It’s double-down time in the heart of the Columbia River Circuit for a rodeo made by the cowboys, for the cowboys.
Located amid wheat fields, agricultural production and alongside the vast Columbia River lies Hermiston, Oregon — a town of historic cowboys and cowgirls. Established in 1989, the Farm-City Pro Rodeo is raising the stakes in a big way for its 37th anniversary, doubling the contestant prize money for the 2025 event, taking place now through Aug. 9.
A rodeo built with the future of the sport in mind, Farm-City was created by NFR-qualifying cowboys David Bothum and Butch Knowles in 1988, just months after Knowles won the Bronc Riding Average at the National Finals Rodeo. Bothum and Knowles, who both grew up near Hermiston, traveled together throughout their professional rodeo careers before returning to the Pacific Northwest to build a rodeo that would provide outstanding opportunities for cowboys and a lasting impact on the local community.
With an additional $50,000 added per event, the total purse now exceeds $600,000 — positioning Farm-City among the top 15 highest-paying rodeos sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. The expansion makes Hermiston a must-stop for athletes chasing a bid to the 2025 NFR. This significant payout increase also highlights the continued rise of the sport and its fan base, making it an exciting time to be a rodeo athlete or fan.
In addition to bigger payouts, the 2025 Farm-City Pro Rodeo promises a star-powered production. Rodeo entertainer John Harrison, a multi-time PRCA Clown/Barrelman of the Year, will bring his signature humor and showmanship to the arena. Announcing duties will be handled by two-time PRCA Announcer of the Year Garrett Yerigan and two-time WPRA Announcer of the Year Steve Kenyon, with PRCA Music Director of the Year Benje Bendele setting the tone.
A Look at the 37th Annual Farm-City Pro Rodeo, So Far
The champions of this year’s edition will be crowned Saturday night, but before then, here’s a recap of current leaders and top earners prior to the Friday, Aug. 8, evening performance.
In the second round of bareback riding, California cowboy Clayton Biglow impressed the field with an 87.5-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Bigtimin Houston. Combined with a strong first-round showing, Biglow sits in the driver’s seat with 169.5 points on two head. Tilden Hooper and R.C. Landingham are tied for second with 166 points each.
In team roping, Andrew Ward and Jake Long currently lead with 10.0 seconds on two head — a pivotal performance for the team battling on the bubble for a position in the top 15 of the world standings.
Ryder Wright continues to dominate saddle bronc riding, scoring 87 points on Korkow Rodeo’s Meat Coma to take the lead in the event. A win here would extend his current lead in the world standings and push the three-time world champion closer to a fourth gold buckle.
Montana State University cowgirl Tayla Moeykens currently leads the barrel racing against a field of veteran competitors.
All the action continues this evening, with champions crowned on Championship Saturday, Aug. 9. Fans can catch the performances live on The Cowboy Channel and Cowboy Channel Plus App.