Melanie Calderwood is a Colorado State University staff member who has been involved in the National Western Stock Show since she was young, and currently manages the CSU Ag Adventure team. She shares her memories and excitement around the annual event in the Q&A below.
Q: What is your first memory of the National Western Stock Show?
A: I grew up raising Registered Hereford Cattle, and my family has shown there, off and on, since the 1980s. However, my first memory of the NWSS is when I was the Colorado Hereford Princess when I was 10 or 11. It was a big deal for my family to travel from Bayfield, Colo. to Denver to attend the NWSS to represent Colorado Hereford Breeders and hand out ribbons to all of the award winners.
Q: In what ways/how has the National Western Stock Show been an important part of your life?
A: NWSS has always been a family affair, from traveling there to be Colorado Hereford Princess, to buying our 4-H steers as feeder steers for years, to helping my brother show his pen of bulls in 2015 when he was one of the youngest breeders showing his cattle that year. We have all been there to support each other. It’s been a place where each of us (there are four kids) have been able to discover who we are and develop our own personalities and strengths. I don’t have the keen eye for quality cattle like my brother Danny, and sister Nikki, but I do understand marketing and branding. So I’m normally the one behind the camera.
Q: Favorite part of the stock show?
A: Hands down my favorite part of the stock show is The Yards. There is a culture and tradition in The Yards that dates back to years of cattle ranchers and other livestock producers building relationships and improving the cattle industry. Cattlemen have the opportunity to improve their [herd’s] genetics by seeing the highest quality livestock on display and decide what bulls fit into their breeding program. It’s also a great place to see everyone on an annual basis, where you can catch up on the latest on-goings of the industry and with your friends.
Q: What is your current role with CSU & NWSS?
A: Currently I help with the Ag Adventure program that is held on the third floor of the Hall of Education. I love being a part of this because of the chance to build bridges and to help people who don’t realize that they experience agriculture on a daily basis. It’s such an important part of agriculture to help everyone understand and appreciate where their food comes from.
Q: What have you most enjoyed about your new role with CSU & NWSS?
A: I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to build relationships with the National Western Stock Show, the commodity groups, and, most importantly, our CSU students.
Q: What excites you about future plans for the site (the National Western Center)?
A: I get most excited about the opportunity to have a place where people can learn about where their food comes from on a year round basis. So many people take for granted the process of how we eat and stay nourished, and it will be exciting to have a place where we can share that year round. I’m also excited about having a place where agriculture can celebrate innovation, technology, and tradition year round.
