Fifth Annual Aggieville Showdown Awards Top Cattle and Exhibitors from Across the Nation

IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 8, 2025

MANHATTAN, Kan. (April 8, 2025) – The fifth edition of the Aggieville Showdown unfolded at the Riley County Fairgrounds and in downtown Aggieville on Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Manhattan, Kansas. This prestigious event drew a record-breaking exhibitor count from across the United States to the heart of the Little Apple.

Featuring 278 entries from 147 exhibitors representing 13 states, the event showcased the pinnacle of cattle genetics and showmanship. Amidst the impressive livestock displays at the Riley County Fairgrounds, attendees also enjoyed a lively assortment of vendors, businesses, and entertainment—enhancing the full cattle show experience in true Aggieville fashion.

The Showmanship Competition presented by PrairieLand Partners was judged by Nate Kolterman of Garland, Nebraska, and Colby Taber of Harvey, Iowa. Kolterman also officiated the CKP Insurance Breeding Heifer Show, while Taber oversaw the Superior Livestock Auction & El Dorado Livestock Auction Market Beef Show.

Kicking off the weekend, the PrairieLand Partners Showmanship Competition welcomed 80 exhibitors, including 32 juniors, 32 intermediates, and 16 seniors. The results were as follows:

• Junior Grand Champion Showman – LJ Wells, Norfolk, NE 

• Junior Reserve Champion Showman –Blakely Katz, Beatrice, NE 

• Intermediate Grand Champion Showman – Luke Katz, Beatrice, NE 

• Intermediate Reserve Champion Showman – Bristol Weyerman, Idalia, CO

• Senior Grand Champion Showman – Dustin Denton, Blue Rapids, KS

• Senior Reserve Champion Showman – Madison McGee, Arkansas City, KS

Following the rigorous selection of the top six market beef and breeding heifers at the fairgrounds, the spotlight shifted to downtown Aggieville. There, the top six in each category were honored in front of a packed crowd, with more than $8,000 in cash prizes awarded to exhibitors.

Judge Colby Taber identified the top six market beef:

• Grand Champion – Alexis Billeter, Lomis, NE 

• Reserve Champion – Lincoln Berndt, Corydon, IA 

• 3rd Overall – Cash Pratt, Pueblo, CO 

• 4th Overall – Vienna Sells, Yutan, NE 

• 5th Overall – Knoxx Sells, Yutan, NE 

• 6th Overall – Vienna Sells, Yutan, NE

Judge Nate Kolterman selected the top six breeding heifers:

• Grand Champion – Claire Norris, Eudora, KS 

• Reserve Champion – Vienna Sells, Yutan, NE

• 3rd Overall – Grayson Arbuck, Fairmont, NE 

• 4th Overall – Jance Mosbarger, Goodland, KS 

• 5th Overall – Harper Horn, Stillwater, OK 

• 6th Overall – Addi Crouse, Belgrade, NE

New to this year’s Aggieville Showdown was the Kansas Corn People’s Choice Awards. Following the conclusion of the Grand Drive pre-selection, public voting opened for both Market Beef and Breeding Heifer contestants. Unique to this portion of the event, spectators cast their votes to select their favorite among the final six contenders.

Congratulations to the first-ever People's Choice Award winners presented by Kansas Corn:

• Market Beef People’s Choice Champion – Cash Pratt, Pueblo, CO 

• Breeding Heifer People’s Choice Champion – Jance Mosbarger, Goodland, KS

After the final selection of champion cattle, Grand Champion Showmen from each age division stepped forward to compete for the coveted Cimarron Trailers Premier Showman title. Luke Katz of Beatrice, NE, representing the Intermediate Division, earned the prestigious honor for their standout performance that caught the attention of both judges during the PrairieLand Partners Showmanship Competition. The winner was formally recognized during the Grand Drive in downtown Aggieville.

The Aggieville Business District buzzed with excitement as over 2,500 individuals flooded Moro Street throughout the evening. Attendees enjoyed a western fashion show courtesy of Cavender’s, live performances from The Lazy Wayne Band, the official Aggieville Showdown Beer & Distillery Garden, and a variety of food, vendors, and entertainment—all culminating in the celebration of top exhibitors and champion cattle.

For complete results and more information, visit www.aggievilleshowdown.com/2025-results.

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About Aggieville Showdown 

Now celebrating its fifth year, the Aggieville Showdown continues to bring exhibitors, students, businesses, and  community members together in the heart of Aggieville to celebrate the importance of agriculture. Participants in  cattle shows like Aggieville Showdown gain invaluable skills — confidence, leadership, and responsibility — alongside memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

For further details on the Aggieville Showdown, sponsorship opportunities, or vendor information, please visit www.aggievilleshowdown.com or contact Christian Calliham, Founder & Executive Director, at (785) 443-1569 or christianc@thegranddrives.com.  

Media Contact 

Reagan Dolan 

Aggieville Showdown 

(563) 608-0628 

reagand@thegranddrives.com