(A version of this article first appeared in The Farmer’s Pride, December 7 issue)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The infamous green shavings are gone. The stock trailers and showmen have returned home with their ribbons and banners. The North American International Livestock Exposition is in the books for another year.
The NAILE first came to Louisville in 1974. Warren County Angus breeder Gil R. Cowles says he’s been there since the beginning.
“Since the North American came to Louisville, I have been every year either as an exhibitor or a spectator,” says Cowles, the owner of Pleasant Hill Farms in Rockfield.
The International Livestock Exposition originated in Chicago, Illinois in 1900 and ran through 1975. After the Union Stockyards were closed in 1971, the show in Chicago ended at the close of the 1975 engagement. In 1974, the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville was inaugurated and for 1974 and 1975 there were two Expos; one in Chicago, and one in Louisville. In 1976, there was once again one International at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition grounds in Louisville.
“There were enough folks like Jack Ragsdale with the foresight to put this exposition here,” Cowles reflected.
Cowles says the Expo has inevitably seen much change over the last four decades, but the show is still thriving with increased participation for the 17-day run in 2017. “It seems like this year there has been a lot of activity across the entire livestock spectrum, especially on what I call youth weekend,” he reflected. “It seems like this year, there has been an even higher level of participation than I can remember in the most recent past.”
The NAILE also lives up to its international reputation according to Cowles. “I attended the Saddle and Sirloin induction of (American Angus Association’s) Tom Burke into the Gallery and in that room, there were over 300 guests from 42 states and three foreign countries.”
Indeed, official numbers from Kentucky Venues, parent organization of the Kentucky Exposition Center, bear out Cowles’ observations, reflecting an increase in both exhibitors and rodeo attendance. NAILE drew nearly 30,000 entries with competitors, exhibitors, and attendees from 49 states and six foreign countries. The event generated an economic impact of $8.3 million to the greater Louisville region.
The Great Lakes Circuit Finals Rodeo, held in conjunction with NAILE, saw the highest attendance in five years with more than 19,000 fans enjoying the three performances in Freedom Hall.
“For us, we attend the National Western in Denver, we go to the American Royal in Kansas City, and we come here to Louisville,” Cowles says. “Without question, this is the Crown Jewel and everybody wants to come to Louisville.” Cowles lists outstanding facilities and attractive exhibit areas among the features that set the North American apart from its sister events.
Cowles says he expects his family’s involvement with the North American will continue for at least another generation. “ We have three children that probably like this even more than we do and, if it’s up to them, they’ll continue to do this year in and year out.”
— Ray Bowman, The Farmer Feeds Us All
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