The American Royal hosted its 2026 Livestock Show at its new campus in Kansas City, Kansas, continuing a tradition that began in 1899. The show welcomed 2,835 exhibitors from 39 states and Canada, with 10,078 livestock entries.
Market animal champions took center stage during the Royal Elite Drive, and the Junior Premium Livestock Auction raised $804,600 to support junior exhibitors.
This year’s market show champions were:
Grand Champion Market Steer: Danica Prins of Iona, Minn.
Reserve Champion Market Steer: Shay Rodgers of Searsboro, Iowa
Grand Champion Market Goat: Caroline Sullivan of Greenfield, Ind.
Reserve Champion Market Goat: Jaci Falkenstien of Oswego, Kan.
Grand Champion Market Lamb: Sayde Allen of Elk City, Okla.
Reserve Champion Market Lamb: Carson Nahrup of Loveland, Ohio
Grand Champion Market Barrow: Saylor Norvell of Tuttle, Okla.
Reserve Champion Market Barrow: Waverly Millard of Caldwell, Idaho
The American Royal also recognized a Premier Junior Market Exhibitor in each species for achievement in the show ring and leadership in agriculture.
Beef: Alizabeth Quick of Hudson, Colo.
Goat: Jaci Falkenstien of Oswego, Kan.
Sheep: Carson Nahrup of Loveland, Ohio
Swine: Olivia Vorpagel of Adams, Minn.
The following champions were named in the cattle, swine, sheep and goat breeding shows:
Supreme Champion Open Bull: The Marvel Group and C&C Farms of Jefferson, Ga., exhibiting a Purebred Simmental
Supreme Champion Open Female: Addyson Sweeney of Vinton, Iowa, exhibiting a Charolais
Supreme Champion Junior Heifer: Finley Yocham of Sapulpa, Okla., exhibiting a Percentage Simmental
Overall Breeding Gilt: Brody Everhart of Middletown, Ind., exhibiting a Dark Cross
Reserve Breeding Gilt: Madilyn Norvell of Tuttle, Okla., exhibiting a Dark Cross
Overall Wether Dam Ewe: Javen Sparks of Wilburton, Okla.
Reserve Overall Wether Dam Ewe: Carson Nahrup of Loveland, Ohio
Overall Champion Wether Dam Doe: Finley Yocham of Sapulpa, Okla.
Reserve Overall Wether Dam Doe: Piper Unger of Carlisle, Ind.
“The first livestock show at our new home offered a glimpse of what our completed campus will make possible for the American Royal and the livestock industry for years to come,” said Pat Macy, CEO of the American Royal. “Behind each of these champions is months of hard work by these exhibitors with the support of their families. Their commitment was evident through the three weeks, and we congratulate them on their success.”
For more information about the American Royal and its livestock shows, visit americanroyal.com.
