Grand Island Seeks to Attract and Sustain Livestock Shows

City Council approves $600,000 grant to boost agriculture-focused events

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:21pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a collection of polished, geometric objects representing the livestock industry, such as a gleaming metal livestock tag, a smooth wooden gavel, and a shiny metal trophy, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background to symbolize the strategy, finance, and prestige of hosting major livestock events.A refined studio still life captures the prestige and economic impact of the livestock shows that Grand Island is working to attract and sustain.Denver Today

The Grand Island City Council has approved a $600,000 forgivable grant to Grand Island Expo Events and Livestock to help recruit, facilitate, and sustain state and national livestock shows in the city. The move comes as the Grand Island Livestock Complex Authority is set to dissolve due to the end of financial support from founding partners. Grand Island is competing with cities like Denver to host these lucrative agricultural events.

Why it matters

Livestock shows are a major economic driver for Grand Island, bringing in visitors from across the country. With the dissolution of the Livestock Complex Authority, the city is taking steps to ensure these events continue to thrive in the community. Maintaining Grand Island's reputation as a hub for agriculture-focused events is crucial for the local economy.

The details

The Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation (GIAEDC) will administer the LB840 economic development funds to support Grand Island Expo Events and Livestock's efforts. An economic impact study will be conducted after each show to measure the benefits to the city. Grand Island is competing with cities like Denver, which is making renovations to the National Western Center, for these livestock events.

  • In November 2023, Grand Island voters renewed the city's Local Option Municipal Economic Development Program for a third decade.
  • On April 14, 2026, Mary Berlie, president of the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corp. and Chamber of Commerce, gave a report to the Grand Island City Council about efforts to recruit, facilitate, and sustain state and national livestock shows in Grand Island.
  • The GIADC Board of Trustees approved Grand Island Expo Events and Livestock's LB 840 application in 2026.

The players

Mary Berlie

President of the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corp. and Chamber of Commerce.

Grand Island Expo Events and Livestock

The organization that will assume responsibility of booking and executing national and state livestock shows in three of the five red buildings, located on the west side of the Fonner Park campus.

Grand Island Livestock Complex Authority (GILCA)

The authority that will be dissolved due to an end of financial and in-kind support from founding partners.

City of Grand Island

The city that renewed its Local Option Municipal Economic Development Program, which allows for tourism-related activities as an eligible use of LB840 funds.

Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation (GIAEDC)

The organization that administers the city's LB840 economic development program and approved Grand Island Expo Events and Livestock's LB 840 application.

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What they’re saying

“These shows have been adding to our economy for a number of years.”

— Jack Sheard, City Council member

“I think this needs to be approved.”

— Doug Brown, City Council member

“Grand Island is on a roll.”

— Chuck Haase, City Council member

What’s next

The City Council will receive annual reports about the program to monitor its progress and impact.

The takeaway

By investing in the livestock show industry, Grand Island is positioning itself as a premier destination for agriculture-focused events, helping to sustain a key economic driver for the community.