The Arizona National Livestock Show, the largest livestock show in the Southwest, returns to Phoenix, welcoming everyone back to the Arizona State Fairgrounds December 27-31. Dedicated to youth and agriculture, this prestigious show offers an atmosphere of warm hospitality, a wide range of events, and a passion for the livestock and agriculture sectors. The show highlights the bygone days of the Western way of life, coming to life at the fairgrounds for five days.
Executive Director Tyler Grandil notes, “The true success that the Arizona National Livestock Show achieves is not just its long history of celebrating the best traditions of animal husbandry in agriculture but that we provide invaluable experiences for families to share together.”
Celebrating its 76th anniversary, the Arizona National Livestock Show began in Phoenix in 1948. Exhibitors travel from more than 40 states, bringing nearly 2,500 heads of the nation’s best cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and swine for competition, all competing for the coveted “Grand Champion” title. Premium awards are paid to junior and open exhibitors yearly, totaling more than $200,000.
In addition to the livestock competition, youth compete in public speaking and creative speaking contests, livestock judging, and skill-a-thon competitions.
Livestock Show Event Highlights
The Farm Experience runs December 29-31. It is a series of events designed to educate people, especially children, about farm animals, their care, and their importance in agriculture. Bring the young buckaroos for an interactive glimpse into the agricultural lifestyle where they can enjoy the experience of riding a wooly sheep or roping at a Wrangler Round-Up, and enjoy a Pedal Tractor Pull, Li’l Buckaroo Rodeo, Goat Roping – Breakaway and Team Roping.
Cattlemen’s Day is on December 30. Men and women from across the state gather for fellowship and spirited competition during the Arizona Working Ranch Horse Competition, Ranch Replacement Heifer Show and Sale and the Ranch Horse Sale.
Ag Mechanics Show, held December 29-31, showcases agricultural mechanics projects created by students and participants, often in the context of agricultural education programs or 4-H clubs. This event provides a platform for individuals to display their skills and craftsmanship in various categories, including Ornamental Welding, Woodworking, Small Metal Projects, and more.
Held in conjunction with the livestock show, the Cowboy Classics Western Art Show and Gear Exhibit runs December 29-1. It showcases the rich, unique life of the American cowboy, presented in bronze sculptures, leather and silver works, oil paintings, and a variety of other art mediums. Another attraction of the Arizona National is the Cowboy Classics Gallery, an exhibit illustrating Arizona’s long ranching history, filled with memorabilia and displays provided by prestigious ranching families and other organizations with agricultural roots.
Livestock Judging is held on December 31. The event is the first national Collegiate Livestock Judging competition of the year, in addition to a Junior Judging Contest for youth in 4-H and FFA. This contest utilizes the best animals from across the country.
Speaking contests are held on December 31. They allow participants, often students or individuals involved in agricultural education programs like FFA (Future Farmers of America) or 4-H clubs, to deliver prepared speeches on topics related to agriculture and related fields. These contests allow participants to enhance their public speaking skills, demonstrate their knowledge, and advocate for agricultural issues.
Cattledog trials are held December 27-28. Also known as cattle dog trials or stock dog trials, these competitive events are where herding dogs, often Border Collies or Australian Cattle Dogs, demonstrate their skills in working livestock, particularly cattle. These trials are not only a showcase of the dogs’ herding abilities but also a practical test of their usefulness in ranching and farming operations.
“Farming Simulator” runs December 29-31 and is a popular video game series that allows players to experience the life of a modern farmer, managing various aspects of farming, including planting and harvesting crops, raising livestock, and operating agricultural machinery.
Skill-A-Thon is held on December 29 and is a specialized competition that tests participants’ knowledge and skills related to livestock, including various aspects of animal care, management, and agriculture.
Horse Show Event Highlights
The Arizona National Horse Show has long been part of the event’s annual competitions. It runs December 14-17 at Scottsdale’s WestWorld equine complex and features equine competitions for various interests, including an American Quarter Horse Association Show and Youth Horse Show.
The Arizona National Livestock Show is free for spectators to attend. For a full schedule of events and more information, visit the website.
The Arizona National Livestock Show is the largest livestock show in the Southwest, an annual Phoenix tradition since 1948. It is dedicated to youth and agriculture; its goal is to support the industry’s youth and share a passion for the livestock and agriculture sectors with the population as a whole. Exhibitors and their families travel from more than 40 states, held on the Arizona State Fairgrounds between Christmas and New Year’s. Over 4,200 head of the nation’s best cattle, sheep, goats, swine, horses, and cattle dogs take part in the for competition. For more information visit the website.