The key word that will sum up this 24 hrs is CHANGE. Let me explain - The activity at the National Western grounds has really picked up with a whole lot of exhibitors arriving and the parking lots filled with spectators. The storm front is bringing a big change in the weather and the high of 35 for today will drop to a high of 12 degrees on Monday. The change with the snow is now 5-10" versus the 3-6" they talked about earlier. Temps early in the week 10-15 degrees and for our Oklahoma crew that means at least five layers!
The good news is a whole lot of Hereford folks have arrived in Denver and it's great to see the dominance of white faced cattle in The Yards. We hope those making the trip during or after the snow will have safe travels as we all meet for the granddaddy of em all The National Western Stock Show. The traditions that have been built on these 100 acres in Denver are second to none. If you want to see how the industry has changed take the time to look at the pictures in the Livestock Center Arena building in The Yards where the Pens and Carloads are held. It is interesting to note it is estimated that the NWSS complex generates at least $85 million in economic impact to Denver in its16 day run. The debate always comes up on whether the facility is outdated and needs to move and expand. I for one like the history of the place and would bet that on a per square foot basis the current site provides a great return to the community.
I was asked if our famous Cowboy Beans are on the crew meal menu. The short answer is no...but we are doing enough for 500 people for the Herdsman Social on Tuesday night. What does that amount to? About 250 pounds of ingredients including 50# of ground beef (CHB of course), over 100 lbs of beans, 25# of bacon plus onions, brown sugar and other fixins...you get the idea. I will say that I can assure you there are not any baby butter beans in a 5 mile radius of our hotel. We encourage all Hereford folks in Denver Tuesday night to attend- it is a fundraiser so give generously for the cause and not to get a free meal. As a people event for the Hereford breed you don't want to miss it.
I want to continue to report on the cattle we have here in Denver. I start this time with a bull that has a lot of people talking....GH Adams Gold Nugget 378W. He is an outcross bull that is big, wide and long as freight train. Gold Nugget is co-owned with Grant Hirsche, OJJ Cattle, Heritage/Wooden Shoe and The Nugget Group. Most of the Gold Nugget owners will be in Denver and I know that two of The Nugget Group owners are making the trip- Jeff Valentine from California and Jimmie & Claudia Atlas from Texas. Additional Nugget Group shares are available ...contact Montie or Max for details.
Jimmie and Claudia Atlas are also the owners of one of our carload bulls - STAR MCL Vitale-ity 131X ET that they purchased sight unseen in our October Sale. He has performed well and I think they will be pleased with their purchase when they see him. Another customer highlight has to be Steve Spelts of Carbon Valley. Steve has two bulls in the carload - 207X that is co-owned with Bent Creek and 212X that has an interest For Sale in Denver. Steve is a great friend and is assisting me in our cooking efforts. Carbon Valley is a partner in a number of great donors at the Ranch and Steve makes his home in Fort Collins. He owns the Frederick Travel Center along I-25 between Denver and Fort Collins. If you are traveling that way take exit 235 and the truckstop is in the SW corner of the interchange. You can eat there AND get gas (winterized diesel too)! Steve's 8 year old granddaughter, Emily was in the The Yards yesterday and it was fantastic to see her glowing smile as she got around the cattle. Emily spent a lot of time combing on 212X, Lethal Weapon II and so I can assure you he is calm and kid broke...that docile nature of Herefords are a selling point. Need a great bull...check him out.
Our new stall signs arrived; they look fantastic and are absolutely first class! Giving credit where credit is due.....Good Job to Jon Blin on the layout and graphic design. These are setup to be reusable and are far superior to our past signage. Jon worked with Josh Coonrad at Signs and More in Independence, Iowa and we thank him for responding to our tight lead-time.
Finally to the crew report...Dale Kottkamp arrived from Indiana last night and Chad Wilson from Canada and Brad Seiss of Maryland got in a couple of days ago. All of these guys have been long time members of our Denver team and it reinforces that this business is as much about the people as the cattle. As we gather for our evening meal, a toddy or two and the nightly card game it is always a story telling event that always is a cause for a lot of laughs. While we may not gather round the campfire the friendships and tales shared are part of the basis of what this event is all about.
I will do better with pictures so bear with me....got questions let me know.
Told ya it turned white!
Snow inside turned into tent time for the crew.
"I was told I am a show bull and then the leave me out in THIS!"
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