American Royal celebrates 125 years with livestock show

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - American Royal is celebrating 125 years of championing food and agriculture.

The organization began in October 1899 as the first-ever exhibition and sale of purebred cattle.

On Friday morning, to kick off the livestock show, Kansas’ Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Beam, presented a special government proclamation stating that the month of October is American Royal Month.

“Since agriculture is a big part of the state of Kansas, and we all recognize our youth is the future and the Amercian Royal brings all of that together where we have world-class livestock, and lots of opportunities for youth, and competitive events,” Beam said.

Jackie McClaskey, President and CEO of the American Royal Association, told KCTV5 that the proclamation is an honor and looks forward to continuing the longstanding legacy.

“Our purpose is to help other people learn about food and agriculture; to engage all generations in caring about not only where their food comes from but understanding the story behind the people who raised them,” McClaskey said.

Showman Dalton Pattimore, 14, told KCTV5 that while he’s raising his cow, Phoenix, the process is also very formative.

“The stuff we are learning here is better than going to school,” Pattimore said. “We learn so much by doing this. We’re learning responsibility, and we’re learning hard work.”

The celebration certainly isn’t over. The World Series of Barbeque will return to the Kansas Speedway from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3.

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