Korkow Rodeos makes return visit to FCPR
Published 10:36 pm Thursday, July 8, 2021
- Chad Ferley rides Korkow Rodeos Wiggle Worm, who will be one of the stock contractor’s top horses at the 2021 Farm-City Pro Rodeo in the saddle bronc event.
Korkow Rodeos has been a longtime fixture at the Farm-City Pro Rodeo, and for good reason.
The company out of Pierre, South Dakota, has been sending rough stock to rodeos for more than 60 years, and has bucked at least one animal at the National Finals Rodeo since 1959 — a claim only two other stock contractors can make.
Korkow Rodeos also is a favorite of the cowboys, who nominated Korkow to perform at the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo and the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo.
With the 2021 season well underway, co-owner TJ Korkow is back on the road with his horses and bulls.
“It’s more exciting than ever because of COVID last year,” Korkow said. “My livelihood went down the drain last year. Everywhere I have been the crowds have been really good. I don’t see Hermiston being any different.”
Being from South Dakota, the state was more open than others last year, and Korkow was able to work a few rodeos.
“We went to five or six rodeos,” he said. “We went to a 4-H rodeo where I run my young stock. It was a nice change, but financially it hit us hard. For family life, it was great. We traveled about 200 miles at the most, instead of 1,300 to Hermiston. I am glad to be on the road again.”
Korkow Rodeos will be working the FCPR with Corey and Lange, the Calgary Stampede, and newcomer Bridwell Pro Rodeos.
“All of those contractors, they are all my great best friends,” Korkow said. “The camaraderie is second to none. It sure is fun to be with a great group of guys who appreciate what each other do.”
Among the stock Korkow will bring to Hermiston are saddle bronc horses Onion Ring, Harry’s Girl, Wiggle Worm and Spanish Onion.
Bareback horses include Alysheba and Ringworm, while Standard Tuesday and Heathens will be among the pen of bulls.
Onion Ring, an 11-year-old sorrel gelding, was named the No. 3 saddle bronc in 2020. He has been to the NFR five times, and cowboys have won a pile of cash on him.
Wiggle Worm also has been to the NFR, along with Standard Tuesday, a 6-year-old black bull who turned in a 90-point ride at the 2020 NFR.
