What the State Fair Ranch Rodeo Is
The Ranch Rodeo puts working ranch teams in the Hippodrome at the South Dakota State Fair in Huron to compete in cowboy-style events rather than the one-rider events of a standard rodeo. It is a team contest with $5,000 in added money, produced by the James Valley Westerner Cowboys. The 2026 Ranch Rodeo ran Sunday, September 6 at 11 a.m. during the final weekend of the fair.
How It Works
The format posted with the 2025 flyer shows how the day is run:
- Teams have 4 members, and the field is limited to 16 teams.
- All teams compete in a 3-event Long Go.
- The top 4 teams advance to a 2-event Short Go.
- The fee in 2025 was $300 per team, with entries due August 22 for an August 31 rodeo.
The fair's 2026 entry form and flyer are posted on the Ranch Rodeo page; check them for the 2026 fee and deadline before committing a team.
Mutton Bustin' for Kids
New in 2026, the rodeo added Mutton Bustin' for children. It was limited to the first 30 kids, ages 7 and under, weighing 100 pounds or less. Questions on Mutton Bustin' go to Keith Larson at 605-350-5517.
Rest of the Day
- 4 p.m., Hippodrome: Rodney Yost Horsemanship Demonstration, following the Ranch Rodeo.
- 10 a.m., North Arena: South Dakota Timed Event Championship Rodeo, a separate youth contest held September 5 and 6 (use Gate 5).
- 8 p.m., Grandstand: Jake Owen with Walker Montgomery.
- Sunday was also SD Soybean Day at the fair.
Who Can Enter and Rules
Ranch rodeo teams of four ride and rope as a unit; scoring is by team time. The fair's older published rules for this contest set a two-minute limit per event, add 120 seconds for a no-time, and disqualify a team for unsportsmanlike conduct or abuse of livestock or horses. Rules for 2026 are carried with the entry form.
Stalls and Fees for Horses
- Standard stalls are $30 per stall per day including one bag of woodchips when pre-purchased online at sdstatefair.com/tickets, and $35 per night when bought on the day.
- Any trailer left on the grounds overnight needs a permit that matches valid entry and stall purchases.
- A feeding and unloading permit is $20, limit one per family or address. It is not a parking permit.
Spectator Admission
Fair gate admission applies: adults $10 and youth ages 6 to 15 $5 at the gate in 2026 ($8 and $4 in advance), with a $35 daily family pass. Gate admission is free after 8 p.m.
Where
Hippodrome, South Dakota State Fairgrounds, 1060 3rd St. SW, Huron, SD 57350.
Questions
How many teams can enter?
The 2025 format capped the field at 16 teams of four.
Who do I call?
Lindsey Brewer at 605-354-2532 or Cade Tschetter at 605-354-2523. The fair office line is 605-353-7340.
Is there prize money?
Yes, $5,000 added.
Official Links
- Ranch Rodeo event page
- 2025 Ranch Rodeo flyer
- Ranch rodeo rules (PDF)
- 2026 State Fair event guide
- 2026 horse exhibitor book
Major South Dakota Stock Shows and Rodeos: The Essentials
South Dakota's three marquee events are the State Fair in Huron, the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo in Rapid City, and the Days of '76 Rodeo in Deadwood.
State Fair
Held in Huron over Labor Day weekend: September 2-7 in 2026 and September 1-6 listed for 2027. 4-H and FFA members show beef, sheep, swine, goats, dairy, rabbits and poultry. 4-H deadlines are firm: enrollment May 31, ID and DNA June 1, YLL July 1, FairEntry August 1.
Black Hills Stock Show
Established in 1959 in Rapid City, listed for January 29 to February 6, 2027, with about 120 livestock, horse and rodeo events. Youth Day on February 6, 2027 offers judging, Skillathon, Hippology and a Beef Cook-Off.
Days of '76
A PRCA rodeo in Deadwood in late July, with free parades on Main Street Friday and Saturday.
Read the full guide: Major South Dakota Stock Shows and Rodeos
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention
Held each year; the most recent dates were Dec. 10-11, 2025, the 110th convention. Family farmers and ranchers gather in Huron for policy sessions that guide the organization.
Huron, SD | Organizer: South Dakota Farmers Union Official event details - South Dakota 4-H State Horse Show
Held each year; the most recent dates were July 13-15, 2026. Youth compete in showmanship, equitation, reining, barrel racing and pole bending, plus hippology and horse judging contests.
- Beadle County 4-H Achievement Days
Huron hosted Beadle County 4-H Achievement Days July 27-29, 2026, where clubs such as the Wolsey Cardinal Clovers earned awards for project and livestock exhibits.
Huron, SD | Organizer: SDSU Extension Beadle County 4-H Official event details - South Dakota State Fair
South Dakota State Fair in Huron ran September 2 to 7, 2026, with livestock shows, 4-H state competitions, ranch rodeo and timed event rodeo. Held each year around Labor Day.
- South Dakota State Fair FFA Livestock Shows
Held each year; the most recent dates were Sept. 5-7, 2026. FFA members exhibit breeding and market sheep, meat goats, rabbits, swine, dairy cattle and dairy goats in the State Fair barns at Huron.
All South Dakota events by date
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.