MRSD Travel Blog - August Newsletter

MRSD Travel Blog - August Newsletter

Cowboy Christmas happens every year surrounding the abundant Fourth of July rodeos. This year’s Cowboy Christmas included 32 rodeos with over $3.3 million in prize money throughout professional rodeo, undeniably a busy time in the rodeo season. I was grateful to be in Belle Fourche for the Black Hills Roundup during the Fourth of July, one of the few places in western South Dakota allowed to have fireworks because of the abnormally dry summer.

After celebrating our nation’s independence in South Dakota, I headed to Colorado Springs for the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and ProRodeo Hall of Fame Inductions. We even had a chance to go to the top of Pikes Peak. The view from a mountain top over 14,000 feet high is impressive, especially for this prairie girl! The PRCA headquarters had to be evacuated during the ragging Waldo Canyon fire. Thankfully, by the time we arrived for the Hall of Fame Inductions, the fires where contained and business was getting back to usual. Although South Dakota did not have inductees this year, we were still well represented. Robert and Billy Etbauer, originally from Ree Heights, and the bucking horse Khadafy Skoal from Powder River Rodeo (who got his start bucking at the Black Hills Roundup in Belle Fourche) were among the Induction Class of 2012.

Following the Hall of Fame Inductions was the Miss Rodeo America Seminar. We spent four days working on speeches, modeling, interviews, rodeo knowledge, and much more. The highlight of the entire seminar was the opportunity to work with Christ Cox for our horsemanship portion. I learned horsemanship skills I will be able to use long after the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.

After the long days of note taking at the seminar, I was excited to finally get to the Daddy of ‘Em of All in Cheyenne, Wyoming! During the pancake breakfast, I was able to help by flipping the cooked pancakes out of the wagon for the patiently waiting boy scouts to catch. A great rodeo, delicious food, shopping, and watching The Band Perry, Brad Paisely, and Merle Haggard in concert all help the rodeo live up to its expectations. My only regret was that I missed the Reba McEntire concert, since I was en route to the award winning Days of ’76 Rodeo in Deadwood, SD. Not a bad problem to have.

The Days of ’76 Rodeo has always been a favorite of mine. The committee is always welcoming and the rodeo is always entertaining. Sadie Warder, Miss Rodeo North Dakota, Sabrina Behr, Miss Rodeo Minnesota, Laura Tayson, Miss Rodeo Wisconsin, and Allison Bell, Miss Rodeo Louisiana, where all on hand to help with the festivities. There is a great group of state queens this year, who continually make all the traveling well worth it, and I appreciate these ladies take the time to help us celebrate in beautiful Deadwood.

A few people have asked if I am getting tired from all of this traveling. The quote I found earlier this month by James Michener accurately describes this year.

The master of the art of living makes little distinction between his work and play, his labor and leisure, his mind and body, his education and recreation, his love and religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him, he is always doing both.

Yes, this year as Miss Rodeo South Dakota has been hard work, but it also has been the time of my life! I’m looking forward to the adventures that August will bring.

Until next time,
Courtney Peterson
Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2012

Celebrating the Fourth of July during the Black Hills Roundup parade in Belle Fourche, SD.

 It wasn't all work and no play at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo in Colorado Springs, CO.

My favorite of likeness of Miss Rodeo Wisconsin, Laura Taysom, and I.

Our mock photo shoot on the summit of Pikes Peak. With Kallie Baker (OK), Laura Taysom (WI) and Sabrina Behr (MN).

Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs with Mackenzie Carr, Miss Rodeo America; Kallie Baker, Miss Rodeo Oklahoma; Sabrina Behr, Miss Rodeo Minnesota; myself; and Laura Taysom, Miss Rodeo Wisconsin.

Sabrina Behr, Miss Rodeo Minnesota, and I with our final mutton buster of the Pikes Peak Rodeo.  She had no fear!

After the ProRodeo Hall of Fame Inductions with the two states that claim ties with this great family.

(left to right) Billy Etbauer, Kallie Baker, Miss Rodeo Oklahoma, myself, and Robert Etbauer.

