LAY OF THE LAND
The National Western Stock Show (Jan. 7-22, 2023) is one of the region’s preeminent events. The annual gathering in Denver has highlighted western agriculture and ranching for more than 115 years.
Highlighting Western Art & Culture
The National Western also includes events that highlight western culture, perhaps none better than the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale, an annual exhibition of contemporary Western. Of course, there is no way to have a continuing tradition without engaging the next generation, which is how the Young Guns of the National Western got started in 2013. Its goal is to help young professionals (40 and younger) better understand Western art, gain insights into art investments, and support the Stock Show’s growth.
One way the Young Guns accomplishes its goals is through a variety of events each year, culminating in the Young Guns Reception. This year’s event, Rhinestone Rodeo, will be held Dec. 8 at the National Western Complex in Denver. In addition to the opportunity to mingle, hoot and holler, participants will be able to purchase artwork from the Gallery at the National Western Club, where 16 artists will have original works on display. In addition, works by six young, local emerging artists will be for sale.
Benefiting the National Western Scholarship Trust
Besides the entertainment value, event proceeds support the National Western Scholarship Trust, which provides 100 scholarships a year to Colorado and Wyoming college students studying agriculture, rural medicine, and veterinary sciences.
So what are you waiting for? Buy tickets now.
What else?
HEAR IT HERE: It’s essential to keep up with the latest developments, so we host regular conversations with experts to keep you up to date. Learn more by checking out Fresh Approaches to Monetizing Your Ranch, our sit-down with Eric O’Keefe, Editor of The Land Report. And don’t miss Advocating for Western Landowners, an insightful conversation with Lesli Allison, Executive Director of the Western Landowners Alliance. Visit our YouTube channel to find all of our conversations.
GOING PUBLIC: The Big Gear Show in Denver, which will debut in June of 2023, will kick off with a two-day retailer and media trade event followed by a two-day consumer festival. The event will be held in concert with the (e)revolution e-bike trade show. Organizers call the format “an important step in our broader push to create that South by Southwest feeling for the industry.” More.
WATER WATER: The Associated Press reports that the“public has until Dec. 20 to weigh in on three options that seek to keep Lake Mead and Lake Powell from dropping to critically low levels. The Colorado Sun, meanwhile, reports that “Colorado River managers looking to protect critical infrastructure at Lake Powell’s Glen Canyon Dam are seeking the ability to release less water from Powell next year as they work to rebalance demand on the troubled river.”
VIRTUAL FENCING: We do regular ‘deep dives” into the most important issues and developments in the West. Just recently, we wrote about the growing use (and promise) of virtual fencing for cattle operations. We’ve also decoded the 2022 Land Values Report, shared the history of western water rights, and even examined the impact of the late cowboy poet Baxter Black.
Lay of the Land is a monthly column by Ken Mirr, the Founder and Managing Broker of Mirr Ranch Group, that highlights news of the West impacting the ranch lifestyle. Have a question about the West? Email him at Ken@MirrRanchGroup.com.