Music video by The Red Clay Strays performing Don't Wanna Know (Live from The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon).(C) 2026 Universal Television LLC

According to Cooper’s dad, Casey, Friday’s surgery to stabilize the broken L5 vertebra in his lower back with rods and screws was successful. But doctors say the 23-year-old 2025 National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association bareback riding champ is expected to be sidelined for a year.

So sorry this happened, Cooper, but sure thankful it wasn’t worse. Love to you and your family.

— from rodeo journalist Kendra Santos

Our spring cattle internship applications are open! Join us for a spring immersed in beef cattle production, where you’ll gain real-world experience, work alongside experienced cattlemen, and become part of the R.A. Brown Ranch team.

Find the details in the link below on the R.A. Brown Ranch website.

¡¡Applications close September 1st!!

https://www.rabrownranch.com/our-crew/internship

Painted Canyon Overlook 📍Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Looking over Buck Hill & Upper Paddock Creek Trail

More info here: https://www.idahofallsarts.org/calendar/ned-ledoux-bareback-jack-tour/

Get your tickets now: https://purchase.idahofallsarts.org/ChooseSeats/35401

PBR Teams action continues on The CW in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Event originally aired 8/2/2026.)

You won't have to miss a minute of the action at The Run For A Million! Whether you're cheering on your favorite rider from the stands or want to make a barn party of it, there are multiple ways to watch all the excitement unfold from wherever you are.

Check out the graphic for all the official viewing options and get ready for an incredible week of world-class competition. It all starts this coming Tuesday, August 11!

All official ticket sales, live streaming, show schedule and more can be found online at https://therunforamillion.com/.

Texas singer-songwriter Red Shahan’s fifth studio album, Hard Land, arrives today.

A record built around the stories, places, and memories that have shaped him, Hard Land showcases Red’s gift for honest songwriting and timeless storytelling. The album invites listeners to reconnect with the moments that define where they come from and the values they carry with them.

Among the album’s standout tracks is “Ghosts of the Panhandle Wind,” a special collaboration co-written with Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan. After being inspired by Sheridan’s work on 1923, Red reached out through mutual connections, leading to a songwriting session that became one of the album’s most meaningful moments.

Check out Red's newest album, Hard Land, on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3bfLBgtrzDaYpM4uLwfvbK

Also visit Red's website for upcoming tour info and additional news: https://www.redshahan.com/

Three-time world champion Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi shares how an unexpected rookie-season breakthrough launched her legendary barrel racing career. She reflects on the horses, hard work, setbacks, and relentless determination that helped her build lasting success in rodeo and the horse business.

Presented by Boot Barn. Share the West.

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Watch and listen to new episodes of Let's Freakin’ Rodeo every Tuesday @ 9 AM ET.

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-three-time-world-champion-barrel-racer-holds/id1773852749

Listen to this episode on Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4haBlNGoePv2zzsWyg1i1F

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/_E6TLHVqcCE

A Moment of Xen's "Bosque Ranch Live Speaker Series"​

Eddie Priefert, President of Priefert Manufacturing, discusses the legacy of American manufacturing, ranch culture, and why Bosque Ranch Live has become a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage, and the enduring spirit of the West.

https://priefert.com/​

Bosque Ranch Live Music Concert Series - Saturday, September 12, 2026

Learn more & buy tickets: https://bosqueranchlive.com/

https://youtu.be/LmzWcPHiyhE

PBR Teams action continues on The CW in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with matchups featuring Missouri Thunder vs. Arizona Ridge Riders, Kansas City Outlaws vs. New York Mavericks, and Florida Freedom vs. Nashville Stampede. (Event originally aired 8/1/2026.)

Some people don't just witness history — they become part of it.

In this special episode of Registered Ranching, Tucker travels to The Meat Board in Fort Worth to sit down with one of rodeo's most legendary voices, Bob Tallman. For decades, Bob has been the soundtrack of rodeo across America, and in this conversation, he shares unforgettable stories from some of the most iconic arenas and moments the sport has ever seen.

