1 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO SEPT. 2025 ALWAYS A PERFECT FIT September has always marked a shift in pace at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. For as long as most can remember, entries for livestock shows, horse shows and competitions are accepted beginning September 15. This year marks a significant milestone as the traditional paper entry system is now out to pasture. Livestock exhibitors will enter their cattle, swine, sheep and goats online. Same goes for those entering poultry, pigeon and rabbit classes – totally online. This marks year four that horse show folks will enjoy an online entry system. Even before entries for the 2026 Show arrive, FWSSR will be selling rodeo tickets. You are an FWSSR Insider and with that distinction comes the ability to purchase your rodeo and Mustang Magic tickets in a special presale that will open September 4 at 10 a.m. More details are included inside this newsletter but keep your eye on your email inbox that morning when you’ll receive the special presale code. Shortly thereafter all sorts of FWSSR fall events begin taking place. Shooting sports, youth art contest, high school BBQ competition, the second year for the international wine competition and the popular CAA Western Art Exhibition and Sale. You’ll find the scoop on these events and more in this issue of Whoa! There’s now less than 135 days until the 2026 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. With each passing day the excitement grows. Excitement for rodeo, carnivalmidway, barns full of livestock, horses, poultry, pigeon and rabbits, the Mattress Firm Petting Zoo, music and much, much more. So, start getting ready, get your rodeo tickets, get your animals entered, get your favorite cowboy or cowgirl wardrobe cleaned and ready, ready for that annual event that’s always the perfect fit… the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT | BLUE AND GOLD SHINES BRIGHT LIVESTOCK AND HORSE SHOW ENTRIES ACCEPTED SEPTEMBER 15 ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
2 3 SEPT. 2025 NEWSLETTER Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 16 - February 7, 2026 THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO www.fwssr.com NEWS BRIEFS September 4 FWSSR Insider Rodeo Ticket Presale September 8 Rodeo Tickets on Sale FWSSR.COM Dickies Arena Box Office 817.502.0011 September 15 Entries Accepted Livestock, Horse, Poultry, Pigeons and Rabbits Competitions and Contests September 27 Youth Art Contest Entry Deadline. Click here to enter October 2 Shoot for Scholarships Fundraiser Learn more here October 3 - 4 Jr. Shooting Sports & Aim For Education Scholarship Competitions 4-H and FFA members shoot for more than $45,000 in cash premiums and scholarships. *Volunteers needed October 17 - 20 International Wine Competition *Volunteers needed November 7 - 8 Cowboy Artists Of America Exhibition & Sale Guests can purchase works by renowned western artists. Event also showcases the 2025-2026 FWSSR Youth Art Contest winners. November 7 - 8 FWSSR High School BBQ Regional Competition Teams compete in ribs, brisket, chicken, beans, and dessert divisions. *Volunteers needed. To help manage volunteer scheduling, communication, and check-ins more efficiently, FWSSR will soon rollout Rosterfy. This new system will replace Shiftboard, which has been retired. All volunteers will receive an email with their personal Rosterfy link from ralvarez@fwssr.com in September. If you have any questions, please contact Rose Alvarez directly at 817-877-2472 or ralvarez@fwssr.com. ANNOUNCING ROSTERFY - NEW VOLUNTEER SCHEDULING SYSTEM VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT DON REA NICK NICKELSON UPCOMING EVENTS PRESENTED BY: Volunteers at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo belong to a special club. You’ll often hear them talk about the bonds they share with each other. For some it’s a causal friendship while others are professional and, occasionally, some are both. Don Rea and Nick Nickelson, dedicated FWSSR volunteers since 2009, are friends and business partners who for decades have shared an impressive journey in the meat industry that began at Texas A&M’s animal science department in the late 1960s. Nickelson received a bachelor’s degree there in 1967 and remained where he earned a master’s degree in food technology in 1969 and a PhD in microbiology in 1971. After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1970, Rea entered the workforce at a small meat packing company in Uvalde, Texas. While careers took them in different directions, they remained connected in industry circles. Both served as president of Southwest Meat Association and remained involved with A&M’s animal science programs. Eventually their paths brought them to Fort Worth at KPR Foods, a company specializing in cooked, ready-to-eat beef, pork and poultry products. Rea served as president at KPR and Nickelson was brought on to implement the then novel HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) food safety program in facilities across the nation. KPR eventually became a subsidiary of the beef and pork processor IBP. In 2001, Tyson Foods purchased IBP in a strategy to expand their product lines beyond fresh poultry products. THE MEAT BOARD Most, at this point in their lives, would have headed for a ranch, the golf course or seaside, but not the two noted industry veterans who had more mountains to climb. Thus, the concept for The Meat