With Chris Cox after horsemanship during the Miss Rodeo America Seminar in Colorado Springs, CO.

Waiting for the parade to start in Cheyenne, Wyoming with my great roommate for the week, Kylie Kooistra, Miss Rodeo Washington.

With the newly crowned Days of '76 Royalty, Mackenzie Rogers and Morgan Straub.

A great group of Midwesterners!  Before the final performance of the Days of '76 Rodeo with Sabrina Behr (MN), Laura Taysom (WI), and Sadie Wardner (ND).

 Catching up with long time friends after the Days of '76 Rodeo. With Kristina Maddocks, Miss Rodeo SD Lady in Waiting, and Krystal Carlascio, Miss ND Winter Show.

MRSD Travel Blog - July Newsletter

MRSD Travel Blog - July Newsletter

Billy Etbauer is being inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in just a few weeks, alongside his brother Robert. I had the opportunity to briefly visit with Billy during the Casey Tibbs Bronc Match of Champions in Ft. Pierre. The talent and humility found in athletes like him exemplify what the core values of rodeo are.  

Following Ft. Pierre, I was invited to help announce the East Region High School Rodeo in Watertown. From there I spent a week in North Platte, Nebraska, for the Miss Rodeo Nebraska Pageant and Buffalo Bill Rodeo. We toured Scout’s Rest, Buffalo Bill’s home outside of North Platte, and showed off our dance moves during the Miss Rodeo Nebraska style show.

At the Crazy Horse Stampede, I enjoyed the relaxing weekend in the Black Hills with Kristina Maddocks, Miss Rodeo Black Hills Stock Show, and the Korkow family. I rounded out the month at the Crystal Springs Rodeo in Clear Lake. It was fun being so close to home, and the fan base during Crystal Springs is unlike any other. The Crystal Springs Rodeo won Small Rodeo of the Year in 2007, understandable since the rodeo committee and Sutton Rodeos put on an entertaining show year after year.

Congratulations to Kristina Maddocks, who was recently selected as the new Lady in Waiting! She will take over as Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2013 next January, and I am confident that she will excel in this new position. I am currently at the Black Hills Roundup in Belle Fourche, SD, that hosts the Miss Rodeo South Dakota pageant every summer, in addition to the Jr. Miss Rodeo South Dakota contest. Brielle Yackley, the outgoing SD High School Rodeo Queen, took home the honor of Jr. Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2012. Brielle was my Jr. Queen in 2008 when we shared the Miss Rodeo Aberdeen titles. It will be a treat to get to work with her again, this time on the state level.

The rest of my July will keep me moving, with only three days at home. Just enough time to wash clothes and eat a good meal. 

Until next time, 

Courtney Peterson

Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2012 

Billy Etbauer and I during the Casey Tibbs Bronc Match of Champions in Ft. Pierre, SD.

A remarkably talented man.

 Signing autographs at the South Dakota Rodeo Center in Ft. Pierre, SD, with Kelsey Knight, Miss Indian Rodeo; Kristina Maddocks, Miss Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo; Kendra Peterson, Miss Rodeo Aberdeen; and Kay Marrs, Jr. Miss Rodeo South Dakota.

A commical picture found on the VisitNorthPlatte Facebook page.

Laughing before the Buffalo Bill Rodeo with Laura Tayson, Miss Rodeo Wisconsin, and Kim Kuhn, Miss Rodeo Wyoming.

All of the visiting royalty and Miss Rodeo Nebraska contestants after the their style show. 

Trisha Smeenk, Miss Rodeo USA 2012, came to cheer on a teammate from college, and we snuck in a quick picture of the two South Dakota girls.

 Turned the bulls out the pasture, and it was a beautiful first day of an eventful summer!

The opening for the first performance of the Crystal Springs Rodeo in Clear Lake, SD.

After the parade in Clear Lake with Kaira Dempsey, Miss Estelline Rodeo, and Krisitina Maddocks, Miss Black Hills Stock Show.

Great girls from Northeast South Dakota!

Melynda Sletten and Kristina Maddocks did an outstanding job at the Miss Rodeo South Dakota pageant.