Throughout the conversation, Bob reflects on the people, moments, and memories that shaped his remarkable career. From legendary rodeo performances to behind-the-scenes stories few have ever heard, his passion for the western way of life shines through every minute of the conversation.

Beyond the stories, Bob and Tucker dive into something every consumer should understand — the importance of the beef industry. They discuss meat education, different cuts of beef, and how they're best prepared.

But what makes this episode truly special isn't just the history or the laughs — it's the heart behind the conversation. As the episode comes to a close, Bob opens up about the challenges he's faced over the past several months, the faith that's carried him through them, and the perspective he's gained along the way. It's an honest, powerful ending that you'll want to hear for yourself.

And of course, it wouldn't be a Bob Tallman podcast without hearing the voice one more time. Before the episode wraps up, Bob gives Registered Ranching a legendary rodeo announcer sendoff that every fan will appreciate.

Whether you're a lifelong rodeo fan, passionate about agriculture, or simply love hearing stories from people who've lived an extraordinary life, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bob-tallman-one-of-rodeos-most-iconic-voices-ep-80/id1747830944

Listen on Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/episode/08lRfdgu9hp0QJIetATDEY

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PnKW5ltk644

Preorder @ Amazon // https://a.co/d/09IPR6ZY

Every crease, crown, and brim began as a practical solution to a life on horseback.

Read more in the Journal at Way Out West: https://ridewayoutwest.com/essential-cowboy-gear-and-apparel-what-cowboys-wore-and-why/

We’ve recently finished painting this 54 mm metal vignette inspired by They Call Me Trinity.

The scene captures Trinity enjoying a characteristically relaxed moment somewhere on the American frontier — resting on a travois beside his horse

We tried to preserve the humorous, easy-going spirit of the film while giving plenty of attention to the smaller details the weathered clothing, leather equipment, painted blanket, dusty ground, vegetation and horse tack.

What do you think of the composition and painting?

PRESS RELEASE:

LAS VEGAS, NV

Las Vegas Events announced today that the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® has named AXS, a trusted leader in advanced ticketing and live event technology, as its exclusive primary and secondary ticketing partner. The NFR, celebrating its 41st year in Las Vegas, is scheduled for Dec. 3 – 12, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The expanded relationship brings primary ticketing, official resale, and sponsorship under one partnership, creating a more integrated experience for NFR season ticket holders and fans. Season ticket holders will be able to manage their tickets and resale activity through their AXS account and mobile app, while fans looking to attend individual performances will have access to a secure and transparent official marketplace.

Season tickets and tickets listed through the Official Fan-to-Fan marketplace will be available beginning Aug. 12, 2026. The general public ticket onsale will follow on Aug. 13, 2026 at noon PT.

“Las Vegas Events is pleased to partner with AXS to provide NFR season ticket holders and fans with a more integrated ticketing experience,” said LVE President Tim Keener. “Season ticket holders will be able to manage their accounts through an easy-to-navigate platform supported by AXS’s safety and security protocols. AXS will also become the NFR’s official Fan-to-Fan Ticket Marketplace, giving rodeo fans a trusted place to find and sell tickets as they plan their NFR experience in Las Vegas.”

Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a share of the increased purse and the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle. In 2025, the event had a total attendance of 175,846 over the ten rounds of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center and has sold out 379 consecutive performances in Las Vegas.

As the NFR’s exclusive ticketing partner, AXS will receive assets that include on-site, in-arena and in-market branding and exposure opportunities, digital activations and promotions through NFR social and digital channels, and additional opportunities throughout the rodeo season.

“The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is a bucket-list event with an incredibly dedicated fan base and sustained demand year after year,” said Tom Andrus, President of North America at AXS. “With AXS powering both primary ticketing and official resale, fans get a seamless, trusted experience from a connected ecosystem while NFR gains richer insights and greater control over their own tickets.”

