A total of 29 rodeo queens from across the country partook in intense competition during the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas to vie for the coveted title of “Miss Rodeo America.” That honor was bestowed on Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Callie Mueller of Florence, S.D.

Participants were judged on horsemanship, public speaking, personality, appearance and a written test on equine and rodeo knowledge to find the best representative for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

Miss Rodeo America serves as the official representative of the PRCA and attends rodeos, schools, civic groups and events to educate the public about rodeo. Mueller is a rising leader in the South Dakota equine industry and is committed to the Western way of life.

She is one of six women from South Dakota who have won the title of Miss Rodeo America over the years. The other winners are Jordan Tierney (2020 and 2021), McKenzie (Haley) Vice (2011), Leslie (Patten) White (1985), Donna Keffeler (1982) and Pat (Koren) Sanmartin (1965).

Miss Rodeo North Dakota Grace Stanke of West Fargo, N.D., also competed in the event, representing her state on the national stage.

North Dakota Grain Growers Association gives honors

The North Dakota Grain Growers Association (NDGGA) awarded Mark Formo the 2024 Kernel Award for farming, which is given to a member of North Dakota’s agricultural farming community who has shown outstanding service in the North Dakota wheat and barley industries.

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NDGGA was founded in 1967 by a collection of farmers and agricultural leaders from across the state. The association remains committed to serving its members with education, leadership, advocacy and representation to increase profitability and value-added opportunities.

Formo is a lifelong farmer from Litchville and is a former president of the NDGGA. While serving as president, he traveled to Cuba on the organization’s behalf as a part of a trade mission promoting food raised in the state.

Howard Olson of AgCountry was awarded the 2024 Kernel Award for industry. This award is given to a member of North Dakota’s agricultural business community who has shown outstanding service in North Dakota’s wheat and barley industries.

Olson attended North Dakota State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences. He went on to earn a Master of Business Administration in 2005 from the University of Mary. He worked for AgCountry Farm Credit Services for 27 years, with the last five being the company’s senior vice president of government and public affairs.

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The Miss Rodeo America organization and the North Dakota Grain Growers Association contributed to this article.