‘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
FarmHER Katey Jo Evans joins us to share her journey from farm wife to entrepreneur and advocate for reducing food waste.
Industry leaders say $11 billion in new investments could turn the tide as dairy producers face shrinking margins and growing uncertainty.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joins us to discuss the idea behind the campaign and why accurate labeling on plant-based beverages matters to both consumers and dairy producers.
Hughes shares how he’s preparing for the competition, his partnership with Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Mark Davis, and his journey from cattle ranching to professional bass fishing.
Cottage cheese sales are on the rise across the U.S., and industry leaders believe interest on social media is contributing to the surge in consumer demand.
A new proposal from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could transform how farmers use drones, allowing commercial operators to fly beyond their visual line of sight.
“USDA can no longer keep wasting its time and personnel to deploy Commissioner Miller’s infamous traps, which USDA has deployed, tested, and has proven ineffective.”
Even in this strong market, some beef producers are leaving money on the table by not following proven marketing practices.

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:

Leslee Oden, president of the National Turkey Federation, and Jay Jandrain, CEO of Butterball, joined us in the studio on Monday to discuss the history, significance, and expectations surrounding this year’s presidential turkey pardon.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) estimates that the move will save farmers and ranchers $2.5 billion each year. The group warns that new methods for calculating the adverse-effect wage rate would result in lower pay for foreign workers.
Higher rail tariffs and tighter Canadian supplies will keep oat transportation costs firm into 2026.
These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net.
Tyson’s closure reflects deep supply shortages in the U.S. cattle industry, tightening packing capacity, weakening competition, and signaling more volatility ahead for cow-calf producers and feedyards.
Gary Hall, co-founder of Hollywood Impact Studios Rehabilitation, joined the program to discuss using agriculture to provide opportunities and mentorship for at-risk youth in Southern California.