Touted as the East Coast’s largest livestock show, the 61st Keystone International Livestock Expo kicks off Friday, Sept. 29, and winds up Sunday, Oct. 8, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pa. There are a number of changes in the show schedule lineup compared to last year, so carefully check the accompanying daily schedule.

More than 3,800 head of beef cattle, horses, sheep, goats and swine from 20 states and Canada dominate the show. But KILE is the meeting grounds for livestock producers and seekers of new genetics. Beef breed associations, for instance, recognize KILE as a premier stop on the show circuit. That’s why six of 16 breeds host national points shows.

Youth also are a major KILE focus with separate junior shows, showmanship contests, steer and heifer calf prospect sales, opportunities for youth to receive scholarships and a Make It With Wool youth division.

On Thursday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pennsylvania Livestock Association hosts its annual Livestock & Equine Forum. It’s open to all comers. The Stockman’s Trade Show is open from noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

While all livestock exhibitors vie for prize money, trophies and ribbons, the big money is in the Keystone Classic Barbeque Contest where competitors fire up for $9,250 in prize money and honors. That heats up Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6 and 7.

Due to the lack of early information at our print press time, we’ll have more KILE pre-show coverage closer to the event at AmericanAgriculturist.com. For full details and updates, visit keystoneinternational.state.pa.us.