For generations, the Morris County Youth Rodeo Association has helped keep the ranching and rodeo spirit of the Flint Hills alive. Based in Council Grove, the nonprofit organization was founded by local ranchers and horse enthusiasts to give young people affordable opportunities to compete, learn and carry forward the traditions of the working cowboy.
At the heart of MCYRA is a commitment to investing in the next generation. The association supports youth not only through rodeo opportunities, but also through scholarships, awarding more than $35,000 to help students pursue education and training in agriculture and related fields.
MCYRA has also left its mark on Kansas rodeo history. Its annual fall ranch rodeo is believed to be the oldest continuously held event of its kind in the state and one of the oldest in the nation. The association is also recognized for helping introduce the first youth ranch rodeo in Kansas, creating a legacy that continues to inspire young competitors.
The MCYRA Arena, located 1.5 miles east of Council Grove on Highway 56, hosts three major events each year. In July, the annual Santa Fe Trail Ranch Rodeo, sanctioned by the Working Ranch Cowboys Association, brings teams of cowboys to compete for the opportunity to qualify for the WRCA World Championship in Amarillo, Texas. The event brings teams and spectators from several states to Council Grove.
On the first Saturday in August, MCYRA holds its traditional youth rodeo. Young people in three age groups compete in steer riding, team roping, barrel racing and pole bending. Entry fees have remained unchanged for many years, allowing more youth to compete, discover whether rodeo is a passion and build their skills. Many former participants have gone on to succeed at high school, college and professional levels.
The Morris County Youth Rodeo Association also holds the Fall Ranch Rodeo on the first Sunday in October. This event allows cowboys to showcase the skills they use every day as Flint Hills working cowboys. Money raised helps provide prizes and keep entry fees low for the youth rodeo.
In conjunction with the July and fall ranch rodeos, MCYRA also sponsors a Junior Ranch Rodeo. Events include sorting cattle, “branding” calves with a branding iron dipped in chalk, and mugging a steer. MCYRA held the first Junior Ranch Rodeo in the area.
The events bring visitors to Council Grove, where they support local businesses. MCYRA expressed appreciation for the support the local community has given the organization through the years.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Ranch Rodeo in Council Grove, MCYRA will host a concert featuring Kansas native Logan Mize following the Friday evening perforthat mance on July 10, 2026. The Santa Fe Trail Ranch Rodeo will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, July 10, followed by the concert. The final performance of the Santa Fe Trail Ranch Rodeo will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, on July 11.
The event is sponsored by the Morris County Youth Rodeo Association, supporting youth, honoring western heritage and strengthening the future of agriculture in the Flint Hills.
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