'Future Cowboy' Puts CSU's Beef Innovation in Spotlight at 2026 Stock Show
Colorado State University will spotlight emerging beef technologies and education at the 2026 National Western Stock Show, underscoring the importance of an industry that generates $4.4-$4.7 billion annually for Colorado.
The event pairs traditional ranching with research-driven tools designed to reshape Colorado's multibillion-dollar beef economy.
The "Future Cowboy" event runs Jan. 10-25 and will spotlight CSU programs, discoveries, and technologies designed to give producers an edge as they raise beef that helps feed the world. The stock show expects to draw approximately 700,000 visitors.
CSU students, employees, alumni, and volunteers will staff exhibits and educational booths throughout the 16-day show. The CSU Spur campus will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all 16 days to welcome thousands of visitors with special activities.
Beef ranks as Colorado's top agricultural commodity by cash receipts. The state's 2.7 million cattle and calves include 646,005 beef cows across nearly 10,000 operations, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture.
CSU research addresses three critical industry challenges: climate impact, supply-chain efficiency, and market dynamics.
AgNext, a CSU research group, is examining methods to better measure and mitigate methane emissions from cattle with support from some of the biggest businesses and organizations in agriculture.
CSU researchers are also investigating how packaging and freshness perception drive consumer waste—efforts that align with industry goals to reduce post-sale losses.
On the market front, CSU agricultural economist Stephen Koontz has described 2025 as a year of record cattle and beef prices driven by strong domestic demand and tight supplies, with a favorable 2026 price outlook if demand holds.
CSU's Beef Sticks for Backpacks program demonstrates the sector's commitment to community impact, having donated more than 3.2 million high-protein beef sticks for Colorado children facing food insecurity.