RAPID CITY, S.D. – Future ranchers are at the Central States Fairgrounds this week for the 89th Western Junior Livestock Show. It’s one of the only livestock shows that happens this time of year, and the energy is a lot more laid-back than busier events like the Black Hills Stock Show. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t tough competition.
Youth from western South Dakota, Wyoming, and the surrounding states ages 8 to 18 bring everything from dairy goats to market beef, vying for over 300 different sponsored awards across dozens of classes. This year’s competition also serves as a memorial to honor the late Paul Nebel, a cherished maintenance manager for the fairgrounds who was tragically killed in June.
Raising these animals takes months of dedication before they ever step foot in the dirt. Competitors represent local ag education groups or their family ranches, spending countless hours bonding with and caring for their livestock…