GROVE CITY — John and Judy Ligo of LiTerra in Grove City exhibited the Grand Champion Female at the 22nd American Highland Cattle National Show at the 104th National Western Stock Show on Jan. 22.
LiTerra Betula 911, born 9-11-08, and bred and owned by the Ligos, was first named Senior Heifer Calf Champion before winning Grand Champion honors. 911 was then the top-selling animal of the National Highland Sale being purchased by Dwight Eisenhauer of Lehighton, Pa.
This was the second national title for LiTerra; the heifer’s dam, Yarnelle Farms Betula, was named Grand Champion Female at the 2006 National Western Stock Show. Betula and Betula 911 were also Reserve Grand Champion Cow/Calf pair at the 2009 National Show.
The Ligos have raised Scottish Highland cattle on their Mercer County farm since 1995. They raise and sell breeding stock and feeders and market finished beef to individuals and restaurants. These unique cattle complement, as well as offer a diversion from, LiTerra’s 200-cow dairy and 120-cow commercial cow-calf operation.
The Highland show is part of the National Western Stock Show, Rodeo and Horse Show held each January in Denver. The “Super Bowl of Cattle Shows,” this event showcases nearly 20 different beef breeds plus other livestock competing in more than 75 shows. The NWSS also hosts 25 auctions, 29 rodeo performances, and numerous horse events and commercial exhibits during its 16-day run. The show draws more than 600,000 visitors a year.
