MINOT, N.D. – The 2026 North Dakota State Fair Ranch Rodeo delivered two action-packed nights of authentic ranch competition, showcasing the teamwork, horsemanship, and determination that define North Dakota’s ranching heritage.
With teams battling event after event, the competition remained incredibly close from start to finish, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats as every second and every point mattered.
The North Dakota State Fair extends its congratulations to this year’s top finishers:
2026 Ranch Rodeo Results
1st Place: Day Thugs
2nd Place: Ranch Hands
3rd Place: /77 Bargmann Ranch
4th Place: Should Be Haying
5th Place: Bruner Angus Ranch
Top Hand Award: Braden Farnsworth
As always, the Ranch Rodeo delivered plenty of memorable moments that reminded everyone why this event has become a Fair favorite. Determined steers certainly had plans of their own, putting up impressive fights throughout several events and keeping competitors on their toes. Fans also witnessed an unforgettable moment during the Trailer Loading Relay when one rider took an unexpected tumble from their horse before quickly regrouping to finish the event. And during Steer Mugging, it wasn’t just the steers that took a beating—more than one pair of jeans proved no match for the action, drawing plenty of laughter from the crowd while competitors carried on with true ranch grit.
The success of the Ranch Rodeo would not have been possible without the incredible support of local businesses and community partners. The North Dakota State Fair extends a sincere thank you to Big Sky Ranch of Granville, N.D., for generously providing the livestock panels used throughout the event.
Additional appreciation goes to Gooseneck Implement of Rugby, N.D., Rugby Livestock Auction of Rugby, N.D., B&J Excavating of Rugby, N.D., and North Country Mercantile & Equipment of Kenmare and Minot, N.D., for contributing additional prize money that helped recognize the outstanding performances of this year’s competitors.
A special thank you also goes to Country Hillside Designs LLC for donating the championship jackets presented to the first-place team.
The North Dakota State Fair would also like to thank every ranch team that competed in this year’s event. Your dedication, sportsmanship, and passion for the ranching lifestyle continue to make the Ranch Rodeo one of the Fair’s most anticipated traditions.
Behind every successful event is a dedicated team of volunteers and helpers. The Fair extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this event possible. From arena preparation and livestock handling to scoring and event operations, your time and commitment helped create another outstanding Ranch Rodeo experience for competitors and spectators alike.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you goes to Neil and Rhonda Schell for once again organizing and producing an outstanding Ranch Rodeo. Their leadership, dedication, and countless hours of planning continue to make the Ranch Rodeo one of the signature events of the North Dakota State Fair.
The North Dakota State Fair is proud to celebrate the traditions of ranching while providing families with an opportunity to experience the skill, teamwork, humor, and unpredictability that make ranch life—and the Ranch Rodeo—so special.
About North Dakota State Fair
The North Dakota State Fair, held annually in Minot, North Dakota, has been a cherished tradition for
decades and remains the state’s premier summer event. With a diverse range of activities, exhibits,
competitions, and entertainment, the Fair draws over 350,000 visitors each year, making it North
Dakota’s largest annual gathering. For more information, visit ndstatefair.com.
Follow North Dakota State Fair on Social Media
• Facebook: facebook.com/ndstatefair
• X (Twitter): @ndstatefair
• Instagram: @ndstatefair
• TikTok: @ndstatefair
Contact Information
Charlene Ratliff North Dakota State Fair (701) 857-7620 char@ndstatefair.com
