A Massey Ferguson beauty worth up to $60,000 goes to the Reno group for its commitment to the Northern Nevada agricultural community.
There aren’t many tools more essential to a working farm — or a thriving rodeo operation — than a tractor. Without one, the heavy lifting just doesn’t get done.
Likewise, the Reno Rodeo Association has been serving an essential purpose for over a century in “The Biggest Little City in the World,” with a mission of supporting youth, health, and first responders. This year, 130 special needs children have taken part in the Reno Rodeo Special Kids’ Rodeo. In all, the Reno Rodeo has donated more than $700,000 to charitable organizations this year.
Providing that kind of generosity, civic engagement, and educational activities in the Northern Nevada agricultural community hasn’t gone unnoticed.
For its crucial role, the Reno Rodeo Association is being honored as the Sowing Good Deeds™ award winner for 2022. And the prize is, yes, a tractor. Specifically, a Massey Ferguson® tractor worth up to $60,000.
The Reno Rodeo Association was honored at the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) 2022 Awards Banquet in Las Vegas.
“This rodeo has been an important part of the Northern Nevada Ag community for over 100 years,” says George Combs, general manager for Reno Rodeo. “We’ve got a lot more planned for the century, so the 4700 Series tractor and the national recognition provided by this award are greatly appreciated.”
Each year, five finalists are selected from a large pool of nominations coming in from all over the country, with one rodeo committee winning a tractor for the outstanding work they do. Reno Rodeo is the sixth organization recognized with the annual Sowing Good Deeds award. Committees are judged on commitment to community involvement, entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to adapt to challenges and overcome adversity.
Like many volunteer organizations, the last few years have meant enduring plenty of adversity. After the 2020 rodeo was canceled, the association worked hard to reengage volunteers and the community to put on a 10-day rodeo. It brought in over 140,000 rodeo fans to the Reno/Sparks area in June and raised more than $40 million.
“We applaud the efforts of the Reno Rodeo Association and all PRCA rodeo committees across the country who go above and beyond for their communities,” says Matt LeCroy, director of marketing hay and harvesting for Massey Ferguson North America. “These organizations are more than just a one-trick pony. They provide entertainment and revenue during their annual events, but also contribute to the greater ag community throughout the year with service and financial support.”
PRCA CEO Tom Glause says, “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 make a difference for local communities and their citizens.”