With Brielle Yackley, the newly crowned Jr. Miss Rodeo South Dakota, after our style show.

MRSD Travel Log - June Newsletter

MRSD Travel Log - June Newsletter

Apple, banana cream, blueberry, caramel apple, cherry, chocolate,  lemon meringue, mixed berry, peach, peanut butter & cream cheese, pecan, pumpkin, rhubarb, sour cream & raisin, strawberry, strawberry & cream cheese, strawberry & rhubarb…and more!  Never in my life have I seen so many varieties of pie than when I was in Abbyville, Kansas this past month.  But Kansas wasn’t the only place that impressed me with its food.  Miss Rodeo Oklahoma’s mom is quite the cook as well.  I could have foundered on her chicken & dumplings (with fresh from the oven dump cake served as dessert).  However, becoming a food connoisseur was only part of my May adventures.

To start off the month, I flew south to spend time with Miss Rodeo Oklahoma, Kallie Baker.  My first few days in Oklahoma City involved eating entirely too much good food, struggling to keep up with Kallie and her personal trainer during her grueling workouts, and a memorable visit to the Children’s Center.  During our visit to the children’s hospital, I was quickly reminded of how much of a blessing this year has been.  The parents were great to visit with and excellent examples of having hope for the future.  The sobering sight of young children who can no longer articulate and communicate their ideas as freely as they use to helped keep all my traveling in perspective. 

Also while in Oklahoma, Kallie & I, along with her family, drove to the Panhandle for the 80^th Annual Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo.  Guymon proved even more eventful than the first part of my Oklahoma trip.  On our first day there, we visited six area elementary schools and the local nursing home.  In addition to the start of the rodeo, Friday involved judging the rodeo clown dress up contest and Spikes & Spurs Golf Tournament.  Although I had never golfed before, my team was patient with this first timer.  We did end up placing, so if this rodeo business doesn’t work out, I may have another sport to fall back on!  We were able to ride great looking palominos from Carr Pro Rodeo during the parade and rodeo performance, and it is such a treat to have good horses to ride. When the weekend wrapped up, I was still more comfortable on the back of a horse than having a golf club in my hand.

My week at home allowed me to help get the rest of the corn planted before heading back south.  Thankfully, carrying around the 50 pound seed bags helped get me back into shaped before my next trip.  This time I was driving to Abbyville, Kansas with Sierra Peterson, Miss Rodeo Nebraska.  With all the Badland & Prairie Circuit girls there, we had a good time showing Oregonian Mackenzie Carr, Miss Rodeo America, the wide open Great Plains.  She got her laughs in too, when she showed us all up in a game of volleyball during some down time!  Abbyville was another chance to spend time with Bronc Rumford and his family, providing great horses for us to ride for the rodeo.  With a population of around 70 people, it was a much appreciated change of pace.  It is still hard to beat the feeling of a good hometown rodeo.

Wrapping up the month I was able to be much closer to home when I attended the Miss Foothills Rodeo contest in Wessington Springs during the Foothills SDRA Rodeo.  I enjoyed seeing some familiar faces compete, and getting to meet the younger, upcoming queens.  Traveling the country is an experience in itself, but I always  enjoy the chances I have to help out closer to home.

With all the calves branded and cattle out to pasture, I am looking forward to June. Rodeo season will be in full swing. I am anticipating getting to compete again, and even the opportunity to announce during a couple regional high school rodeos.

Until next time,

Courtney Peterson

Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2012

 Getting challenged to a race during one of the school visits in Guymon, Oklahoma.

Photo courtesy of Sherri Stewart.

 Thank you to the Guymon Daily Herald; eating healthy on the road!

 

 We were able to hold the baby chicks while waiting for the  little kids to get their rodeo clown outfits on.

Photo courtesy of Sherri Stewart.

Riding in the parade for the 80th Annual Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo with Paige Jarrett, Miss Rodeo New York.

Photo courtesy of Sherri Stewart.

Helping plant corn on my week home.  I just got the seeder ready; I don't have the patience to plant, especially in straight lines!