Board began to take shape. Their shared passion for creating an unforgettable experience for consumers seeking the best quality, high-end premium meats, led them to explore how to bring their dream of an upscale but friendly retail meat market and delicatessen into fruition. In 2019 they located retail space on Fort Worth’s west side, and The Meat Board was off and running. Besides offering fresh – ready for the grill meats – The Meat Board became a gathering place where friends enjoy a unique assortment of sandwiches and condiments in a laidback and friendly setting. “While our loyal customer base continues to grow here at home, it was always our vision to extend our offerings nationwide,” said Rea. “Anyone across the country can enjoy The Meat Board experience via our website and e-commerce business.” Nickelson, who has a passion for great food and recipe development, is the driving force behind The Meat Board’s specialty foods which include twice-baked potatoes, salads, Gulf shrimp and other fun foods. “We’ll never compromise on the experience of taste,” said Nickelson. “Our foremost priority will be producing the highest quality and safest meats and provisions for our customers.” FWSSR VOLUNTEERS Nickelson and Rea signed up to serve on the newly created Greeting Committee in 2009. Rea transitioned to the Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Contest, and both joined the High School BBQ Committee in 2024. Memories of their youth and a commitment to future generations compel them to give their time and expertise to the FWSSR. “It’s a way to honor all the volunteers that taught me responsibility, discipline and the value of hard work during my show days in 4-H and FFA,” said Nickelson. “And volunteering for the Stock Show is also a social conduit to some of the finest likeminded people in Fort Worth.” “I love the atmosphere and it’s very close to my heart,” added Rea. “I’ll always remember attending as a kid and seeing Roy Rogers and Dale Evans when they entertained here. I showed horses here and I now enjoy watching the kids showing. I always look forward to it and being involved in the future of agriculture.” LEFT PHOTO: Don Rea RIGHT PHOTO: Nick Nickelson PRESENTED BY:
4 5 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo January 16 - February 7, 2026 www.fwssr.com LIVESTOCK AND HORSE SHOW ENTRIES ACCEPTED BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 15 Online Entry Systems for All Shows, Contests and Competitions It’s almost that time of year. Beginning September 15 at 10 a.m., entries for Livestock and Horse shows as well as other contests and competitions will be accepted for the 2026 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. We’re eager to assist you with your entry questions. Be mindful of different entry rules and criteria (e.g. deadlines, late entry provisions, fees and payment options) between departments. We’re a phone call away (weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 817-8772400) so don’t hesitate to call us with questions. The Premium List, the FWSSR’s official rule book for each department, will also go live at FWSSR.COM at 10 a.m. LIVESTOCK, POULTRY, PIGEONS, RABBITS, CONTESTS AND COMPETITIONS Includes open and junior show competitions for cattle, sheep, swine, goats, poultry, pigeons, rabbits, as well as junior ag mechanics, junior ag robotics, etc. The online portal and easy to follow instructions will be available under the Livestock Shows tab at FWSSR.COM beginning September 15. Agricultural Science teachers, Agrilife County Extension agents as well as exhibitors competing in open livestock shows will find a user-friendly system for submitting entries for shows, contests and competitions. Livestock entry submissions must be completed on or before November 15, 2025 at 2 p.m. The online entry portal will close promptly at 2 p.m. CST. Competitions and Contests entry submissions must be completed on or before December 1, 2025 at 2 p.m. The online portal will close promptly at 2 p.m. CST. Poultry, Pigeons and Rabbits entry submissions must be completed on of before Dec. 15, 2025 at 2 p.m. The online entry portal will close promptly at 2 p.m. CST. All livestock, poultry, pigeons and rabbits MUST be entered using the online system – paper entries will not be available. HORSES Online Entries Horse Show exhibitors will be able to enjoy FWSSR’s online entry system. Online entry fees must be paid with credit cards. A four percent processing fee will apply. Exhibitors may enter up to eight horses in a single online session. Those wishing to enter more than eight horses must utilize additional session(s). Paper Entries Paper entry applications may be downloaded from FWSSR.COM and must be mailed (or delivered in person) and fees must be paid by cash, check or money order. Credit cards will not be accepted for horse show entry related fees submitted by mail. Entry applications should be mailed to: Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo ATTN: Horse Department P.O. Box 150 Fort Worth, Texas 76101-0150 Horse Show entries will be accepted after the initial entry deadline (November 15) provided exhibitor pays appropriate late fee. Any entry postmarked, submitted online or delivered in person, after midnight November 15 will be considered late and must pay such fee. All late entries must be postmarked or submitted online at FWSSR.COM by midnight December 30. Absolutely no late entries accepted after this date. NO EXCEPTIONS.