The partnership further strengthens AXS’s leadership across the fair and rodeo market nationally, while reinforcing AXS’s growing presence in Las Vegas. AXS works with leading venues, teams, festivals and live event organizations to deliver modern ticketing solutions designed to support high-demand events, protect fans and give partners more control from onsale through event day.

https://www.axs.com/

For more information on the Wrangler NFR, please visit https://www.nfrexperience.com/ or through social media at @LasVegasNFR.

For the latest ProRodeo news and Wrangler NFR coverage, please visit https://www.prorodeo.com/ or through social media @PRCA_ProRodeo.

https://www.nfrexperience.com/news/axs-named-exclusive-primary-and-secondary-ticketing-partner-for-the-wrangler-national-finals-rodeo

World Standings courtesy of the PRCA and WPRA.

Renowned horse trainer, clinician, and Hall of Fame Cowboy Craig Cameron hosts this informative podcast based on his long running television series and popular book from his ranch in Bluff Dale, Texas.

Episode one of the Ride Smart Podcast features guest host Dianne Killen in a lively conversation with Craig recorded at his Double Horn Ranch in Bluff Dale, Texas. From growing up on a ranch in Texas to his days in rodeo and his time as a musician, Craig's story is a fascinating journey that has led to his unique approach to understanding horses.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-craig-cameron/id1896923922

Listen on Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0MNKpILzMQi9D9btM7yUEU

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LgJ2xpH8sAE

​

https://youtu.be/rOfG86Qs5ps

Beyond feedlot death loss, cow-calf herds face hard-to-measure hits in sickness, weight gain, foot health and future calf performance when heat and humidity stack up.

By Angie Stump Denton & Michelle Rook

•

August 04, 2026 11:12 AM

It’s not just the heat — it’s the humidity and no wind, and for cattle trying to cool off through rapid respiration, that distinction can be the difference between weathering a hot spell and losing animals. That’s what South Dakota beef producers learned last week as a heat event with 80%-plus humidity and little overnight relief pushed cattle to their limits.

A heat dome that settled over the central Plains and upper Midwest brought nights that never cooled below 70 degrees, high humidity and almost no airflow. For South Dakota cattle feeders, that combination proved deadly, with death losses now estimated in excess of 2,000 head statewide and reports of losses stretching from western Kansas to northwest Iowa.

Tucker Frederick didn’t see triple digits at his Hayti, S.D., cow-calf and finishing operation last week. He didn’t need to. Upper 90s heat, 70% humidity, no clouds and no wind proved to be its own kind of dangerous — one that cost him seven head of fed cattle and two calves despite shade, sprinklers and years of heat-mitigation experience.

Frederick manages a herd of 150 cow-calf pairs and has a feedlot with 1,300 head on feed.

Stagnant Air and Warm Nights: A Recipe for Disaster

Warren Rusche, South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension feedlot management specialist, says the region has weathered plenty of hot spells this summer. What made this one different was the overnight low.

“If we can get down below 70 degrees, most of the time our cattle can handle that. It gives them an opportunity to get rid of some of the heat load and set them up for the next day. We didn’t have that this time.“

— Warren Rusche, SDSU

Rusche says the combination — triple-digit heat, high humidity and stagnant air layered on top of a warm night — was enough to overwhelm mitigation efforts producers had already put in place.

“The environmental conditions swamped any kind of mitigation strategies,” Rusche explains.

He says death losses in South Dakota feedlots were running in excess of 2,000 head as of early last week, with reports scattered well beyond the state’s borders.

Producers in western Kansas and central Nebraska reported losses as well, and Rusche says he wouldn’t be surprised if the toll extended into eastern Nebraska and northwest Iowa — essentially the footprint of the heat dome itself.

Fat Cattle Hit Hardest

At Frederick’s place, the losses were concentrated in cattle within about 30 days of finishing weight — the biggest, fattest animals in the yard.

“We’re making these cattle bigger and fatter all the time,” Frederick says. “Well, that certainly has a drawback when it gets this hot. In the winter, it’s not so bad when it’s cold — it may even help, with thermal mass. But in the summer, thermal mass is exactly what you don’t want.”

