HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Mid-American Stock Show returns to the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson this weekend, bringing three days of livestock competitions, judging contests and agricultural activities.
The event runs Friday, Oct. 30, through Sunday, Nov. 1, featuring cattle, swine, sheep and goat competitions, along with opportunities for young exhibitors and collegiate judging teams to showcase their skills.
Established in 2022, the Mid-American Stock Show operates under the theme "By Ranchers, For Ranchers," with a focus on preserving agricultural traditions and supporting livestock exhibitors.
Activities begin Friday morning as livestock exhibitors arrive at the fairgrounds. Barns open at 8 a.m., with animals required to be in place by 2 p.m. Check-in activities continue throughout the afternoon.
Friday's schedule also includes the Monster Mash Bash at 5 p.m.
Competition begins Saturday at 8 a.m. with livestock judging contests for 4-H, FFA, junior college and senior college participants.
The judging competitions challenge participants to evaluate livestock and explain their decisions. Youth contestants will judge 10 classes of livestock, while collegiate competitors will evaluate 12 classes and provide oral reasons for their selections.
The contests are open to teams from across the country, with participants competing in categories involving beef cattle, sheep, swine and goats.
Junior beef cattle and sheep showmanship competitions begin at noon Saturday, followed by junior goat showmanship at 1:30 p.m.
Additional competitions throughout the afternoon include breeding cattle, market lambs, Boer goats and other livestock classes.
The livestock judging contest awards ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, followed by the Mid-American Stock Show prospect steer and heifer sale at 5:30 p.m.
Activities continue Sunday beginning at 8 a.m. with junior swine showmanship and cattle competitions.
Sunday's schedule includes market swine, breeding cattle, prospect livestock and market steer and heifer competitions.
The event concludes with supreme champion competitions Sunday afternoon, beginning with the Supreme Market Steer at 2:30 p.m. and continuing with awards for market swine, bulls and heifers.
The final competition, Supreme Junior Heifer, is scheduled for 5 p.m., with all livestock released at 5:30 p.m.
The show also offers commercial exhibit opportunities for agricultural businesses and vendors.
The Mid-American Stock Show is a nonprofit organization supported by sponsors and volunteers.