Fifteen years, thousands of exhibitors, and one mission: to make stock show education accessible to all. This year, Stock Show University® proudly celebrates a decade and a half of transforming the youth of our industry through free, high-quality, hand-on learning opportunities.
Stock Show University® is a non-profit organization that was initiated in 2009 by the founder of Sullivan Supply, Inc., John Sullivan. The concept behind Stock Show University® was to create a program that provided free, hands-on education, and was for anyone to attend to learn about the proper show day preparation of show cattle. From the very first show clinic at the Iowa Beef Expo on February 18, 2010 and the first Stock Show University® Grad Program in Dunlap, Iowa at Sullivan Farms, Stock Show University® has evolved into providing versatile education programs for all species — such as cattle, sheep, hogs, and goats. To accomplish our mission, we offer clinics all across the country, ranging from our one-hour demonstrations that are hosted at shows to our very popular two-day comprehensive Grad Programs. Along with our hands-on learning opportunities, Stock Show University® now offers lesson plans and worksheets for Agricultural instructors, 4-H leaders, and other educators to bring animal science and the livestock showing industry into the classroom.
One unique aspect of Stock Show University® our the educators, or as we call them, “Professors.” The select group of Professors are current industry leaders that are approachable as well as talented in several aspects of the livestock industry. They represent Stock Show University® in numerous regions of the United States, and work with exclusively Sullivan Supply products. The curriculum that they help Stock Show University® provide participants range from daily hair care, clipping, show day fitting, showmanship, selection of your animal, animal nutrition, and much more. Tess Mittag, Manager of Stock Show University®, says, “Stock Show University® is so special, because of the individuals that have helped create this program into the respected program it is today. It always puts a smile on my face when we are at a Grad Program and I see the positive relationships that the families and the Professors create within a weekend timeframe. I can’t thank everyone that volunteers and takes time out of their busy schedules to help Stock Show University®! ”
Tess also states, “Stock Show University® is a one of a kind program that has had so much value to our industry. I truly believe this program stands at the top of livestock education, because it offers more than just surface level knowledge—it builds champions from the inside out. With hands-on instruction from industry leaders, students gain not only technical skills in fitting, showing, and daily care but also confidence, work ethic, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in and out of the ring. Unlike other clinics, Stock Show University® combines the traditions we have at Sullivan Supply with innovation, creating an unmatched learning environment where every participant, no matter their background or experience, is empowered to grow. Being the Manager of Stock Show University® now for three years, I respected this program greatly, as we are now hiring Professors that once attended a Grad Program back when Stock Show University® was started.”
Have you attended a Stock Show University® event? Visit www.sullivansupply.com/stock-show-u/schedule/ to check out where we are headed!
