEO of the American Royal Association. “The quality of livestock is always tremendous and a true testament to the hours of work exhibitors of all ages put into their projects at home. We are proud to provide a national stage for livestock enthusiasts to showcase some of the top cattle, hogs, sheep and goats in the country.”
In support of its mission to promote agriculture education, American Royal also hosted their annual fall field trip for local elementary students in conjunction with the livestock show. Nearly 500 fourth and fifth grade students participated in an interactive, educational tour of the livestock show to learn where their food comes from and connect them to agriculture sciences.
The 2023 American Royal livestock show will be held October 4-22, 2023. For more information about American Royal, visit americanroyal.com.
About the American Royal Association
A Kansas City tradition since 1899, the American Royal currently provides opportunities for youth and adults from around the world to compete in a variety of events, including our Livestock Show, Pro Rodeo, Equine Shows and the World Series of Barbecue. These events allow the American Royal, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, to give over $1 million annually for youth scholarships and to support agriculture education programs.
