NWSS Catch-A-Calf 2022

American Shorthorn Association

1872 2022

2022 National Western Stock Show Catch-A-Calf Program Features Shorthorn Steers

The Catch-A-Calf program at the National Western has welcomed nearly 3,000 steers to 4-H families throughout the western United States in its 80-plus years. The program is one of National Western’s most loved traditions! Participants come from Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming to compete in the National Western Stock Show’s longest-running program of practical beef cattle management. The program began in 1935 when 10 boys caught 10 sponsored calves. The contest quickly caught on, and the program grew to include 52 calves by 1942. Soon after World War II, the program settled at 40 calves per year, which is where the number continues to stand today.

The American Shorthorn Association is honored to announce that the 20212022 program featured Shorthorn steers provided by Peak View Ranch of Fowler, Colorado. This involvement aligns perfectly as the American Shorthorn Association celebrates its 150th Anniversary as a breed association in America.

“The American Shorthorn Association is the oldest beef breed association in the US. As a result, Shorthorns pulled the wagons, provided milk and beef as the west was settled. Today we are proud to have a long history with the NWSS and provide Shorthorn cattle for the youth of our industry to gain this experience,” explains Montie D. Soules, Executive Secretary/CEO of the American Shorthorn Association. “Marking our 150th year with 40 Shorthorn steers being raised by 4-H members across the western United States, exemplifies the strength in our breed as it continues to excel today.”

“Shorthorn cattle are the beginning of cattle in America. They are integral in many of the breeds that exist today, and we are celebrating that this year,” comments Trish Leone of Peak View Ranch on the importance of ASA’s 150th Celebration.

Each January, participants gather in Denver, Colorado to catch a calf. Members then pick up their projects the first week of May and continue to feed and raise the steer throughout the coming year. Each participant receives a sponsor that supports the exhibitor throughout the year. Each month, the participants write and send a letter to their sponsor telling them about the insights on their projects; most interact with their sponsors beyond letters by making visits to see the calves and watching them show at their county and state show. They return one year later with a market-ready animal to exhibit at the National Western Stock Show. Participates are judged on showmanship, record books and a personal interview; steers are judged on production and carcass quality.

The American Shorthorn Association sponsored more than 70 individual awards and prizes for the program in categories from interview, production, record book, sponsor relations, live evaluation, showmanship and overall champions.

Peak View Ranch was honored to help represent the Shorthorn breed. Rick Leone of Peak View Ranch adds, “Shorthorns have such an advantage in terms of docility, gain and yield grade. With such a rich tradition of family involvement, Shorthorn’s are great first project for kids.” It was a wonderful sight to see 40 Shorthorn steers lined up in the show ring; all very well represented.

The 2022 Grand Champion Catch-ACalf Steer was exhibited by Cami Miller of El Dorado, Kansas. Although she has exhibited Hereford and club calves, this was her first time with a Shorthorn.

“It was a learning experience; he had some people he liked and some people he didn’t, but that was one of the reasons I loved my steer. He also had one of the prettiest hides ever. It is neat that Shorthorns can be marked so many different ways. Something else I liked about my steer and the Shorthorn breed is the frame size. It is valuable when it comes to the carcass and market standpoint.”

Cami has always wanted a Shorthorn, their color drew her in, and she was excited to finally have a chance to show her Shorthorn this year. She hopes to get another one to show in the future.

The Reserve Grand Champion CatchA-Calf Steer was shown by Jordyn Renquist of Rolling Hills, Wyoming.

“The thing I liked most about showing my Shorthorn was how docile he was. I also learned that when you feed Shorthorns the right way, they can grow well. This was my first Shorthorn, but I would love to have another one in my barn.”

Jordyn has exhibited Charolais, Maine-Anjou and crossbred cattle during her show career. She liked Shorthorns but never had one catch her eye and was glad she had the opportunity to show one with the Catch-A-Calf program.

Congratulations to all participants! The American Shorthorn Association hopes each exhibitor enjoyed their Shorthorn project. =