HASTINGS – Improvements at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Hastings, Nebraska, are making the arena safer for animals and people.
Since last year’s Oregon Trail Rodeo, rodeo committee members have replaced the bucking chutes, moved the chutes from the northeast corner to the east side of the arena, built more and bigger holding pens, and replaced the roping boxes.
The new bucking chutes, which the bucking horses and bulls come out of, are the WW Livestock Systems brand, a well-known and respected brand of chutes. They replace the old chutes, which were not advantageous for animals and rodeo help.
The chutes were larger than typical, said Oregon Trail Rodeo committee member Kurtis Bumgardner, which gave the animals room to squat down, which does not allow for a safe, efficient release into the arena. Animals that squat or lie down in the chute also cause delays and challenges for the stock contractor and personnel.
The latches on the chute gates on the old chutes weren’t working properly; the new chute latches will open more easily.
The bucking chutes were also moved to the east side of the arena, directly across from the grandstand, giving the crowd a better view. The announcer’s stand was placed above the chutes.
WW Livestock Systems holding pens for the horses, bulls, calves and steers were built on the east side, behind the chutes. More than 5,700 square feet of pens will give animals plenty of space to eat, drink and rest during the days of the rodeo. The pens are semi-permanent.
The out gate for the bucking horses and bulls was also moved to be between the six chutes. The old out gate was on the south end of the chutes, which isn’t common in rodeo arenas. The out gate being centered between the chutes will be more natural for the animals to find as they leave the arena.
New Priefert brand roping boxes were installed at the arena’s south end, for the tie-down roping, breakaway roping, and team roping.
“These are huge improvements,” Bumgardner said. “We are definitely excited for them.”
The 35th annual Oregon Trail Rodeo is PRCA-sanctioned and is August 14-16 at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Hastings.
Performances begin at 7 pm each night. Ticket prices range from $15-$30 and can be purchased online at AdamsCountyFairgrounds.com, at the Adams County Fair office, and at the gate.
