Now in its twenty-first year, the Nebraska Cattlemen's Classic got underway Monday morning with team-penning competition at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds.

The Classic features a week's worth of events and enough exhibitors to fill a thick catalog.

Organizer Ronette Heinrich says it's a mecca for cattlemen: "We have cattlemen not only from every corner of the state of Nebraska, but all across the Midwest are making their way right here to see the best of the best in the beef industry."

Cattle will, of course, be shown and auctioned, but Monday was dedicated to horse-mounted competition.

Competitor Dennis Read sized it up: "The real skill is actually your horse. The better your horse at working cattle, the more chance you've go to be successful."

Dennis Read and his fellow cattlemen -- and ladies -- displayed their skills in this year's newly added event, speed-penning.