Stock Show Recap: Aggieville Showdown Connects Kansas Community with the Cattle Industry

Event brings livestock competition into downtown setting

MANHATTAN, KANSAS (RFD News) — The sixth annual Aggieville Showdown has officially wrapped for the season. RFD News caught up with event founder Christian Calliham, who says participants traveled from 11 different states to compete for titles in the livestock show.

The event also gave Kansas-area residents a chance to learn more about the cattle industry, as livestock were showcased in the Aggieville business district. Calliham says hosting the event in a downtown setting creates a different experience for those who may not have a background in agriculture.

“We had some of the top producers, cheering on their families and their competitors, but we have college students from Kansas State University here for a fun Saturday night,” he said. “We even have the future 4-H and FFA families who are coming to see how their kids can get involved in the beef industry.”

Calliham says those interactions between producers and consumers are one of the most valuable parts of the event, giving people a chance to learn more about where their food comes from.

The event also featured live interviews with the stock show’s champions, highlighting the work that goes into producing safe beef for the U.S. supply chain.

Looking ahead, Calliham says to mark your calendars for another exciting stock show, the Campustown Showdown, set for April 24 and 25 in Ames, Iowa.

Related Stories
Rodeo Austin exhibitor reflects on years of experience and the bond formed through training difficult cattle
Senior exhibitor reflects on years of work in the ring and the bond that led to his first sale
After years of showing livestock, Gosda reflects on the bond and responsibility of taking care of her cattle
Houston competitor Ainslea Hayes shares what it takes to compete in the ring and carry on a family legacy
Young exhibitors balance school and months of preparation as they compete at one of Texas’s largest livestock events.
The annual event blends livestock shows, youth competitions, and family-friendly attractions in the heart of Austin

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Dr. Derrell Peel says the longer the border remains closed to Mexican cattle imports, the more likely some industry changes could become permanent.
Matthew O’Connor continues working with landowners to help protect and restore forests across Georgia.
Producers say limited moisture is creating major challenges for crops and irrigation heading into summer.
The state-level focus is split between labeling and sales restrictions.
Mental Health Nurse Kathleen Jemmett says people should not be afraid to reach out for help.
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum says agriculture still needs to see U.S. products actively moving into China.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
The Presley Family built Branson’s Original Show on the Strip. “Presleys’ Country Jubilee” was a smash hit, and people from across the country lined up every night for a chance to hear the country music and comedy the Presley Family loved to perform.
Bill Gaither, the founder of one of gospel’s most successful groups, the Gaither Vocal Band, and his wife, Gloria, are delighted to showcase their favorite gospel music during “Gaither Gospel Hour” on RFD-TV.
Hosted by Agriculture Broadcaster Brian Baxter, RFD Network’s popular series “Classic Tractor Fever” is a must-see for any tractor enthusiast. It’s the place to find the history, stories, and passion of collectors who preserve these beautiful and amazing pieces of our agricultural past.
One of RFD Networks’ many efforts to showcase stellar American musical craftsmanship, “The Bluegrass Trail” showcases the greatest Bluegrass artists across the USA performing time-honored songs—many presented for the very first time. It’s a celebration of this nation’s musical roots right here on our Nashville stage!
FarmHER + RanchHER on RFD-TV is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.