6 7 Rodeo tickets for the 2026 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo go on sale to the public September 8 at 10 a.m. Pre-sale purchases for FWSSR Insiders (online only) begins September 4 at 10 a.m. If you received this newsletter from the FWSSR, you will receive a pre-sale code and instructions for ordering the morning of September 4. If you’re unsure, please go to fwssr.com/insider and sign up. The FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament features the sport’s most elite athletes and specialty rodeos include the Best of the West Ranch Rodeo, Best of Mexico Celebración, Cowboys of Color Rodeo, Bulls’ Night Out, and the new PRORODEO Rookie Rally. THREE EASY PURCHASE OPTIONS BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 8. PHONE Call 817-502-0011 and talk to a live person at the Dickies Arena Box Office. Phone lines will open at 10 a.m. on September 8. Normal hours for phone orders will be Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. BOX OFFICE Purchase at the Dickies Arena Box Office. Doors open at 10 a.m., where helpful staff can assist. Access the Box Office from the southwest corner of Dickies Arena located at 1911 Montgomery Street. Free parking available while you purchase. Normal Box Office hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. ONLINE Use a phone, tablet or computer – online ticket purchasing is easy and convenient. Go to FWSSR. COM at 10 a.m. on September 8 and with a couple of clicks you’ll be ready to rodeo. RODEO TICKETS ON SALE TO THE PUBLIC SEPTEMBER 8 FWSSR Insider Presale Orders Accepted Beginning September 4 Purchase Early – Popular rodeo performances sell out quickly!!! The user-friendly Ticketmaster app not only helps you purchase but enhances your rodeo experience. Use your phone for ticketless entry into Dickies Arena and transfer tickets to friends or sell your tickets to other fans. Download the Ticketmaster app today and be ready to purchase. Seating for all rodeo performances is subject to availability. Service fees are applicable at $7 per ticket for Gallery seating. Fees are applicable regardless of purchase method - online, phone or in person. MUSTANG MAGIC TICKETS Purchase tickets for two exciting freestyle competitions at the 2026 FWSSR. Horses & Horsemen of the World – January 23, 7 p.m. An unforgettable performance that unites horses and horsemen from across the globe in a celebration of history, culture and heritage. Features worldrenowned horseman and horsewomen showcasing timeless traditions and dazzling displays that will captivate and inspire. Mustang Magic Top Ten Finals – January 24, 6 p.m. The top 10 trainer/mustang duos from the Mustang Magic classes perform in a freestyle finals highlighting skills perfected from approximately 100 days of training. The once wild mustangs are now trusted partners to the horsemen and women competing with them. Competitors will be judged based on overall horsemanship and entertainment value.
