AGCO Corporation celebrates the generous support of localized rodeo committees to their schools, towns, and the larger ag community. Through its Massey Ferguson and Hesston by Massey Ferguson brands, the company named the Reno Rodeo Association its 2022 Sowing Good Deeds award winner.
The award recognizes the association’s charitable services, civic involvement, and educational activities in the Northern Nevada agricultural community. Matt LeCroy, marketing director of hay and forage for Massey Ferguson North America, presented the award to association representatives during the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) 2022 Awards Banquet in Las Vegas, Nevada. As part of the prize, the Reno Rodeo Association receives a new Massey Ferguson 4700 Series tractor.
“Massey Ferguson is dedicated to all aspects of American agriculture, from raking hay to raking the arena,” said LeCroy. “We applaud the efforts of the Reno Rodeo Association and all PRCA rodeo committees who go above and beyond for their communities. These organizations are more than just a one-trick pony. They provide entertainment and revenue during their annual events and contribute to the greater ag community throughout the year with service and financial support.”
Reno Rodeo is the sixth organization recognized with the Sowing Good Deeds award. The annual contest is open to committees in the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Participants are evaluated on their commitment to community involvement, entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to adapt to challenges and overcome adversity.
“Our 600-plus PRCA rodeos raise millions of dollars for their local charities across the country,” said Tom Glause, PRCA CEO. “Partnering with Massey Ferguson’s Sowing Good Deeds program allows us to recognize and reward committees for their charitable efforts. We couldn’t be prouder of the Reno Rodeo and all our committees, volunteers, and rodeo athletes who contribute to their local communities and citizens.”
The Reno Rodeo has been a staple of the Northern Nevada ag community for more than 100 years. The association supports area youth, health workers, and first responders. The Reno Rodeo Special Kids’ Rodeo is open to all Northern Nevada children with extraordinary needs and allows them to participate in special rodeo events, learn about the western way of life, and meet rodeo contestants and stock. In 2022, 130 special needs children participated in this unique event. Additionally, the organization funds the Reno Rodeo Foundation to provide scholarships and support children with extraordinary needs. In 2022, the association also provided financial support for several equine therapy programs in their local area and an all-abilities playground.
Overall, the Reno Rodeo Association donated more than USD 700,000 to charitable organizations this year. This includes support for local ag education resources such as 4-H, the Nevada Junior Livestock Show, and several stock schools, as well as funding for local first responders, K-12 education, and mental health resources. Reno Rodeo also donated time and funds to the Nevada Western Heritage Center Alliance, which is working to preserve western heritage, agriculture, and equine events in Northern Nevada.
The association has overcome numerous challenges in its 104-year history. Having canceled the rodeo in 2020 due to the pandemic, the association worked hard to re-engage volunteers and the community to produce a 10-day rodeo that would outshine anything prior. And they did it, bringing over 140,000 rodeo fans to the Reno/Sparks area this past June for an economic benefit of over USD 40 million.
“We’re excited to be named the 2022 Sowing Good Deeds winner,” said George Combs, general manager for Reno Rodeo Association. “This rodeo has been an important part of the Northern Nevada ag community for over 100 years. We’ve got a lot more planned for the next century, so the 4700 Series tractor and the national recognition provided by this award are greatly appreciated.”
