The 78th Annual Arizona National Livestock Show – A Celebration of Agriculture and Community

The 2025 Arizona National Livestock Show (Arizona National) will take place December 27-31 at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. The Arizona National brings together farmers, ranchers, and animal enthusiasts from across the country. This year, attendees can look forward to an exciting lineup of activities, including livestock competitions and family-friendly entertainment.

Highlights of the 2025 Arizona National Livestock Show:

• LivestockCompetitions: Witnesstop-tier livestock, from over 30 states, showcasing their best qualitiesacross various categories, including cattle, sheep, goats, and swine.
• Ranch Rodeo: Where local cowboys and cowgirlscompete in traditional ranching events. From team roping to barrel racing,this rousing competition highlights the skills and teamwork essential toranch life.
• StockdogTrials: Featuringskilled dogs and their handlers as they demonstrate remarkable teamwork inherding livestock. These trials showcase the unique bond between humansand their canine partners, emphasizing the vital role of working dogs onthe ranch.
• FarmExperience: Eventsaimed at educating youth and families about farm animals through fun activitiesand interactive learning, attendees will gain a deeper appreciation forlivestock production and management.
• YouthPrograms: Aimed atpromoting agricultural education and leadership skills. Highlightsinclude:
• Ag Mechanics Contest: This event emphasizes the importance of mechanics in modern agriculture and encourages innovation among aspiring agricultural professionals.
• Farming Simulator Tournament: Where youth manage virtual farms and engage in challenges that highlight modern agricultural practices and decision-making.
• Horse Judging: This event assesses participants’ ability to evaluate and rank four horse classes, both performance and in-hand, with senior competitors giving two sets of reasons.
• Horse Skillathon: This contest helps youth showcase their knowledge and horsemanship skills through a written test, an identification segment, and a team problem segment.
• Livestock Judging: Participants will have the opportunity to compete in livestock evaluation based on conformation, muscling and overall quality.
• Livestock Skillathon: Youth are challenged as they demonstrate their knowledge and skills in livestock care, nutrition, and management through various practical tasks and quizzes.
• Public Speaking Contests: Aspiring agricultural advocates showcase their talents in contests designed to build confidence and communication skills.
• Tool ID Contest: Participants identify 50 tools and 50 supply items through a multiple-choice scan sheet, with ties decided by a timed tool and fastener selection scenario.
• Welding Competition: Participants weld provided animal silhouettes using fillet welds and are judged on bead consistency, penetration, appearance, and structural alignment.
• Cattlemen'sDay: Featuring the grading and sale of replacement heifersand commercial bulls, this event offers producers with the opportunity to improvetheir existing herds.