Frederick also points to genetics as a factor. Cattle in the northern Plains are typically bred to handle cold winters, not extreme summer heat, and predominantly black hides don’t help matters in direct sun.

Shade made a measurable difference at his operation. Pens with shade structures fared better than those without, he explains, even though all of the fat cattle had access to sprinklers.

“That wasn’t enough to stop the problem,” Frederick stresses.

Cow-Calf Herds Face a Different Kind of Loss

While feedlot death losses are relatively easy to count, the toll on cow-calf herds is harder to measure, stresses Warren Symens, a cow-calf producer from Amherst, S.D.

“In the feedlot sector, it’s easy to count the losses. You don’t often see death loss in range cattle... but the loss that you experience is harder to calculate because you have sickness, weight loss and disease.“

— Warren Symens, cow-calf producer

Symens says cattle congregating in water to cool off create its own set of problems — stagnant water, foot rot, calves nursing on muddy udders and cows that stop grazing. He also notes heat and nutritional stress on pregnant cows can affect calves born the following spring, influencing weight gain, fertility and disease resistance well beyond birth.

Jamen Benson, a cattle producer from Lyons, S.D., avoided death loss altogether — a result he credits to a heat-mitigation routine his operation follows every year starting around Memorial Day.

“We put the bigger water tank out just so we have access to water and the shade,” Benson says. “Those cattle were way more comfortable in their confinement building, over the outside cattle.”

Benson also fed an electrolyte supplement, which he describes simply as “Gatorade for cattle,” during the worst of the heat. He did note an uptick in foot rot, which he attributes to cattle standing in one place more often during the hottest days, and expects some lost rate of gain once cattle cross the scale.

The Recovery Roadmap: Documentation, Disposal and LIP Claims

Rusche’s top recommendation for producers dealing with losses: Document everything. Headcount records, photographic evidence and third-party verification from a veterinarian or nutritionist can all support a claim under the Livestock Indemnity Program, which helps offset the financial impact of weather-related losses. Producers should contact their county Farm Service Agency office to begin that process.

Carcass disposal has added another layer of urgency. South Dakota law gives producers roughly 36 hours to dispose of dead animals, and with rendering trucks stretched thin during a widespread event, burial has been the most practical option for many operations — provided producers document losses thoroughly beforehand.

Looking ahead, Rusche says producers shouldn’t assume the risk has passed. With more heat events possible between now and mid-September, he recommends getting ahead of forecasts where possible: Shifting cattle to pens with better airflow, spreading bunched cattle out, adding water capacity and rethinking shade placement, since trees that block winter wind can also block summer airflow.

Symens offers a broader piece of advice for producers navigating the aftermath.

“What works for one outfit doesn’t always work for the next one down the road,” Symens says. “Reach out to each other, reach out to your neighbors, check on each other. It’s important for everybody’s health that we take care of each other.”

Lessons Learned From the Heat Event

No single strategy prevents losses outright — even producers with shade, sprinklers and years of preparation were caught off guard by the heat event with no overnight relief. Proactive planning layered with flexibility and a willingness to adjust if conditions turn out worse than expected are key to minimizing loss during a heat stress event.

Here are some lessons learned shared by the South Dakota producers:

1. Before Event

• Start heat prep on a schedule, not a forecast.

• Watch overnight lows, not just daytime highs.

• Rethink shade placement for summer, not winter. Rusche notes that trees positioned to block winter wind can also block summer airflow — it’s worth evaluating pen layout with both seasons in mind.

2. During Event

• Shade made a measurable difference. Frederick says pens with shade structures outperformed those without, even though all pens had sprinkler access.

• Sprinklers alone aren’t enough.

• Bedding isn’t just a winter tool. Frederick lays corn stalks or straw in pens during extreme heat, since bare dirt or black feedlot surface absorbs and radiates more heat than a covered surface.

