From the National Western Stock Show:

Hello, it is that time of year where we are looking for applicants for the National Western Stock Show Catch-a-Calf Program. The program is open to youth that are ages 12 to 18, as of December 31^st, 2019. Youth must be an enrolled 4-H member and resident of the states of CO, WY, KS or NE. To apply for the program they will go to https://nationalwestern.com/catch-a-calf-program/ and complete the online application. There is also a mandatory form that they will need to print off and complete. The application must be submitted by December 1^st and the mandatory form must be postmarked by December 2^nd.

For those less familiar with Catch-a-Calf, youth sign-up to catch at a rodeo performance during the Stock Show. Youth that are successful will then return to Stock Show in May to receive a steer. The purchase price of the steer is covered by a sponsor. Youth will write monthly letters to their sponsors. They will also complete a monthly progress form that then goes in their final record book. They will return to the Stock Show the following January to exhibit their steer, along with completing an interview and turning in their record book. The overall grand and reserve grand champion of the program are allotted a spot in the Junior Livestock Auction. Other youth will receive market value for their steer, along with a portion of what the two steers in the sale make.

While they will have no cost for the steer, they will still be responsible for purchasing feed, equipment, travel expenses, any potential vet expenses, etc. I do have a handout with potential costs that you are more than welcome to use to discuss with families that are interested. Youth will also be responsible for daily care and feeding. I will also mention that the steers the youth receive are not show steers. They are ranch steers, and will require more time and attention to gentle down. We do have a partnership with the University of Wyoming, where they break the steers to tie, but they are far from show ready when youth receive them. We of course welcome youth with no show cattle experience, in fact, they tend to thrive more than those who are only used to halter broke show steers.

If you are interested in being a part of this program, please apply through the website and then let us know as we have to sign off on your application to possibly participate.

Thank you, hope you will take advantage of this opportunity!