8 9 www.fwssr.com 2025 Texas FFA FWSSR Scholarship Recipients: • Elizabeth Brown • Macayla Burnett • Claire Cantwell • Kaylee Dunn • Hallie Foret • Baylee Gray • Patrick Higgins • Avery Moreland • Linda Norwood • Kailynn Peugh • Jac Shrontz • Makenzie Taylor Blue and Gold was easy to spot in Fort Worth during the first week of July as nearly 17,000 FFA students traveled there for their annual convention. Alongside the competitions, leadership workshops, and networking opportunities, FWSSR proudly awarded $96,000 in scholarships to 12 outstanding Texas FFA members on July 3. Each student received an $8,000 scholarship to support their educational goals. This presentation was part of the Stock Show’s ongoing commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders. In total, FWSSR awarded more than $1.1 million in scholarships during its 2025 fiscal year, continuing a tradition of supporting youth across Texas through education and opportunity. BLUE AND GOLD SHINES BRIGHT: FWSSR AWARDS $97,000 TO TEXAS FFA SCHOLARS Returning to Fort Worth for the fifth consecutive year, the Cowboy Artists of America (CAA) Exhibition & Sale, will be held in the Amon Carter Exhibits Hall’s Roundup Inn at the Will Rogers Memorial Center November 7 and 8. With two days full of activities that celebrate and highlight the CAA’s dedication “to authentically preserve and perpetuate the culture Western life in fine art” it’s a weekend that shouldn’t be missed. Tickets can be purchased now at CowboyArtistsOfAmerica.com. This year’s exhibition will feature more than 100 remarkable works ranging from sketches and watercolors to oils and bronze sculptures all beautifully capturing the spirit, stories and traditions of the American West. The 2025 catalog will be available on the CAA website in October. COWBOY ARTISTS OF AMERICA RETURN TO FORT WORTH 59TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION AND SALE SET FOR NOVEMBER 7-8, 2025 The weekend will begin with a preview reception and awards ceremony on November 7 at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to a featured artists autograph session at 10 a.m. on November 8 with live demonstrations by the artists following at 11 a.m. The art sale will begin at 5 p.m. A portion of the sale proceeds will support the Joe Beeler Foundation, which helps fund CAA’s educational programs. Through the organization’s educational outreach, CAA will host local youth art students to preview the exhibition and interact with the professional artists before opening to the public. The event will also host the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s Youth Art Sale, where in 2024, seven students earned more than $13,000 in cash awards for their winning art works. CAA members will conduct a one-day youth art workshop during the 2026 FWSSR as well as a two-week summer youth educational program in partnership with the local nonprofit, Imagination Fort Worth. LEFT: Protected - 22” x 24” (Oil) by Tyler Crow RIGHT: The Winds of Change - 30” x 36” (Oil) by Ron Rencher In addition to the 12 $8,000 scholarships, FWSSR also awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Olivia McFadden, the Texas FFA state winner in Equine Science Placement, recognizing her outstanding achievement during the 2025 convention in Fort Worth. BOTTOM PHOTO: Left to right: Lauren Lovelace Murray, Ashton Dunkel, Olivia McFadden and Gus Mushinski.
