Associate Farm Editor, Reagan Calk sat down with the Executive Vice President of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, Michael Kelsey, before the Saturday night performance of the OCA Ranch Rodeo at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie Okla. this weekend and talked about what makes the OCA Ranch Rodeo a special event.
“This event just keeps growing and it is magnificent,” Kelsey said. “I know your listeners can’t see where we are right now but the first meeting that organized this event took place about 25 feet from where we are standing right now, 40 years ago.”
The event, Kelsey said is based on heritage and celebrating the legacy of working ranches in Oklahoma. The teams competing each year, he added, consist of 12 working ranches from across the state.
“That is the way it has always been and the way it will always be,” Kelsey said.
Around 20 years ago, Kelsey said the OCA started a partnership with the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“This year we are going to surpass 600,000 dollars in donations to the Children’s Hospital Foundation,” Kelsey said. “It is a great partnership and does two great things for us- highlights the legacy of ranching in Oklahoma and a great foundation that we are raising money for.”
As for the 12 working ranch teams, Kelsey said they cycle in a few new ones each year, but there are many teams that have been part of the rodeo for quite a while.
“We have a lot of folks who want to participate in our event,” Kelsey said. “It’s kind of like the super bowl, if you will.”
The event is great for families, Kelsey said and provides good entertainment for a good cause while also recognizing ranching heritage.
Kelsey also talked about the trade show at the ranch rodeo, which he said is getting better each year.
“You can buy a pair of boots, some spurs, a knife, a purse- whatever you need that’s western, you can come here and get it,” Kelsey said. “It is really a lot of fun to see a lot of folks walking through that and enjoying that before and after, and even during the event,” Kelsey said.
The 2022 OCA 38th Annual Ranch Rodeo Champions are Whitmire Ranch & Sumner Cattle Company from Delaware, OK.
Click the LISTEN BAR below to hear more from Michael Kelsey on the 2022 OCA 38th Annual Ranch Rodeo.
