The stock show offers ranchers the chance to strengthen their herds and sustain livelihoods

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - Every year, the Stock Show offers events everyone can enjoy, from rodeo, to vendors, to the petting zoo, and while the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo offers entertainment for all, it also offers some a chance to grow their businesses for another year.

For 65 years, the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo has been helping ranchers buy and sell cattle, hoping to make the next year’s herd stronger. The Charolais sale at the Monument, offered just that for ranchers.

“Part of the reason we do it is because they know the quality is good here. There’s some excellent quality cattle, we can get some outcrossed genetics for our herd, as well as you know, finding something that will work, phenotypically as well as genotypically as the pedigrees. So that’s why we come here,” said rancher Alan Vedvei.

For some, selling cattle is the reason they can continue working another year. It’s also how they ensure they can feed their families.

“This is our livelihood. The sales of this, that’s how we make our income to pay for our expenses for our feed, for all the inputs that go into our operation. Then also for us to supply for our kids, for our family, to help put food on the table and clothes on their backs,” said rancher Jerod Olson.

The stock show runs through February 3, with events and sales at both the Monument and the Kjerstad event center.

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