 Off to Abbyville, Kansas for the 50th Abbyville Frontier Days Rodeo!
By the only sign for Abbyville with Sadie Wardner, Miss Rodeo North Dakota; myself; Heather Temple, Miss Rodeo Kansas; and Mackenzie Carr, Miss Rodeo America.

When we saw the Christmas tree outside of our bunkhouse in Kansas, we couldn't help but stop for a photo.

"Merry Christmas from the Badland Circuit girls."

 One of the little "contestants" during the Miss Foothills Rodeo contest. She was such a doll!

Getting calves branded before taking them to their summer pastures.  Always a family affair.

My youngest brother, Derek, taking a newborn calf to the trailer.  He was to young to be able to keep up with herd when we moved them.

He is riding the same horse I use to run barrels on in high school, unsure which job the horse enjoys more.

MRSD Travel Log - May Newsletter

MRSD Travel Log - May Newsletter

April has always been my favorite month. Not only do we celebrate my favorite holiday of Easter, but it happens to be my birthday and when we start calving here at home. When I was younger, I was excited for the snow to leave, the flowers to begin to grow, and those cute, little calves to start showing up. It was not many years longer when it was time I started helping with calving…

This month I was able to return to my alma matar, South Dakota State University, for the 58th Annual Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo. The events started on Thursday, April 12th, with the Jackrabbit Stampede Ambassador Contest. Once again, I found myself on the other side of the judging table alongside Ryan Jaacks and Penny Skovly. It was a tough contest to judge since each girl brought a unique set of talents to the table. The contestants were evaluated on interview skills, public speaking, modeling, knowledge of rodeo and current events, and horsemanship - considered the talent of rodeo queen competitions. Congratulations to Caitlin Wilkerson, a sophomore nursing major at SDSU, and the 2012 Jackrabbit Stampede Ambassador.

With six performances in four days, the Jackrabbit Stampede is more of a marathon verses a sprint. Also Friday night and Sunday afternoon’s rodeos were televised on SDPB2-TV. Contestants and contract personnel alike brought their best, ensuring it was a rodeo worth watching! A special thanks to SDSU’s rodeo coach Ron Skovly, Sutton Rodeos, and Jackrabbit Stampede Ambassador Coordinator Tammy Rebelein for consistently putting on a good rodeo year after year.

Outside of the arena, the Peterson brothers were busy with calving and getting equipment ready for the field. I did luck out this year, and happened to be checking cows the day #91 gave birth to a big, black bull calf. Now, I’m done calving for the year with a 100% calving rate! Although my cow is more of a novelty (the only remains of my 4-H and FFA projects from high school), she does a good job earning her keep each year with her nice looking calves.

With so much going on in the spring, I am grateful for all of the technology we have on hand to help run our lives and livestock more smoothly. During the rodeo, the electronic eyes used to measure the time of each barrel run has increased the accuracy in an event that is often won or lost by a less than a hundredth of a second. The hydraulic chutes we used when we tested our bulls are easier on the big bovines and keep their stress low. As far as convenience, the electric jack on my Miss Rodeo South Dakota trailer, sponsored by Carl’s Trailer Sales of Belle Fourche, is a perk I have never before experienced! Emails, texts, and cell phones have made scheduling upcoming rodeos much easier. However, my personal favorite is the great camera my new phone has, allowing me to snap pictures of unsuspecting brothers when we are out with the cattle!

Even though my Aprils involve more mud and manual labor than I first thought when I was little, it continues to be one of my favorite times of the year. With healthy calves on the ground and great rodeos of upcoming stars, it is not a bad way to celebrate turning another year older.

Sincerely,
Courtney Peterson
Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2012

My dad's surprise visit during the Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo in Brookings, SD.

Thank you to Midwest Glass for continuing to sponsor the beautiful buckle for the Jackrabbit Stampede Ambassador Contest.

With Kristina Maddocks, Miss Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo; and Calie Kalkowski, 2011 Jackrabbit Stampede Ambassador.

Young rodeo fan, Delaney Schwab, stopped by to meet Rusty after the rodeo.

 Carrying sponsor flags during the Tough Enough to Wear Pink Performance during the Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo.

