What the Western National Roundup Is
The Western National Roundup (WNR) is a four-day 4-H and FFA contest event in Denver, run by the Colorado State University Office of Engagement and Extension and 4-H Youth Development. The 2026 Roundup ran January 7 to 10 during the National Western Stock Show. Teams and individuals from 4-H and FFA compete in livestock, horse, meat and speaking contests, and coaches and chaperones travel with them. Contests take place at the CSU Spur campus in Denver, on the National Western grounds and at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.
Contests
| Area | Contests |
|---|---|
| Livestock | Livestock Judging (workout and contest, with reasons and critique), Livestock Quiz Bowl, Livestock Skill-A-Thon |
| Meat | Meats Identification and 4-H and FFA Meat Judging |
| Horse | Horse Judging, Horse Bowl, Horse Demonstration and Public Speaking, Horse Reasons, Hippology, Horse Classic |
| Speaking and procedure | Parliamentary Procedure, Public Speaking (prepared and impromptu) |
How It Works: The 2026 Timeline
- Wednesday, January 7: team check-in 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Hydro Teaching Lab, then a 6:30 p.m. reception at the NWSS Legacy Building
- Thursday, January 8: Stock Show Parade at noon from Union Station; Livestock Judging Workout at the CSU B.W. Pickett Equine Center in Fort Collins; Horse Bowl, Public Speaking and other contests at Hydro and Terra
- Friday, January 9: Livestock Judging contest at the Stadium Arena (arrive 7:30 a.m., contest 8:00 a.m.); horse and hippology judging; Career and College Fair and Pin Swap at the Renaissance Denver Hotel
- Saturday, January 10: 4-H and FFA Meat Judging in Fort Collins, with an awards reception at CSU Animal Sciences in the evening; awards breakfast and receptions at the NWSS Legacy Building
A dance runs 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Colorado Ballroom. Lunch is provided for contestants and coaches on contest days.
Who Can Enter and Rules
- Participants are 4-H and FFA members and leaders. Entries are complete only after a state official, the State 4-H Program Director or Leader or the State FFA Leader, certifies that the team and its coach, chaperone or coordinator meet the committee's eligibility rules.
- WNR name badges are required at all times and grant entry to events and meals.
- Participants pay their own personal expenses such as extra meals and activities.
- Conduct should reflect well on 4-H and FFA. At the shared hotel, throwing items from balconies is prohibited, and violators face fines, liability for damages and possible removal.
Fees and How to Register
The contest fee is $200 per participant, no matter how many contests the participant enters. Pay it once and enter zero in the fee box for each additional contest. Register through the FairEntry online system: register every team member first, then coaches, chaperones and coordinators, and do not choose "Continue to Payment" until all entries are complete. Youth contestants upload the state official's certification form and a consent form. Registration questions for a county, state or school association that is not listed go to the event coordinator.
Where
- Main hotel: Renaissance Denver Hotel, 3801 Quebec Street, Denver, CO 80207, 303-399-7500
- CSU Spur campus in Denver (Hydro and Terra buildings, Stockyard Event Center)
- National Western grounds: Stadium Arena and the Legacy Building
- Denver Coliseum: parking and arrival, with shuttles to Spur
- CSU B.W. Pickett Equine Center and the CSU Animal Sciences JBS Global Food Innovation Center in Fort Collins
Questions
Is there a lunch?
Yes, lunch is provided for contestants and coaches on contest days.
Can a family member attend?
The program is built for teams, coaches and chaperones, and an adult and family instruction sheet is available from CSU 4-H.
Where do apparel and gear get picked up?
At the CSU Spur Hydro Building on Wednesday 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 1:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Official Links
- WNR 2026 Program
- Contestant registration instructions
- State official certification form
- CSU 4-H event page
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- National Western Stock Show
Sixteen-day stock show and rodeo at the National Western Complex in Denver, with open breed shows, an auction of junior livestock champions, pro rodeos and horse shows. The 2027 dates are posted.
- National Western Stock Dog Trials
Cattle and sheepdog competition during the opening days of the Denver stock show. Held each year; the most recent dates were Jan. 10-13, 2026.
- National Western Sheep Show
Market and breeding sheep exhibited in the Junior Barn at the Denver stock show. Held each year; the most recent dates were Jan. 12-14, 2026.
- National Western Swine Show
Market and breeding hogs shown in the Junior Barn at the National Western. Held each year; the most recent dates were Jan. 18-20, 2026.
- National Western Bison Show
Bison breeders gather in the Yards at the Denver stock show. Held each year; the most recent dates were Jan. 23-24, 2026.
4655 Humboldt Street, Denver, CO 80216 Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.