10 AND TO MANY MORE SUPPORTERS WHO HELP MAKE THE STOCK SHOW A WORLD-CLASS EVENT. MAJOR SPONSORS A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR OFFICIAL STOCK SHOW PRODUCTS & SERVICES • Western Apparel: Ariat • Beer: Anheuser-Busch • Casino and Resort: Choctaw Casinos & Resorts • Automotive: North Texas Chevy Dealers • Workwear: Dickies® • Satellite and Streaming Video Service: DIRECTV • Mattresses and Massage Chairs: Mattress Firm® • Energy Provider: Reliant • Bank: Simmons Bank • Health System: Texas Health • Whiskey: TX Whiskey • Soft Drink: Pepsi® MEDIA SPONSORS • 95.9 The Ranch / 92.1 Hank FM Grounds Announcements and Music • La Grande 107.5 FM / Puro Tejano Fierro 107.5 HD2 co-presents Best of Mexico Celebración and Dia de la Familia • NBC 5 presents Rodeo Leaderboard • New Country 96.3 • Telemundo 39 co-presents Best of Mexico Celebración, Dia de la Familia and presents Cowboys of Color Rodeo • WBAP 820 AM STOCK SHOW ART CONTEST SPONSORS • The Amon G. Carter Foundation • Debbie and Albon Head • Marsh McLennan Agency • Whataburger SPECIAL EVENT SPONSORS • AgTrust Farm Credit presents Chuck Wagons, Livestock Appreciation Day Luncheon, Mustang Magic, Texas High School Rodeo Shootout and Shooting Sports • American Warrior Asssociation: R3 CrowdSync Light Show experience • Ariat presents Auditorium Entertainment Series, presents Best of the West Ranch Rodeos, Ranching Heritage Weekend and Ariat Alley • Bank of Texas Chuck Wagon Sponsor • Big Tex / Trailers Direct presents Ranch Rodeo Champion Team Trailers • BNSF Railway presents Steer Wrestling • Boot Barn® presents Breakaway Roping • Brumbaugh’s Furniture & Design Ranch Rodeo Awards • Cavender’s Boot City Chuck Wagon Sponsor and Arena Crew Shirts, Shooting Sports • Central Market presents the Moo-seum Experience and supports Vine 2 Wine “Wine Camps” • Chase presents Barrel Racing • Chicken Express Chuck Wagon Sponsor • Chick-fil-A Rodeo Crowd Engagement Sponsor • Choctaw Casinos & Resorts presents Aerial Rodeo Camera • Dickies® Chuck Wagon Sponsor and Dickies Day • Enterprise Mobility Foundation Scholarship Programs • Frost presents Bareback Bronc Riding and Justin Mutton Bustin’® • Grapevine Powersports UTV provider • H-E-B presents Junior Sale of Champions, supporting sponsor of The Milking Parlor, School Tours and High School BBQ Competition • Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services presents Pony Up! 50/50 Raffle and supporting sponsor of Junior Sale of Champions • Hillwood, A Perot Company presents Military Appreciation Day • HOLT CAT presents PRORODEO Tournament Opening Night, Tower Promenade and Scholarship Programs • Junior Agricultural Mechanics Project Show and Texas M.A.D.E. Sponsors: Andes Coil Processors, Big Tex, Harris Products Group, HOLT CAT, Lincoln Electric, Norfolk Iron & Metal, Miller/Hobart, ONEOK, Panther City Industrial Supply, Priefert, RDO Equipment Co., , Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Saint-Gobain, and United Ag & Turf. • Junior Ag Robotics Challenge: Lockheed Martin Corporation, Meta and Texas Capital Bank • Justin Brands, Inc. presents Scramble Fore Scholarships, Justin Sportsmedicine Team and co-presents Justin Mutton Bustin’® and Calf Scramble • Kendra Scott presents Timed Event Challenge Barrel Races • Levi’s presents Timed Event Challenge Roping Events • Los Pastores Restaurant Bakery and Meat Market co-presents the Charro Cala Escaramuza and Mariachi Competitions • Mattress Firm® presents Bull Riding, Rodeo Replay and Petting Zoo • Michelob Ultra® Roadhouse and Busch Light® Chuck Wagon Sponsor • National Farm Life Insurance presents Poultry, Pigeon and Rabbit shows • North Texas Tollway Authority presents TollTag Tuesdays • Standard Meat presents High School BBQ Competition • Sundance Square presents Contestant interviews and Rodeo Countdown • Oncor presents Mobile Jumbotron • PlainsCapital Bank presents Bulls’ Night Out • R. Watson Boots presents Tie-Down Roping • Texas Department of Agriculture presents GO TEXAN Market • Texas Farm Bureau Insurance® sponsors Doorways to Agriculture produced by Texas Farm Bureau® • Texas Health Chuck Wagon Sponsor • Texas Hot Tub Company supports International Wine, Shooting Sports and High School BBQ Competition • Texas Mutual Insurance Co. co-presents Calf Scramble • TX Whiskey presents Saddle Bronc Riding • UMB Bank presents Team Roping and Heifer Superintendent’s Beef Challenge • Visit Fort Worth presents Music Experience • Wild Fork presents Bubbles & Bites • Zimmerer Kubota and Equipment presenting sponsor Rodeo Tractor Drag
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