Waiting to run flags with the Caitlin Wilkerson, the newly crowned 2012 Jackrabbit Stampede Ambassador and Kristina Maddocks, Miss Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo.

My older brother, Matt, making ear tags for the new calves born during the night.  What a blessing to be home during such a busy time of the year.

MRSD Travel Log - April Newsletter

MRSD Travel Log - April Newsletter

March Madness is often used to describe the seemingly unlimited basket tournaments throughout the month.  However, my March madness consisted of more oil changes than I thought possible in a 30 day period!  The month was off to a great start when I attended the North Dakota Winter Show in Valley City with Miss Rodeo North Dakota, Sadie Warner.  Congratulations to Krystal Carlascio who took home the title of Miss Rodeo North Dakota Winter Show and best of luck to her at the Miss Rodeo ND Pageant this fall! 

The following Sunday I was able to attend the RBM Livestock Bull Sale in Florence, SD.  Mike and Barb Bergh were a pleasure to meet, and along with their son Ryan, exemplifying the quality of people found throughout South Dakota! I am truly grateful for their support. I was also able to meet Brittany Bush, the SD Angus Queen, from the neighboring community of Britton, and it was great to see another young lady passionate about promoting our western lifestyle and agricultural industry. 

The following week I was in Des Moines, Iowa, for the National Postsecondary Agricultural Students Organization (PAS) Conference.  I enjoyed being on the other side of the interview table, serving on the nominating committee to select the 2012-2013 National PAS Officer Team. 

The following week yielded an invitation to the Cowboys and Candlelight fundraiser for the Black Hills State University’s rodeo team in Spearfish.  Along with Kay Marrs, Jr. Miss Rodeo South Dakota, we spent the night enjoy the company of past rodeo legends in our state, as well as celebrating the upcoming college rodeo stars.  The following day, I was in Rapid City for the SDRA rodeo, and able to catch up with some old friends that were in town to compete. 

Rounding out the month was my trip to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City.  The week consisted of visits to the veterans hospital and National Cowboy Hall of Fame, painting houses for Habitat for Humanity, and of course early morning practices for the rodeo.  This year Clay Cowan of Highmore, SD won his first national title in the steer wrestling, and it was a thrill to watch, especially when it came down to the 4 man round during the final performance. 

The biggest reminder throughout the month was the quality of people that rodeo and agriculture attracts.  From rodeos to bull sales to conferences, each trip provided a different set of activities, but the values remained consistent.   In order to make a living with livestock, sick days and paid vacation are nonexistent.  To witness first hard the hard work and determination of everyone I met, makes the numerous oil changes, early morning practices, and long hours on the road well worth it!  Maybe the best way to describe it is by a quote from award winning football coach, Vince Lombardi.

Gentlemen, we are going to relentlessly chase perfection, knowing full well we will not catch it, because nothing is perfect.  But we are going to relentlessly chase it, because in the process we will catch excellence.  I am not remotely interested in just being good.

Although perfection does not exist, the beautiful spring weather and high caliber of people I have met are reminders that 2012 continues to be an excellent year!

Until next time,

Courtney Peterson

Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2012

With Brittany Bush, the South Dakota Angus Queen, at RBM Livestock's Bull Sale, in Florence, SD.

Visiting with Erica Flores, my former National PAS Officer Coordinator in Des Moines, Iowa, for the National PAS Conference.

Cowboys & Candlelight fundraiser for the Black Hills State University's Rodeo Team.

Kay Marrs, Jr. Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Ruth Ann (Marty) Sprague, Miss Rodeo South Dakota 1969, and myself.

Stopped at "Pops" on Route 66 with Caitlin Thorne, Miss Rodeo Idaho; Cassiy Cabot, Miss Rodeo Colorado; Kim Kuhn, Miss Rodeo Wyoming; Sadie Wardner, Miss Rodeo North Dakota; myself, and Brittney Truman, Miss Turquoise Circuit during the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City, OK.

Sponsor flags during the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

MRSD Travel Log - March Newsletter

MRSD Travel Log - March Newsletter


Throughout the month of February, I found myself going from one end of the country to the other, a visit to our state capitol, and finally wrapping it up in my hometown for Read Across America.

