MEEKER | As the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) draws near, Johnny Rust is gearing up for the final big show of his Catch-A-Calf journey. This January, Rust will showcase his hard work and dedication, presenting his calf, “Pickles,” during the first weekend of the prestigious event. However, this will also mark the bittersweet end of his time with Pickles, as Rust (and his family) will soon have to say goodbye to his calf after a year of hard work and learning.
The Catch-A-Calf program has been an incredible opportunity for Rust, allowing him to raise and show a steer—a first for him. Though he has previously shown goats and sheep, working with a calf has offered him the chance to build new skills and gain hands-on experience at a much larger scale. Through this program, He has not only learned the ins and outs of raising a steer, but also the responsibility, discipline, and perseverance needed to succeed in this demanding field.
In addition to the technical skills he’s gained, Rust has also forged lifelong friendships through the Catch-A-Calf program. The guidance and support from fellow participants have created lasting memories that he will cherish long after his time in the program ends.
He is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of his family and mentors who have been by his side throughout this journey. Their guidance and encouragement have helped him overcome challenges and grow both personally and professionally.
Over the past few months, Rust has worked hard to ensure he has the funds to travel with his family to the NWSS in January. They will be staying for an extra extended weekend to witness his final moments with Pickles and to celebrate the culmination of his Catch-A-Calf experience.
For those who would like to continue supporting Rust in this final leg of his journey, he encourages you to get in touch with him directly. He also extends a heartfelt thank you to the NWSS for continuing the Catch-A-Calf tradition, which has been running for over a century.
Looking ahead, Rust hopes one of his younger siblings will take on the Catch-A-Calf challenge in the future or that he will have the chance to give back by helping other young participants in the years to come.
As Rust heads into the final weekend of his Catch-A-Calf experience, he reflects on the valuable lessons and memories made over the past year. His time with Pickles may be coming to an end, but the journey has shaped him in ways that will last a lifetime.
