By MEGGIE. I. FOSTER
Assistant Editor LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In its 37-year history, the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) has grown to become the largest purebred livestock competition in the world with exhibitors from nearly all 50 states competing for over $800,000 in premiums, and above all, the coveted title of champion.
“There is no other show equivalent to NAILE. The finest animals in the world compete here at the North American,” said Claude Brock, director of media operations, who has only missed one show in the Expo’s lengthy history. “These are not slaughter animals, these are the breeders … seedstock. They come here to propagate the species.”
In fact, thousands of purebred dairy cattle, dairy goats, llamas, alpacas, swine, beef cattle, Quarter Horses, draft horses, mules and meat goats competed for the No. 1 spot during the first few days - Nov. 6-9 - of the Expo’s two-week run in Louisville, Ky.
“We utilize the entire Kentucky Expo Center occupying 1.2 million square feet of climate-controlled space,” said Brock. “No other livestock show in the world offers such an environment.”
In addition to 10 divisions of purebred classes, the Expo features several world-renowned sales including the Stars of Louisville Shropshire and Southdown sale on Nov. 13, the North American Shorthorn sale on Nov. 14, Simmental and Chianina sales on Nov. 15, Maine Anjou sale on Nov. 16 and Lowline Angus, Hereford, North American Boer Goat and Belted Galloway sales on Nov. 17. “NAILE provides the opportunity to improve your herd very quickly,” said Brock. “You can buy on location or go home with the identification of who you need to talk to. It hits the economy in the U.S. in a real position manner.”
What’s more, nearly $8 to $10 million in revenue comes from NAILE livestock sales, cumulatively.
In addition to domestic buyers, Brock pointed out that visitors from 15 countries also come to the North American to purchase animals. “Foreigners most certainly come here to buy animals that fit their environment,” he added. “They can find what fits their needs in the form of embryos, and it is shipped frozen and they can implant that animal immediately.”
North American Championship Rodeo But one of the most popular draws for many of the estimated 225,000 visitors and exhibitors is the North American Championship Rodeo Nov. 11-12, according to Brock. “Our rodeo features the high-point cowboys and cowgirls from the Great Lakes Circuit of the Pro Rodeo Cowboy Assoc. (PRCA) competing for over $80,000 in prizes,” he boasted, adding that the total purse ranks among the top 10 percent of all PRCA rodeo prize money and is the second largest purse for a circuit final.
“Those who win here go on to compete in the National Dodge Finals in January (Reno, Nev.). It’s a pretty big deal – more saddles, buckles and silver than you could shake a stick at”
Admission to the rodeo is not included in the $6 general admission fee and $8 parking fee. Cost to purchase an adult ticket for the rodeo is $20 for the Nov. 11 event, $30 on Nov. 12 and $32 on Nov. 13. Cost for children is $20 on Nov. 11, $10 on Nov. 12 and Nov. 13. In addition to over 120 different livestock shows and sales, the youth judging competition and the well-attended North American Championship Rodeo, NAILE also features the expansive Giant Country Store with over 200 exhibitors. “You can find anything from fine jewelry to farm gates at the Country Store,” said Brock, who added that no other livestock exposition in the world occupies a larger climate-controlled space than the Kentucky Expo Center. “Many people come from all over the country to do their Christmas shopping here.” For a live feed of the livestock competitions, show results and event information, including directions to the Expo Center, visit www.livestockexpo.org |