After the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo, I had four wonderful days at home before heading to Fresno, California. There I had been invited as a past national officer of the National Postsecondary Agricultural Students Organization (PAS) to help develop leadership curriculum for PAS members and officers. It was a treat seeing fellow past officers as well as working with faculty and industry members from across the country. I have personally gained so much from my involvement with agriculture, and it was great being able to give back.

I flew home, switched suitcases, and was off to Kissimmee, Florida for the Silver Spurs Rodeo in a matter of twenty four hours. Mark and Laura Kessler go above an beyond to make sure all of the visiting queens have a great time there. We spent a morning at Cocoa Beach, swimming in the ocean. I even had alligator, catfish, turtle and frog legs for supper one evening. But Florida wasn't all play and no work. The week leading up to the rodeo, we were able to visit several of the elementary schools and explain to the students what they would see at the rodeo. Also, the school visits were a great time to educated the students about what cowboys do for a living and where their food comes from.

Although my California to Florida run was a blast, I truly enjoyed being back home. Senate Minority Leader, Jason Frerichs invited me to spend at day in Pierre at the state capitol. Part of my job as Miss Rodeo South Dakota is to inform people about South Dakota, so it was a great chance to get input from the individuals who help shape and govern our state. After being introduced during the House and Senate sessions, I had a meeting with Secretary of Agriculture Walt Bones, Lucas Lentsch, and Blair Dunn. I am grateful that all three of them took the time to meet with me and discuss what agriculture looks like throughout our state and what the future holds for the industry. Fun fact: There are approximately 5 head of cattle for every SD resident.

Finally, I was able to read to several classes at Westside Elementary School in Sisseton for Dr. Suess' Birthday and Read Across America. My favorite part about talking to young students is the variety of the questions and comments they propose. It is not uncommon to hear, “What's on your hat?” or “My grandpa's a cowboy.” or even “So how old are you, really?” Only recently have I began to understand to importance of school visits. Children are naturally curious and enjoy learning. School visits are a great time to explain what goes on at a rodeo, what a cowboy stands for, and to give some individuals a glimpse into what some many of us across South Dakota do for a living. Not only are these students potential fans for rodeo, but they are future consumers for agriculture. Coincidentally, school visits are often one of the most rewarding parts of my reign.

Since the beginning of my year, I have already had quite the experience. 1,000 autograph sheets and 10,000 miles later, March is shaping up to be an adventure as well. I will be stopping at the North Dakota Winter Show in Valley City, catch a few bull sales with dad and the cousins, help with the National PAS Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, and finish up the month in Oklahoma City for the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo. The best part is staying the same time zone. The forecast, clear skies, free of any jet lag!

Until next time, 
Courtney Peterson
Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2012

Getting to see all of Florida! On the airboat with some great ladies! Next to me is Kim Kuhn, WY; Sadie Wardner, ND, and Caitlin Thorne, ID, in front.

Photo courtesy of Beverly Udell.

Safety first! Kim Kuhn, Miss Rodeo Wyoming and I sporting our yellow "ear muffs."

Ultimately my favorite picture from Kissimmee, Florida.  Somethings don't happen twice.

Photo courtesy of Beverly Udell.

Roommates for the week in Florida with Sadie Wardner, Miss Rodeo ND, and Kallie Baker, Miss Rodeo OK.

Photo courtesy of Beverly Udell.

Most of the visiting royalty up early on Sunday morning in Kissimmee, FL.

Photo courtesy of Beverly Udell.

A few of the all-stars during the exceptional kids rodeo, along with SD, UT, WY, ID, ND, & OR.

Photo courtesy of Beverly Udell.

School visits in Florida alongside Kim Kuhn, Miss Rodeo Wyoming and Caitlin Thorne, Miss Rodeo Idaho.  This is where we were told, "My food come from my mama!"

Photo courtesy of Beverly Udell.

State capitol visit in Pierre, SD, with Senate Minority Leader Jason Frerichs. What a great state we both get to represent!

 

Read Across America at Westside Elementary in Sisseton, SD.