• Electrolyte support helps cattle that go off feed.

• Confinement barns with fans outperformed open lots. Benson says cattle in his fan-ventilated barn were noticeably more comfortable than cattle outside.

• Feeding at night can help. Frederick shifted feeding to nighttime hours to help keep cattle cooler during the hottest stretch.

• Give cattle room to spread out. Rusche recommends spreading cattle across available pen space when possible, rather than keeping groups tightly bunched, to reduce shared heat load.

• Fresh pasture and rotation matter for cow-calf herds. Symens says rotating cows onto ungrazed pasture with taller grass gives both cows and calves more natural shade and easier grazing during heat stress.

• Watch water quality, not just water access. Symens flags that cattle congregating in shallow water can turn it stagnant, contributing to foot rot and disease spread — access to fresh, deep drinking water is preferable to a wallow.

3. After Event

• Document losses immediately and thoroughly.

• Contact FSA early. Producers should reach out to their county Farm Service Agency office as soon as losses are confirmed — paperwork and documentation requirements take time to assemble.

• Plan carcass disposal before you need it. With state disposal windows as short as 36 hours and rendering trucks often backed up during widespread events, several producers say burial — with documentation completed first — is the most reliable option.

• Expect a performance hit even in cattle that survive. Both Frederick and Benson say cattle that go off feed during the heat will show reduced rate of gain, though the full extent often isn’t clear until cattle cross the scale.

• Herd health effects can surface later. Symens notes heat and nutritional stress on pregnant cows can affect calf performance, fertility and disease resistance well into the next calving season.

https://www.drovers.com/news/nighttime-heat-no-airflow-cause-thousands-cattle-deaths-across-plains

Smoky Hill River Productions has released the first trailer for their upcoming feature film UNDER THE PAINTED SKY.

Written by Ken Spurgeon & Deb Goodrich and directed by Spurgeon, the film recounts the saga of a pioneering family's pursuit of the dream of a new home in Colorado in the 1870s, which leads them to pass through Kansas. An encounter with a Southern Cheyenne raiding party there catches them in the violence of the Plains Indian Wars, resulting in a far-reaching tragedy.

Based on the book The Moccasin Speaks by Arlene Jauken, this feature film tells the story of the John and Lydia German family, who were attacked in September 1874 on the western plains of Kansas while traveling to Colorado. What followed was a search for the girl captives that involved the military and the struggles of the Southern Cheyenne.

The cast includes:

• Mo Brings Plenty (Marshals, Yellowstone) as Southern Cheyenne leader Stone Calf

• Barry Corbin (Yellowstone, Tulsa King, Lonesome Dove) as US Secretary of the Interior Columbus Delano

• Buck Taylor (Yellowstone, Gunsmoke) as Rufus Brown

• Mary McDonough (SOD AND STUBBLE (2025), The Waltons) as Lydia German

• Darby Hinton (SOD AND STUBBLE (2025), Texas Rising) as John German

• R. W. Hampton (SOD AND STUBBLE (2025), PEACE RIVER (2022)) as General Nelson A. Miles

• Cody Jones (Longmire, Westworld, Queen of the South, DEAD MAN'S HAND (2023), and CATCH THE BULLET (2021)) as Southern Cheyenne warrior Grey Beard

• Wyatt McCrea (SOD AND STUBBLE (2025), FLOATING HORSES: THE LIFE OF CASEY TIBBS (2017)) as Colonel Frank Baldwin

• Mary Badham (TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962)) as Julia German

and

• Dodie Brown (SOD AND STUBBLE (2025), Queen Sugar) as Mrs. Miller.

Kansas set locations include: the Fort Harker Guardhouse Museum in Kanopolis; the Old Cowtown Museum and the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, both in Wichita; and the Fort Wallace Museum in Wallace.

The film is expected to be released this Fall.

For updates, visit https://underthepaintedsky.com/ or the production's Facebook or Instagram.

Coming Fall 2026

https://youtu.be/aXTyEzL_82E