ProRodeo Sports News - April 14, 2023

Bar T Rodeo purchased by Legacy Pro Rodeo Changing Hands PRORODEO STOCK CONTRACTORS

BY TANNER BARTH B ar T Rodeo has left an impact on the sport that will never be forgotten. Bar T was established in 1948 and for the last 75 years has produced top-quality PRCA rodeos all across the western U.S. The stock contracting company was run by Bud Kerby until he passed away in 2010. Most recently, Bar T Rodeo was run by Jeff Flitton and his wife Wendie (Kerby) Flitton. The Chester, Utah, based rodeo company isn’t leaving ProRodeo, but is changing hands in ownership. In early March, it was announced

me and asked me to help him find one,” said Growney, who served as a liaison for the sale. “This (Bar T Rodeo) came available the day after he talked to me. I tell everybody it is just like something fell out of heaven because it is the easiest thing I have ever had to do. I don’t think we could have picked a better one.” Witham said when Bar T Rodeo came up for sale it presented an opportunity that was too good for him to pass up. “To be able to participate as a stock contractor at this level is pretty special,” said Witham, who was born in Yoncalla, Ore. “I think when I went to John and told him I’d like to find a stock contracting company to buy he thought I was joking.

“This all kind of fell from the sky as a gift from God for me. So, to be able to do this with a rodeo company that has the lineage and history that Bar T had and has, I think is a super special opportunity.” Witham purchased a ranch in Burns, Ore., and that is where the stock and rodeo outfit will be headquartered. He purchased Bar T as a turn-key operation, including the 14 rodeos across the West for which they provide stock. He has high expectations for what Legacy Pro Rodeo Bar T can further become in the ProRodeo ranks. “I’d be lying to you if I said I didn’t want to be the stock contractor of the year,” he said. “I’m looking forward to us providing good stock for our rodeos and putting everything I have into it. I’ve always said if you aren’t going to go all in, then why do it in the first place. “Being a stock contractor in the PRCA comes with a huge responsibility, but we couldn’t be more excited for the challenge. We will continue to tell the story of the Kerby family and Bar T Rodeo along the way.”

that Patrick Witham of Legacy Pro Rodeo had purchased Bar T Rodeo. Witham owned a handful of bucking bulls before the purchase but was looking for a bigger venture into the rodeo world. The stock contracting company will now be known as Legacy Pro Rodeo Bar T. Jeff Flitton said while it was a difficult decision, it was the right one for his family and the future of Bar T. “We were into the fourth and fifth generations of our family running this deal. It has been a dream come true for us, it’s definitely bittersweet for us to pass it on,” Flitton said. “We are happy though that we were able to find a good buyer. We want to keep the legacy of Bar T Rodeo alive and think that Patrick and Legacy Pro Rodeo can do that.” Longtime PRCA stock contractor, John Growney, played an integral part in the transition of ownership after he and Witham met through mutual friends. “Patrick had always wanted to own a rodeo company and he came to

Standout Bar T Rodeo horse, Fancy Pants, was selected as the top saddle bronc horse at the 2011 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

PRCA ProRodeo file photo

ProRodeo Sports News 4/14/2023

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