National Western Gm Named Colorado State Livestock Leader

National Western Stock Show General Manager Chuck Sylvester received the Livestock Leader of the Year award from Colorado State University’s Department of Animal Sciences on Jan. 18. The award is given annually at the National Western on Colorado State University Agricultural Outreach Day to recognize people who have made outstanding contributions to the state’s livestock industry.

Sylvester, a Colorado State alumnus, has been the general manager at the National Western Stock Show for 25 years, during which the show has expanded from a nine-day show attended by about 200,000 to a 16-day show attended by more than 600,000. He has introduced many popular components to the National Western, including the draft horse show, the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza, the llama show, dog pull, Evening of Dancing Horses and mini-horse show.

He was instrumental in forming the Colorado Association of Fairs and Shows and the national Association of Rodeo Committees. He has served on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association board of directors for 10 years and has been involved in the Colorado Cattleman’s Association, Colorado Livestock Association, Wyoming Stockgrowers and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

"Chuck Sylvester has been a great friend to the livestock industry throughout the state for many years," said William Wailes, interim head of the Department of Animal Sciences. "He brings enthusiasm to livestock producers and has always worked with and respected all of us. At the same time, Chuck has supported animal sciences at Colorado State University extremely well. This award honors many years of work from a well-deserving individual."

Sylvester became the general manager of Stock Show in 1978, but has been with the National Western for 28 years, including several years as manager of the livestock center before becoming general manager. He travels to fairs and rodeos throughout North America to scout for new ideas and talent to bring to the National Western. Sylvester and his wife, Roni Bell, along with his two children, own the Circle Bar Cattle Company in Wyoming.

The Livestock Leader award was presented during the annual College of Agricultural Sciences social Saturday evening. The social is in conjunction with Colorado State University Agricultural Outreach Day at the National Western Stock Show.