Legacy, tradition, the place to be in January — the National Western Stock Show (NWSS).
When I reflect on my younger years and the early days of my career, there’s no doubt I valued my annual trip to Denver for the NWSS. I looked forward to the chance to see some of the best beef genetics from across the U.S. and Canada. There was nothing like standing on the catwalk in the Yards and taking in the impressive view of pen after pen of bulls on display. And on the Hill, it was the Super Bowl of cattle shows.
NWSS was a chance to network with some of the leading seedstock and commercial producers, as well as chance to see some of the hot new sires.
While I understand and respect the showring does not reflect the commercial industry today, at one time NWSS was an elite event where commercial producers came in droves to purchase bulls from the Yards.
Today, the NWSS is a 16-day livestock show with more than 25 different cattle breeds and many other species of livestock. With more than 12,000 head of livestock moving in and out of the gates each year, visitors can watch traditional competitions including breeding, market and showmanship, or those primarily aimed for recreation or companionship — llamas, alpacas, poultry and stock dogs.
Last week, I had a chance to attend NWSS with my dad. It was an annual trip for us when I worked for the Angus and Hereford associations. Each year, he would hitch a ride with me and take in the activities on the Hill and in the Yards.
I’ll be honest, I’ve not been to Denver since COVID. My work and family schedules did not allow for my annual trip to the Mile High City.
New Facilities, New Perspective
Arriving at the facilities on Thursday, I was stunned and speechless. Where once was the history and tradition of the Denver yards is an impressive, state-of-the-art, beautiful new facility.
According to the NWSS website, the facilities beyond NWSS activities will host concerts and festivals, farmers markets, sporting events, trade shows and conventions, as well as office space, business incubators, classes, public art, cultural events, family activities and shops. Just two miles north of downtown Denver, the site is a unique opportunity to connect the rural and urban economies and become the new epicenter of innovative agribusiness.
Throughout the weekend while catching up with beef industry friends, including exhibitors and spectators, the common theme was: “Wow.”
This was the fourth year for the Stockyards Event Center and the updated Yards. While I admit I miss the famous catwalk and the chance to gaze over the pens, the updated pen space and showring are a welcome upgrade for exhibitors and spectators.
Opening for the 2026 event was the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Livestock Center with a 17,760 sq. ft. arena. The new arena was spacious with amazing lighting, screens and sound. The cattle were exhibited on green turf. The stall area was also updated with many exhibitors commenting on the air quality in the barns, adequate electricity and good wash racks — the important things to cattle exhibitors.
Also new this year was the Legacy building. This building serve as the home to all members of the National Western family. It was built to be a gathering place, gallery and a watering hole for friends, cowboys and art lovers alike. This building was breathtaking.
Times Change, Yet Tradition Continues
While NWSS exhibitors and spectators were excited about the updated facilities and the newness of the showring, you could still feel the tradition and legacy of the NWSS as you watched the show and walked through the Yards.
Since the first Stock Show in 1906, it has been a place where generations of beef producers have spent time reuniting with friends, learning about new genetics and techniques and doing business, year after year.
I can’t wait to watch my sons and future grandkids exhibit in the new facilities as it hosts future NWSS and junior nationals.
