International Youth Livestock Supreme Championship & Scholarships
The Calgary Stampede and Olds Regional Exhibition partner in a week-long collaboration to showcase youth in agriculture by hosting the International Youth Livestock competition during the final weekend of the Calgary Stampede for youth aged nine through 21. Under the partnership and support of the Alberta Breed Associations, an intense and integrated competition takes place at Olds Regional Exhibition's Summer Synergy the first part of the week prior to Stampede, with the winners in several categories moving on to a Supreme Championship Final at the Calgary Stampede on the final weekend. Over 250 competitors from across western Canada are expected to participate in this collaborative programming between Calgary Stampede and Olds Regional Exhibition in the show's 48th year of competition.
Young enthusiasts demonstrate their stewardship skills in sheep or beef species classes and will compete this year for $58,000 in scholarships and prizes which are awarded to 43 of agriculture's most promising youth. There are five different components to the competition: conformation, showmanship, grooming, multi-species judging, and marketing. Youth also participate in a formal interview, providing them a valuable life experience. All 43 International Youth Livestock scholarship recipients are recognized by getting called up on stage during the evening Grandstand Show.
*Note: You must be entered for Summer Synergy to be eligible for Calgary Stampede International Youth Livestock Scholarships.
Move-In Date: July 10, 2026 (between 6:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Release Date: July 11, 2026, 8:00 p.m.
Location: Stalling in Agriculture Barn
*Animals advancing to the Supreme Championship from Summer Synergy will also be able to move in on Thursday, July 9, afternoon/early evening after release from Synergy. Stalls will be set up in advance for you.
Summer Synergy:
July 6 - 11, 2026 (Olds)
International Youth Scholarship Interviews:
July 10, 2026 (BMO Rooms 206, 207, 208)
Awards Banquet and Scholarship Presentation:
July 10, 2026 (BMO Champions Ballroom C and Grandstand Stage
CS Supreme Championship:
July 11, 2026 - 11:15 a.m. (Nutrien Western Event Centre)
**To be eligible for International Youth Livestock Scholarships you MUST enter Summer Synergy. For more information visit Summer Synergy
Awards and Prize Money
Supreme Champions in each division will receive a ribbon, Calgary Stampede Champion Slunk and $1,000 in prize money.
Non-Residents of Canada
Non-residents of Canada will be subjected to a 15% witholding tax on all prize monies awards as required by the Canada Revenue Agency. Non-residents of Canada may have the 15% withholding tax waived if they complete the following document and submit them to the Canada Revenue Agency.
Canada Revenue Agency Non-Resident Withholding Tax Information
Special attention is called to the following:
Animal Care Codes of Practice
Calgary Stampede Exhibitor Agreement
General Rules
Health Regulations
IAFE Code of Ethics
1. Exhibitors are responsible to carry their own liability insurance (see Liability under General Rules).
2. Only exhibitors will be allowed to groom/prepare the entries participating in the show.
3. Exhibitors may be excused from competition before or during the 2026 program or suspended from future involvement based on inappropriate behaviour as determined by the Calgary Stampede Youth Livestock Sub-Committee and show officials.
4. No alcohol or cannabis consumption whatsoever is permitted in the entire Agriculture Zone, including the Agriculture Barns, Northern Lights Arena, and Nutrien Western Event Centre, during the Supreme Showcase/Finals, International Youth Livestock Scholarships, and Junior Steer Classic programming. Awareness and signage will clearly identify the no alcohol and cannabis consumption rule. Those who violate the rule will forfeit their scholarship and prize money.
5. If a parent or guardian is found violating the no alcohol and cannabis consumption rule, it will result in their youth's scholarship and prize money being forfeited.
6. All cattle stalled in the Supreme Championship display must have a neck tie on and secured when tied in their assigned stall between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Cattle found to be without a neck tie within the designated hours while in their assigned stall will result in forfeiture of all prize money and scholarships awarded to that entry.
7. The Youth Livestock Committee reserves the right to decide on any point not covered by any of the regulations.
ARRIVAL AT THE CALGARY STAMPEDE
Entry to Stampede Park for move in is only through the Nat Christie Gate, located at 650 25 Ave. SE, Calgary. When you arrive on Park for move in, your exhibitor package containing your accreditation and parking passes will be available at our Accreditation Office. The Accreditation Office can be accessed through the Nat Christie Gate. Please follow the directions of the parking staff.
STALLING
All International Youth Supreme Championship qualifiers will be provided stalling in the Agriculture Barn. Complimentary shavings will be provided and stalls will be set up prior to your arrival. Competitors with trailers will be directed on where to park upon arrival.
EXHIBITOR BADGES (ACCREDITATION)
An official photo accreditation badge will be needed by all those granted complimentary Park access for the 2026 Calgary Stampede. In addition to granting access to Stampede Park, the photo accreditation will indicate which restricted areas each person can enter based on individual requirements. All International Youth Livestock Scholarship candidates and Youth Supreme participants will receive their accreditation complimentary. Additional accreditation passes must be purchased upon arrival for a fee of $35.00 (includes GST). These badges are a privilege of the exhibitors and may be limited.
Exhibitors are responsible for lost or forgotten badges.
The Agriculture Accreditation Badge will be recognized as entry to Stampede Park at all walk-though gates for the entire Calgary Stampede, July 2-12, 2026. Accreditation badges will be available for pickup along with your exhibitor package at our Accreditation Trailer located in Lot 25A, accessible via the Nat Christie Gate (see above).
For more information, please contact the International Youth Livestock Programming Manager Susan Peterson at 403.261.0312., speterson@calgarystampede.com
