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, Hermiston, Oregon, is a town steeped in cowboy and cowgirl history. Established in 1989, the Farm-City Pro Rodeo is raising the stakes in a big way for its 38th edition. After doubling its prize money in 2025, the rodeo now pays out a total of $637,503, drawing attention to one of the Pacific Northwest’s highest-paying rodeos.
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 saddle 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 create a lasting impact on the local community.
In 2025, the rodeo added an additional $50,000 in added money per event, 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 qualification to the 2026 NFR. The significant payout increase also highlights the continued growth of the sport and its fan base, making it an exciting time to be a rodeo athlete or fan.
When the dust settled on the 2026 edition, all eyes were on All-Around Champion Stetson Wright, who has not missed a beat since returning to the arena following an injury. Taking home $18,950, the reigning world champion also claimed the 2026 Farm-City bull riding title.
Bareback rider Garrett Shadbolt found himself in the thick of a competitive bubble race, sitting on the cusp of his fifth NFR qualification. Currently ranked 15th in the world, Shadbolt capitalized on the opportunity in Hermiston, earning $7,806 after marking 177.5 points on two head.
Resistol Rookie steer wrestler Clay Tom Hurt added another highlight to his rookie season, earning the Farm-City Pro Rodeo win. He stopped the clock in 11.8 seconds on three head to earn $8,593.
Team ropers Spencer Mitchell and Trey White also found themselves in the winner’s circle, stopping the clock in 17.0 seconds on three head. Each earned $8,575.
Wyoming cowboy Brody Wells continued his successful 2026 campaign, earning the win with 178 points on two head and taking home $7,721.
Calf roper Colton Suther also made his mark at the standout Columbia River Circuit rodeo, earning the title with an aggregate time of 24.7 seconds on three head to take home $9,005.
Tricia Aldridge claimed the barrel racing title with an aggregate time of 34.01 seconds on two head, earning $7,191.
As the 2026 Farm-City Pro Rodeo concludes, all eyes will continue to focus on the Pacific Northwest run, where every dollar and every rodeo will impact the race to the 2026 NFR.