Media tip sheet: Colorado State University and the 2024 National Western Stock Show

Colorado State University has played a role in the National Western Stock Show since it began in 1906, and more than 100 years later, the partnership is still going strong. 

From the historic Seedstock Merchandising Team to a litany of opportunities at CSU Spur, here’s a collection of CSU information, experts, events and resources related to the National Western Stock Show, which runs from Jan. 6 – 21 in Denver. 

Below is a day-by-day look at how to engage with CSU at the stock show: 

Media contacts: Jennifer Dimas at jennifer.dimas@colostate.edu or (970) 988-4265, and Allison Sylte at allison.sylte@colostate.edu or (720)-849-1907. 

Jan. 4

• The National Western Stock Show Parade (nationalwestern.com/special-events/parade) will be held at noon on Jan. 4, featuring CAM the Ram and Ram Handlers. The parade route begins at Denver’s Union Station and runs up 17th Street, concluding at 17th and Glenarm Place.

Jan. 6-21

• Ag Adventure: Become a Junior Ag Ambassador by participating in this interactive, hands-on exhibit where CSU Agricultural Education students teach about agriculture and natural resources, including where your food comes from. It is a collaboration among the NWSS, CSU and various commodity organizations from around the state that represent Colorado producers. The CSU booth and Ag Adventure can be found every day of the Stock Show on the third floor of the Hall of Education.

Jan. 6-12

• Stockyards: Visit CSU’s student-led Seedstock Merchandising Team in its new digs and learn about CSU’s tradition of raising and showing livestock at the stock show. Open to the public.

Jan. 6-12

• CSU Spur: Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the Stock Show, and there will be ongoing programs at CSU Spur each day. Check out the CSU Spur calendar for more info on daily events at Spur: https://csuspur.org/spur-events/

Jan. 7

Feast on delicious dishes prepared by the award-winning team at Xatrucho Concepts and learn the cultural relevance and nutritional value of organ meats at the first annual Offal Party at CSU Spur. This event will allow attendees to learn about the problem Colorado ranchers and processors face in getting organ meats to the market, and will offer to the opportunity to imagine new businesses and technologies that unlock the value of this undervalued food in the regenerative ag ecosystem. For more information and to register, visit: http://bit.ly/TheOffalParty. 

Jan. 9

• NWSS Free Admission Day.

Jan. 12

• Discover and explore CSU and Colorado 4-H, delivered by CSU Extension, during 4-H Day at the Stock Show, Friday, Jan. 12.

Jan. 13 – CSU Day

•  CSU Day at the Rodeo is Saturday, Jan. 13. Special group discount tickets are available for CSU Day at the Rodeo at 11 a.m., featuring seating in CSU fan sections. Tickets include grounds admission for the day, which includes nearly 300 trade show vendors, Mutton Bustin’, CSU officials as stagecoach/wagon riders, National Western nursery, kids’ activities, petting farm and more.

Jan. 17

• Learn more about Colorado FFA and agricultural education on FFA Day, Wednesday, Jan. 17.

Jan. 18

• Temple Grandin Equine Center Exceptional Rodeo, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CSU Spur Vida Building. The mock and adaptive rodeo experience is for Denver-area youth with special needs, ages 4 to 12. Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association athletes and rodeo royalty partner with the youth to assist them through the rodeo obstacles. CSU Professor Temple Grandin engages with the youth and signs books, while community volunteers help host each activity station. The public is welcome to watch.

Every day: Visit the CSU Spur for free, interactive activities 

The CSU Spur campus is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All three buildings are home to exhibits and art installations focused around their respective themes of food, water and health, and visitors can engage in hands-on educational activities at various stops throughout the campus.

Some of the highlights at Spur include: 

  • Live dog and cat surgeries in the Vida building. 
  • A virtual reality laboratory. 
  • Demonstrations at the Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, where horses undergo strength conditioning and therapy sessions with the veterinary team and even walk on underwater treadmills. 
  • The public has the opportunity to sample a variety of new food and drinks in the Sensory Lab at the Terra building. 
  • Tour the Terra Building’s Rooftop Greenhouse and enjoy panoramic views of downtown Denver. 
  • Take part in hands-on water activities led by Denver Water’s Youth Education Team. 
  • Observe Denver Water scientists at work in Hydro’s Water Quality Lab. 

You can always go to https://csuspur.org/visit for the latest information about what’s happening at CSU Spur. 

Colorado water and agriculture

Experts from CSU’s Colorado Water Center are available to discuss water, agriculture, environment and natural resource topics. CoWC experts can explain Colorado’s water history, drought management, western water management issues, groundwater, water quality and other water issues. Spur’s Hydro Building will serve as a hub for CoWC and partner organizations to work on water-related research, education, engagement, policy and innovation activities to advance solutions to critical and complex water challenges.

Stock Show weather

CSU Colorado Climate Center experts are available to discuss “Stock Show Weather” and any aspect of Colorado’s weather and climate. Water supplies, drought trends, snow accumulations, winds, temperature extremes and seasonal weather patterns are all fair topics. Colorado Climate Center experts also can talk about the statewide volunteer network, called the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) that has greatly improved precipitation monitoring.