‘This Thing is Legendary': Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Continues Through Historic Winter Storm

Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.

FORT WORTH, Texas (RFD NEWS) — Winter weather may have created challenges across North Texas, but organizers of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo say the iconic event is pressing on as planned. From livestock competitions to live music and family-friendly attractions, the 23-day celebration continues to live up to its long-standing slogan: “This Thing is Legendary.”

Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to share an update on how the event is unfolding so far.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Brockman said that despite weather-related hurdles, participation and energy remain strong, with exhibitors, competitors, and fans showing up in true stock show fashion.

One unique highlight this year is the inclusion of ag robotics, a competition that looks very different from traditional stock show events.

Brockman explained that the contest showcases innovation and technology in agriculture, giving students an opportunity to demonstrate how robotics and engineering are shaping the industry’s future.

The upcoming weekend is packed with livestock shows, featuring a wide range of species and exhibitors from across the country. Brockman outlined several key events to watch, noting that these competitions remain at the heart of the stock show’s mission to support youth, agriculture, and education.

Also drawing attention is the Lone Star Open Auctioneer Championship, which brings together top auctioneering talent for a fast-paced and entertaining competition that celebrates a vital skill in the livestock industry.

Related Stories
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
Mixed product pricing and rising milk supplies suggest margin management will remain critical as 2026 unfolds.
Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”
Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
RFD NEWS correspondent Frank McCaffrey recently spoke with Dr. Mike Vickers, a South Texas rancher, who says illegal border crossings have dramatically declined in the last year.
Auction manager and West Texas A&M University student Presley Graves joined us to discuss the growth of StockShowAuctions.com and its impact on youth in agriculture.
Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening joined us with the latest update on storm conditions and impacts across the state.
Mike Knotts with the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association joined us with the latest on storm impacts, power restoration, and safety considerations following the ice storm.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
Strong White House backing supports ethanol demand, but timing now hinges on Congress resolving procedural — at the same time as they push toward a spending bill to avert another federal government shutdown.
Brooks York with AgriSompo joined us with his outlook on crop insurance and risk management following the recent winter storm that tore through most of the United States, including the Midwest.
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us to break down the recent Fifth Circuit Court decision overturning a prior Tax Court decision on self-employment tax for limited partners, the ruling’s impact on farmers, and potential next steps in Congress.