Sioux Empire Livestock Show retires after more than 70 years

Katelyn Winberg
Aug 19, 2025
Aug 19, 2025

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The Johnson family with their Supreme Champion Bull trophy at the Mayor’s Roundup in 2015.

Submitted photo

The Johnson family at the 2018 Sioux Empire Farm Show after winning Reserve Champion Angus Bull.

Submitted photo

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Katelyn Winberg

The Sioux Empire Livestock Show has been a fixture in Sioux Falls for more than seven decades, drawing cattle producers, youth exhibitors and agriculture supporters from across the region. Now, after 72 years, the event has been retired, a decision organizers said was difficult but necessary.

Livestock show 4.jpeg — Jeff Griffin, President & CEO of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Submitted photo

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Livestock show 6.JPEG — The Johnson family with their 2015 Supreme Champion Bull.
Submitted photo

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Livestock show 2 — Katie and Otto Johnson, Gregg’s daughter-in-law and grandson, at the Angus show in 2018.
Submitted photo

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Livestock show 3.jpeg — Gregg Johnson talks to a farmer who was looking to buy a bull at the 2018 Sioux Empire Farm Show.
Submitted photo

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Born and raised on a farm in southeastern South Dakota, Katelyn currently resides in Sioux Falls. She enjoys attending SDSU football games (her alma mater), going to farmer’s markets and visiting her parents at their family farm. Reach her at kwinberg@tristateneighbor.com.