Ryan Quarles: North American International Livestock Exposition

Ryan Quarles Commissioner of Agriculture

I hope to see you all at the 49th North American International Livestock Exposition Nov. 1-17 in Louisville.

The best livestock in the nation are in Kentucky to compete in the world’s largest purebred show. Over 17 days, nearly 30,000 entries will step foot on the iconic green shavings at the Kentucky Exposition Center in more than 140 competitions. Ten species are featured, including: beef cattle, dairy cattle, dairy goats, meat goats, draft horses, llamas and alpacas, mules and donkeys, sheep, and swine. Last year, the North American drew more than 25,000 entries with competitors, exhibitors, and attendees from 48 states and Canada. Behind the scenes, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) is dedicated to helping put on a world-class show in the great tradition of North American Expos past. KDA’s Office of State Veterinarian checks the health papers of every animal that enters the Kentucky Exposition Center grounds. State Veterinarian Dr. Katie Flynn and her dedicated staff carry out the yeoman’s task of preventing livestock disease from entering the commonwealth. KDA’s Division of Show and Fair Promotion staff and other department employees help conduct the livestock shows and keep them running smoothly. The North American is the traditional capstone of the show season after months of working district and preview shows, the three Kentucky Junior Livestock Expos, and the Kentucky State Fair. The North American also features national collegiate and youth livestock judging contests, helping prepare the next generation for tomorrow’s breeding challenges. Kentucky FFA President Jonathan Pinkston said it best, calling these young competitors “the future of the (livestock) industry.” I wholeheartedly agree. The Lead Line competition always packs the stands at the North American, with the crowd eager to see the creative outfits put together by contestants. Since its start in the mid-1970s, the competition promotes the wool industry by showcasing the relationship between the shepherd and their products. Contestants are required to either make or purchase an outfit with a specific percentage of wool fabric and model it while leading their sheep with matching accessories around the ring. After modeling, the contestants are evaluated and ranked based on their performance and outfit. Because Kentucky is the Horse Capital of the World, there are two annual horse shows to coincide with the North American. The Quarter Horse Show is broken into two parts; it began Oct. 29 in Broadbent Arena and will continue Nov. 9 in Freedom Hall. The Draft Horse Show will follow Nov. 11-12 in Freedom Hall. For those who like a little more excitement, there’s the North American Championship Rodeo Nov. 10-12. Last year’s event had one sell-out and record-breaking attendance for all three nights in Freedom Hall. On Friday, Nov. 11, fans and contestants are encouraged to wear pink to show their support for the fight against breast cancer, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Horses and Hope. For more information about the livestock and horse shows, youth programs, rodeo, and other events, go to www.livestockexpo.org. I hope to see many of you at the North American, whether you’re buying, selling, showing, or taking in this signature event.