Swine and Bovine Invade the KY Exposition Center this July
By Danielle Henson
Summer show season is upon us and the Kentucky Exposition Center has a calendar full of agriculture action in the months to come. Check out the shows that are just around the corner:
National Junior Summer Spectacular & Conference
Here piggy piggy! During the week of July 3rd through 8th, The National Swine Registry and National Junior Swine Association will host the National Junior Spectacular & Conference. Youth members will be bring their best hogs ranging from a variety of different breeds (Druoc, Hampshire, Landrace, and Yorkshire to name a few) with the goal of being Grand Champion. They will also test their judging skills and participate in training sessions. Photography and poster contests are also featured.
American Hereford Jr. National Show
Hereford cattle originated in Herefordshire, England, but has a special tie to Kentucky! U.S. Senator Henry Clay was the first person to import the breed to the United States, specifically Kentucky, in the 1840s. Since then, the breed has become one of the top beef producers in the world. Over 900 junior competitors and their cattle are “Showin’ for the Roses” this year to compete for top honors, converging on the Kentucky Exposition Center during the week of July 15th – 21st. Competitors will also take part in leadership and educational competitions to further their knowledge of the Hereford breed and ensure its prosperity for the future.
Simmental Breeders Sweepstakes
Simmental cattle hail from Swiss origins along the Simme River and are considered one of the oldest breeds in the cattle world. For five days, July 25th through the 30th, the Simmentals get their time in the spotlight at the Simmental Breeder’s Sweepstakes. The competition begins with junior competitors exhibiting their finest heifers and cow/calf combinations. The show continues with more showcases of purebred bulls, females, and an embryo auction. It’s sure to be an exciting weekend to round out summer before farmers get ready for fall!
