DENVER — Stock Show fans of all ages and different communities dusted off their hats and boots to celebrate Colorado's long-standing western tradition.
The 116th National Western Stock Show hosted nearly 600,000 guests during the 16-day celebration in January.
The 2022 Stock Show hosted 586,756 visitors over the 16 days which was down about 18% overall from previous record-breaking years, pre-pandemic.
The all-time National Western record was set during the 100th anniversary celebration in 2006 with 726,972 guests. The 2020 show had the second-highest stock show attendance with 707,922 visitors.
The 115th National Western was canceled in 2021, only the second time in the show's history that it was not held.
"We have been fortunate to see record-breaking attendance year after year, prior to the pandemic," said Paul Andrews, President & CEO of the National Western Stock Show. "Today we are grateful to have hosted this epic event. We are blown away by the support and outreach from the nearly 600,000 guests who came back to celebrate the western lifestyle that is so important to so many."
Save the date: The 117th National Western Stock Show takes place Saturday, Jan. 7 through Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023.
The Auction of Junior Livestock Champions at the National Western Stock Show had record-breaking numbers on the final Friday of the event.
The full 90 animals in the auction sold for $1,189,500 — smashing 2020's record by $110,000. The top eight champion animals tallied sales of $519,000.
The auction served as the final marketplace for ribbon-winning steers, lambs, hogs and goats that were raised by junior exhibitors, 4-H and FFA youngsters ranging in age from 9 to 18.
"Stock Show did break records this year," said Andrews. "And wow did we see the community come together and open their wallets in support of the young men and women who showcased their animals at the Junior Livestock Auction."
The 2022 Grand Champion Steer, shown by Rhylee Rodgers, sold for a record-high $160,000.
The Reserve Grand Champion Hog sold for an impressive $50,000, breaking the previous record by $14,000 and the Grand Champion Goat set a record sale of $44,000.
Junior Market Steers
Grand Champion
- Rhylee Rodgers
- $160,000 - Ames Construction Company
Reserve Champion
- Aven Horn
- $100,000 - Transwest Trucks, Inc
Junior Market Swine
Grand Champion
- Cole Philips
- $60,000 - Occidental Petroleum
Reserve Champion
- Alia Rodgers
- $50,000 - Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
Junior Market Lambs
Grand Champion
- Colt Randall
- $42,000 - Wagner Equipment Co.
Reserve Champion
- Sayde Allen
- $40,000 - Bruce & Bev Wagner
Junior Market Goats
Grand Champion
- Sayde Allen
- $44,000 - Babson Farms
Reserve Champion
- Jack Hoyle
- $23,000 - TKM Foundation, Kevin McNicholas
> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
National Western Stock Show and Rodeo
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER
Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.