International Texas Longhorn Association Announces 2025 Championship Show in Glen Rose

The International Texas Longhorn Association (ITLA) has announced its 2025 International Championship Show & Convention will take place October 7-12, 2025 at The Expo in Glen Rose, Texas. This milestone event celebrates 35 years of excellence in preserving and promoting the Texas Longhorn breed, bringing together breeders, exhibitors, and enthusiasts from across the United States and abroad. The significance of this anniversary extends beyond mere celebration, representing decades of dedicated work in maintaining breed standards and promoting the cultural heritage of this iconic American cattle breed.

Founded in 1990, ITLA has evolved from a small member-driven registry into an international organization with thousands of members worldwide. This growth trajectory demonstrates the increasing global interest in Texas Longhorn genetics and the association's successful efforts in breed promotion. The 2025 convention and show not only mark the association's legacy but also showcase the future of the Texas Longhorn breed through comprehensive programming designed to appeal to both established breeders and newcomers to the industry.

The event features multiple competition categories including Non-Haltered, Futurity, Haltered, and Youth Shows with hundreds of entries expected from across the nation. Special attractions include the Call of the Horns Measuring Contest & Bull Bonanza, which spotlights legendary Longhorns with exceptional horn spreads and conformation. The Elite Heifer Sale offers premier genetics to serious buyers, while the Longhorn Legacy Live Auction on Thursday will feature premier items, travel packages, and Western trappings with Canadian auctioneer Gordon Musgrove presiding. All events at The Expo are free and open to the public, with a silent auction running for the duration of the show.

Educational components form a crucial part of the convention, with seminars and vendor exhibits providing valuable insights and resources for breeders and cattle enthusiasts. This educational focus helps maintain breed standards and promotes best practices in Texas Longhorn husbandry, genetics, and marketing. The inclusion of youth activities ensures the next generation of breeders and enthusiasts remains engaged with the breed's preservation and promotion.

Entertainment highlights include a performance by Asleep at the Wheel on their Riding High Tour at the Texas Amphitheater on October 10. Tickets for this concert are available at https://ontourtix.com/events/asleep-at-the-wheel-1752674000844 for $38.85 on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional entertainment includes a Cowboy Poetry Contest, blending traditional Western culture with contemporary celebration of the Texas Longhorn heritage.

Glen Rose provides an ideal backdrop for this international event, with its rich heritage ranging from prehistoric dinosaur tracks to pioneer stories preserved in the County Museum. The town's intertwining of history, community, and character complements the Texas Longhorn's status as an iconic symbol of Texas culture and American Western heritage. The economic impact of such international events extends beyond the immediate agricultural community, benefiting local businesses and tourism while promoting Texas cultural exports globally.

For the Texas Longhorn industry, this international championship represents more than just another show—it serves as a barometer of breed quality, genetic advancement, and market trends. The global participation underscores the breed's international appeal and the growing recognition of Texas Longhorns as both cultural icons and valuable agricultural assets. The event's timing during the association's 35th anniversary adds historical significance, reflecting on decades of breed preservation while looking toward future developments in genetics, marketing, and global breed promotion.