The American Royal Association announced this week they have reached an agreement with the State of Kansas and Unified Government to relocate to Wyandotte County, Kansas. Personally, I am not quite sure how I feel about his news. I have shown cattle at the American Royal my entire life as a junior and open exhibitor. Kansas City’s history is wrapped in agriculture, specifically cattle. The move takes the history out of the American Royal and that makes me a bit sad. However, even as a born and bred Missourian, nothing excites me more than the potential growth this move will provide. So, I will buckle down my emotions and can’t wait to attend many future American Royal’s at it’s new home.

“The American Royal currently hosts more than 50 events annually, attracting nearly 270,000 attendees and has an economic impact of more than $60 million annually. Last year we awarded $1.4 million in scholarships and support to our youth education programs,” said Angie Stanland, chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Royal. “Our priorities in the due diligence process were to find a regional home that would allow us to fulfill our mission, accommodate our growing events and allow for future growth. We have found the ideal location to do just that.”

The American Royal Association, which began as the National Hereford Show in 1899, has evolved into a comprehensive season of events and outreach including six equestrian shows, a livestock show, youth and PRCA rodeos, agricultural education programs and the world’s largest barbecue competition – the World Series of Barbecue©.

The new complex will include arena space, exhibit space, high-quality barn/expo space, and a new agriculture education center and museum. The agricultural education center will provide a state-of-the-art learning experience, covering all facets of the food and agricultural industry.The goal is to provide a unique, interactive food and agricultural learning experience, both indoor and outdoor, to instill a higher level of trust and knowledge about modern food and agricultural practices.

“I want Kansas City to be the world leader in agriculture technology and animal genetics,” said Kansas Governor Sam Brownback. “The American Royal will serve as a focal point in helping us continue to build a vibrant animal and agriculture corridor from Wyandotte County to Manhattan, home of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. This strong partnership between the state of Kansas, Unified Government and the American Royal solidifies the reputation Kansas enjoys as one of the world’s foremost producers and exporters of food and agricultural products.”

“Kansas is committed to providing opportunities to encourage additional growth and expansion of agriculture in the state and far beyond its borders” Governor Brownback continues. “A new home for the American Royal complex in Kansas enhances the overall agricultural focus in the state and elevates Kansas’ prominence in the U.S. agricultural industry.”

“I’m excited that the American Royal project, after several years of work, is beginning to come together in some very tangible ways,” said Mayor Mark Holland, Unified Government of Wyandotte County, Kansas. “The new vision for the Royal that has emerged is a hub and showcase for agriculture and animal science. This new hub has the potential to be a game-changer for the Animal Health Corridor and the Midwest.”