Important Update: Event Postponed

With EHV-1 cases rising in the area, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone the event. Protecting the health and safety of the horses, competitors, and our community comes first.

We’ll post the new date once we have more information. Thank you for your patience and support.

November 29th, 2025 POSTPONED

The Inaugural Battle of the Barns

Grimes County Fairgrounds. Navasota, TX

An exclusive ranch rodeo for livestock auction barn employees — built on grit, pride, and bragging rights.

NOVEMBER 29, 2025

GRIMES COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS. NAVASOTA, TEXAS

Join us on November 29th, 2025, and experience the battle for the best barn rodeo team.

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Event details | How To Register | Sponsorship Opportunities

Battle of the barns

Event Details

We’re excited to invite barns from across the region to join us for the very first Battle of the Barns — a ranch rodeo created just for livestock auction barn employees. This one-of-a-kind competition showcases authentic ranching skills, teamwork, and the pride of working barns.

Teams will compete in a series of events designed to test skill, horsemanship, and teamwork, with bragging rights and prizes on the line. Beyond the arena, the weekend will feature a vendor hall, concerts, goat roping, a cook-off, and more.

  • Date: November 29, 2025

  • Location: Grimes County Fairgrounds. Navasota, TX

  • Gates open at 10 AM

Main Events

  • Ranch Rodeo – Four-person team (employees/day hands) competing across three events: Sorting n’ Doctor, Stray Gathering, and Branding. Fastest time wins.

  • Top Hand Challenge – One cowboy/cowgirl, three minutes to pen and load two steers. Fastest time wins.

  • Mutton Bustin’ – A fun, safe way for the next generation to get in on the rodeo action.
  • A Calcutta will be held before the rodeo and begins. Proceeds will be donated to a charity of the Champion Barn’s choosing.
  • Special Presentation by Greg Buenger: Screwworms & Livestock Health

Event & Registration Fees

Spectators:

  • Gate fee: More details coming soon.
  • Parking: More details coming soon.

Competitors

  • Mutton Bustin’: $50 per rider with a $10 non-refundable deposit. Register Your Rider Here
  • Limited to 50 kids, maximum 60 lbs.Vests and helmets provided — no ropes or spurs.
  • Barn/Team: More details coming soon.

Does Your Team have What It Takes?

Register Your Team

Think your crew’s the best in the business?

Saddle up, register your barn, and prove it in the arena. Pride, prizes, and bragging rights are on the line.

Register Your Barn
Register Your Child For Mutton Bustin'

How to Register

  • Teams must RSVP to Perry Gamble.

  • Contact us with questions or to begin registration.

What’s Included

  • Professionally produced promo video of your team in action.

  • Opportunity to display one arena banner showcasing your barn.

  • Eligibility to compete in all contests and awards.

Rules & Requirements

  • All team members must be affiliated with the barn.

  • Cowboy/cowgirl attire required.

  • Uniform shirts with barn name/logo required.

  • Competitors may only ride for one barn.

  • Contesting of team members requires proof of employment.

  • Rough Out general rules apply.

Awards & Recognition

  • Champion Barn – Ranch Rodeo winners earn the Cow Bell Trophy, branding rights for the following year, and headline billing as Battle of the Barns 2026 Presented by (Champion Barn).

  • Top Hand & Top Horse – Recognizing the best cowboy/cowgirl and horse at the event.

Special Presentation

Screwworms & Livestock Health

Featuring Guest Speaker: Greg Buenger
Saturday • 1:00 PM • Presentation + Live Q&A

We’re honored to welcome Greg Buenger, a respected Texas cattleman, ranch owner, and longtime advocate for livestock health and safety. Greg will lead an informative session on the New World Screwworm, covering identification, prevention, and what ranchers need to know to safeguard their herds. A live Q&A will follow the presentation.

About Greg Buenger

Greg is a Texas A&M graduate with a lifelong commitment to Texas agriculture and animal health. His credentials include:

  • B.S. in Animal Science, Texas A&M University (’77)

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University (’80)

  • Specialized expertise in bovine and equine health and reproduction

Greg currently serves as the Texas Farm Bureau State Director for District 3 and is deeply involved in public education and awareness around New World Screwworm threats.

He and his wife, Anneta (pronounced Anita), own and operate Spirit of Texas Ranch in Newcastle, North Texas, where they remain active leaders in the ranching and agricultural community.

Join us in November 2025, and experience the battle for the best barn rodeo team.

Register