Staci Busch of Clarks Grove has entered five head of sheep in the Columbia and Corriedale division of the 36th annual North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE). The NAILE is recognized as the world’s largest purebred livestock show with more than 22,000 entries and nearly $700,000 in prizes and awards. Scheduled for Nov. 7-20, the event takes place at the Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.

Purebred farms from nearly every state and Canada bring livestock to compete in one of ten expo divisions: dairy cattle, dairy goats, Boer goats, beef cattle, quarter horses, draft horses, mules & donkeys, sheep, swine, and llamas and alpacas. More than 210,000 American and foreign visitors attend the hundreds of individual breed shows, sales and events. In addition to the recognition and prize money that comes with winning at the NAILE, the value of the champion breeding stock is enhanced.

Breed association events are not the only feature. The expo is also home to numerous youth events that are an important part of the livestock industry’s traditions, including: Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup; Youth, Junior College and Senior Collegiate Dairy Judging Contest; Dairy Quiz Bowl; National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest; and National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest.