Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association’s Ranch Rodeo 2026 is in the books, and organizers are calling the two-day event at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie a tremendous success—both in the arena and in its mission to support Oklahoma children.
In the arena, it literally boiled down to the last two teams in the final event on Saturday night that determined the winner. Stuart Ranch of Waurika trailed Creason Cattle of Balko by 37 points as they headed into the Wild Cow Milking. Stuart was tied for second with McPhail Land and Cattle. Stuart was the next to last team for the evening- and grabbed their cow and got her milked to earn third place in the run. That left Creason Cattle- their cowboys got their cow milked but earned no points because no milk was found in the bottle. Stuart Ranch won the overall team title- Creason Cattle was runner up and McPhail Cattle of Medicine Park placed third.
Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Michael Kelsey told Oklahoma Farm Report’s Ron Hays following the August 15 finale that the event exceeded expectations, with record-setting fundraising and outstanding performances from ranch rodeo competitors.
“Unbelievable, Ron,” Kelsey said. “I tell you what, I’m on Cloud 9 right now because we had just an excellent event and a rodeo.”
Kelsey said the competition showcased some of the best ranch rodeo athletes in the region, including both the horses and the men and women competing.
“The times were amazing, the events were amazing,” he said. “But really, this is all about the children and the Children’s Hospital.”
One of the biggest highlights was the event’s annual boot gathering, which Kelsey said broke its previous record. The effort raised $22,000, with the money going directly to the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Kelsey expects the overall donation from Ranch Rodeo 2026 to be significantly larger once all of the event’s expenses and invoices are finalized.
“We’ve got to get some more invoices,” he explained. “But half, at least half the proceeds on top of that—I’m going to hip shoot it—but I’m hoping for $40,000 to $45,000 for our donation this year.”
Kelsey emphasized that the money raised through the event remains in Oklahoma to benefit children receiving care.
“Children’s Hospital Foundation, you know, all that money stays right here in Oklahoma for these kids,” he said.
The event also provided an opportunity for children to participate in ranch rodeo activities Saturday afternoon. Kelsey said youngsters were able to ride horses and try their hand at roping.
“I just don’t know how you could get any higher right now,” Kelsey said. “It’s just fantastic.”
While fundraising and the children were at the heart of the event, the competition itself provided plenty of excitement. The final result came down to a dramatic finish in the wild cow milking event, with teams reordered based on their standings going into the final competition.
The Stuart Ranch team ultimately emerged as the Ranch Rodeo 2026 champion, adding another chapter to the history of one of Oklahoma’s most respected ranches.
“Forty-two years, and here Stuart Ranch was a co-champion for the first one, and then here they come through and win again this year,” Kelsey said.
Robert Forrest and the Stuart Ranch team put together a strong performance in the final event. Because the teams were run in reverse order, Stuart Ranch competed next to last and posted a strong time.
“That moved Stuart up,” Kelsey said. “So it’s kind of a nail-biter, sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to kind of see the final result. It’s just a fantastic event.”
The Ranch Rodeo championship also carries an opportunity beyond the Lazy E Arena. As a qualifier for the Working Ranch Cowboys Association World Championship Ranch Rodeo, Stuart Ranch will represent Oklahoma at the WRCA World Championship in Amarillo.
Kelsey said the Stuart Ranch team should be a strong competitor on the national stage.
“They’re going to be a very competitive team,” he said.
Kelsey also credited the Working Ranch Cowboys Association and its leadership for helping make the event possible.
“Lehman Wall and his crew at WRCA, just a fantastic crew, and we so appreciate working with them,” Kelsey said.
With the competition complete, a record fundraising effort underway and Oklahoma children at the center of the event’s mission, Kelsey said Ranch Rodeo 2026 delivered a memorable weekend for competitors, families and supporters alike.
(Pictures above from Stuart Ranch Facebook post)
