Sterling Livestock’s Meat In Event Set for March 20–21; This Year’s Recipient is Courtney Pickens Wernsman

The Sterling Livestock Meat In Weekend returns March 20–21, bringing two days of music, community, and generosity to the Logan County Fairgrounds Exhibit Building. Each year, the event selects one individual to receive a significant portion of the funds raised through the Meat In concert and auction.

For 2026, organizers say the choice was clear. The community will be rallying behind Courtney Pickens Wernsman, a single mother of two who has faced a long and difficult battle with breast cancer.

“We feel like the good Lord has helped us again with our selection of Courtney,” organizers shared. “She has a long road to recovery, and we know this amazing community will step up big to help this incredible mother.”

A Journey Marked by Strength and Early Detection

Courtney, 42, is the proud mom of Tymber, 17, and Trypp, 14 — two kids she calls her greatest motivation to keep pushing forward.

Twelve years ago, she learned she was BRCA1 positive, a genetic marker that significantly increases cancer risk. She stayed proactive with yearly mammograms, a decision that ultimately saved her life.

In May 2025, after a routine mammogram led to further testing, doctors discovered stage 1B triple‑negative breast cancer. “I am beyond thankful it was caught early,” she said.

The diagnosis carried emotional weight. Courtney lost her mother to pancreatic cancer just four years earlier. “Her strength and memory stayed with me through every step,” she shared.

In June 2025, Courtney underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction, followed by four rounds of chemotherapy from August through October. Since then, she has focused on healing, regaining strength, and staying vigilant with ongoing screenings — including pancreatic monitoring and additional surgeries scheduled through July.

“I truly would not have made it through this without my family, friends, and the incredible communities I am a part of,” she said. “Their encouragement and love carried me through the hardest days.”

Despite everything, Courtney continued working as a hairstylist whenever she could. “Being behind the chair gave me a sense of normalcy and purpose,” she said. “It helped me get through some of the hardest days I’ve ever had.”

Her experience has reshaped her outlook on life and inspired a new mission: advocating for early detection. “It saved my life, and I want to help save others,” she said.

A Weekend of Support, Celebration, and Community

The Meat In weekend begins Friday, March 20, with the event’s first‑ever kickoff concert featuring Jordan Suter opening for Colorado’s own Clare Dunn. Tickets are $60 and available now at Sterling Livestock Commission or by calling 970‑522‑1950. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the concert begins at 6:30 p.m.

On Saturday, March 21, the community gathers again at the Logan County Fairgrounds Exhibit Building for the annual Meat In event and auction. The auction of donated items — contributed by supporters from across the region — begins at 11 a.m., with proceeds helping Courtney and supporting additional community causes.

Organizers say this year’s event is about more than tradition. It’s about showing up for a woman who has shown remarkable courage, resilience, and faith through every step of her journey.

Visit Sterling Livestock Facebook page for more information and directory of auction items.