Herefords on turf in CoBank Arena kick off in Denver

News | Jan 16, 2026 | Rachel Gabel | rgabel@thefencepost.com

The Catch a Calf show was the first in CoBank Arena. Photo by Liz Munsterteiger

The first cattle to show in CoBank Arena in the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Livestock Center were the Hereford steers of the 90^th Catch a Calf Show, and Anschutz herself was ringside to see it. Full results will follow, however the grand champion was Kate Maricle, Albion, Neb., sponsored by Mike and Eva Pugh, and reserve champion was Brianna Hollingsworth from Cheyenne, Wyo., sponsored by the Wyoming Elks Association.

Sue Anschutz-Rodgers watches the Catch a Calf show, the first in the building that bears her name. Photo by Liz Munsterteiger

National Western CEO and president Wes Allison said the facility is beautiful and easy to clean. The Citizen of the West dinner was hosted on the arena floor after three days of cattle shows and a quick cleaning with the Zamboni-like cleaning machine.

Allison said the holding area for exhibitors being out of reach of the public strikes a balance between making the livestock accessible for guests and doing what is best for exhibitors. The turf flooring has also been a notable change and he said when cattle are built from the ground up and poor structured cattle can’t be disguised in dirt and shavings, it could change the livestock people choose to bring to Denver in the future.

Newly inducted into the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame, Marlin Eisenach watches the show. Photo by Liz Munsterteiger

“One comment was well, you have to have good footed and good legged cattle because you can’t hide that on the dirt,” he said. “That’s what was ultimately found at San Antonio, especially after they started showing the steers on turf.”

Sue Anschutz-Rodgers and Dr. John Matsushima at the Catch a Calf show. Photo by Liz Munsterteiger

“That program is amazing in itself just because of the history of it,” he said. “Especially since Dr. John (Matsushima) has so much connection to it and in a year we can celebrate his 105^th birthday and the 90^th anniversary of the Catch a Calf show, it’s amazing to think of how close those two things are. That’s just pretty cool and it’s part of who we are and the uniqueness of the Catch a Calf program compared to other calf scramble programs around the country. It’s a great opportunity.”

The Catch a Calf Pavilion features pens from The Yards to display the champion and reserve steers. Photo by Liz Munsterteiger

Allison said the attendance thus far has been record setting, likely due much in part to the good weather and new buildings operning. The 120^th anniversary is offering an opportunity to truly celebrate the history of the show. The Wold Heritage Center in The Legacy will also display historical photos and artifacts as well.

The Catch a Calf show in CoBank Arena. Photo by Christine Banman

“We never anticipated moving the sheep and goats back to The Hill this year but because we were up 14.5% in cattle entries, we had to make some arrangements,” he said. “It’s funny because that group not getting to come show in The Sue was disappointing, but we were able to activate Stadium Arena, where sheep and goats have never shown, and we’ve had good feedback about the extra room and getting the chance to show in Stadium Arena. It’s history, it’s who we are, and it’s a big deal to get to show in that arena, no matter what animal you’re driving.”

The 90th class of NWSS Catch a Calf contestants in CoBank Arena with sponsors at right. Photo by Liz Munsterteiger.

It’s unclear whether that will continue, but it was an adjustment that was made to better the experience for the customer, the exhibitors.

“Our renewed commitment is to the 120 years that have passed and that our customers and exhibitors have a great experience while they’re here,” he said. “Everything we do should be special.”

The Supreme Heifer Drive is another opportunity to support the junior side of the beef industry.

“To come and be showcased during the rodeo in front of an urban audience to continue that connection between urban and rural is exciting,” he said. “Ultimately, I see that program growing so much over time and we’ve made the commitment to keep growing those funds. That’s who we are- we give $727,000 in

scholarship annually.”

The Supreme Heifer Drive allows youth exhibitors across the country the opportunity to access scholarship dollars as well.

“We’re the Super Bowl of livestock shows for a reason,” he said. “The opportunity to showcase all 26 of those breed champions is an opportunity that I don’t think is like it anywhere else in the nation and we’re driving that forward. If the next legacy is giving another $727,000 in scholarships to our livestock and horse kids, then we did good. We need to leave it better than we found it.”

The Supreme Heifer Drive will be pre-judged in Stadium Arena and then all 26 breed champion heifers will be led to the coliseum for final judging before a sold-out rodeo crowd on Jan. 24.

ARTICLE: the FENCE POST, JANUARY 16, 2026