Dear MSRA Members,

 

I am writing to you today with a clear and deliberate message: the membership of the Mid-States Rodeo Association comes first. This is not a slogan or a campaign phrase—it is the foundation upon which this board intends to operate, and it will be backed by action, transparency, and accountability.

 

Our association exists because of you—the competitors, stock contractors, judges, families, and volunteers who invest your time, money, and trust into MSRA. Every decision we make moving forward will be evaluated through that lens: Is this fair to the membership? Is it transparent? Does it strengthen the association long-term?

 

Equally important to me, both personally and professionally, is our responsibility to support and grow youth rodeo. High school rodeo, Little Britches, and youth programs are not separate from MSRA—they are the pipeline, the future leadership, and the next generation of competitors and contractors. We fully intend to bridge those gaps, strengthen relationships, and create clearer pathways so young athletes and families see MSRA as a place to grow, not just a place to arrive later.

 

We are also seeing renewed momentum across the association. New members and new stock contractors are joining regularly, and that growth is welcomed. A strong association depends on opportunity, fair access, and consistent standards—and we are committed to providing exactly that.

 

At its best, MSRA was known for credibility, fairness, and trust. Those values will again define who we are. Transparency in governance, accountability in leadership, and open communication with the membership will be non-negotiable going forward. You deserve to understand how decisions are made, how funds are handled, and how the association is being guided.

 

This board understands that trust is earned, not declared. You will judge us not by words, but by actions—and that is exactly as it should be.

 

Thank you for your continued support of the Mid-States Rodeo Association. I look forward to working alongside you as we move MSRA forward together.

 

Respectfully,

 

Preston Bartow

President

Mid-States Rodeo Association