The Shows in the Jim Norick Arena were paused at noon on Saturday as Cattlemen’s Congress paid tribute to Jarold Callahan. Board Member Tyler Norvell told the exhibitors and those that were in the stands that it was appropriate to stop for a few moments midday Saturday to salute the late Callahan as it was his dream to always have the Herefords and Angus showing at the same time in the arena.
Jarold Callahan passed away on December 23, 2023 unexpectedly- and his death has left the national cattle show without it’s leader as it kicked off just seven days later. The show staff and leadership have pulled together and pushed forward in his memory as the largest beef cattle show in the US is now in it’s fourth year.
Norvell told the audience present and online that “But as we move forward, I can promise you- the Cattlemen’s Congress Board- the folks behind this show- are more committed than ever and Jarold said from day one- this is gonna be the most exhibitor friendly and most affordable livestock show put on in the country. And that’s our mission to make it a good experience for the exhibitor. We want to always make that this is a show that is put on by cattlemen for cattlemen.”
It was announced on Saturday there will be two traveling trophies named from now on for Jarold Callahan- a trophy for the champion Angus open heifer and the champion Polled Hereford heifer.
Norvell also announced that the collegiate livestock judging contest that was near and dear to Jarold Callahan will be named from now on the Jarold Callahan Livestock Judging Contest at Cattlemen’s Congress.
In the audio above- Norvell introduced a video that was played in the Arena- click on the video button below to watch that special tribute.
