The National Western Stock Show in Denver serves up heaping helpings of American cowboy culture, but there is a distinctive international spice to the event in the Expo Hall and on the arena dirt.
On the third floor of the Expo Hall at Denver’s National Western Complex lies the International Agri-Business Center.
In operation at the stock show every year since 1984, the center’s stated goal is to promote international sales of livestock — a big business. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates the value of annual U.S. beef exports at almost $3 billion.
James Berger, a volunteer working his 21st show in the center, said that over the years, international participation has grown to include visitors and representatives from about 40 nations.
The center offers international guests a place to relax with complimentary refreshments, Internet access and television.
Against one wall is a large map that invites visitors to mark their origins with colored push pins. The pins protrude not just from Mexico and Canada, but from Japan, France, Australia, China, Turkey and Ukraine.
Dollars bring foreign visitors to the stock show’s sales floor and conference tables, but they also lure cowboys into the arena.
“Rodeo is big in Australia,” said Australian-born saddle bronc competitor Sam Spreadborough. “But the money and the competition is just better over here.”
Spreadborough, 29, said he has been riding bucking broncos for 15 years, nine of which he has spent in the U.S. He now lives in Texas.
Beyond the allure of money, there is also rodeo glory that spurs competitors to climb into the saddle in the Coliseum.
Robson Aragao, a Brazilian bull rider, said he got hooked on the sport seven years ago after seeing it on television shows from the U.S.
Spreadborough knows the feeling.
“This is where you have to be if you want to be world champ,” Spreadborough said.
Kyle Glazier: 303-954-1638 or kglazier@denverpost.com
Bull riders take stage for finals today
The finals of the Professional Bull Riders Denver Chute-Out highlights today’s schedule at the National Western Stock Show.
Today’s events:
• Paint Horse Performance Classes at 7 a.m. in Events Center.
• Ranch Horse Classic competition at noon in the Events Center.
• Mutton Bustin’ competition at 6 p.m. in Stadium Arena.
• Professional Bull Riders Denver Chute-Out at 7:30 p.m. in the Coliseum.
All events are at the National Western Complex at Interstate 70 and Brighton Boulevard.
Children are admitted free through Thursday with a voucher from Guaranty Bank. Otherwise, general admission for children younger than 12 is $2. General admission for teens and adults is $7.
