By Allison Peck
SUTHERLAND, Neb. — The Sutherland Rodeo has earned one of the Nebraska State Rodeo Association's top honors, being named the 2026 Large Purse Rodeo of the Year.
The award recognizes Sutherland among the NSRA's year-end rodeo honors. The NSRA also named Elwood the 2026 Small Purse Rodeo of the Year.
The recognition comes as the Sutherland Rodeo Arena prepares to host another major rodeo event later this month.
The Mid-Plains Community College Stampede will move into the Sutherland Rodeo Arena September 17-19. The collegiate rodeo is sanctioned by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association and will feature saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, team roping, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, goat tying and barrel racing.
Adding another local connection to the NSRA awards, Phillips Rodeo Company and Family, based in Elwood, was recognized as a Rough Stock and Timed Event Contractor of the Year. The company will also provide the stock for this month's MPCC Stampede in Sutherland.
The Sutherland Rodeo's recognition highlights the continued importance of the community's rodeo arena to the region's western sports scene.
The 2026 NSRA awards also recognized Jill Hudson as Secretary of the Year. Hudson is associated with Rodeo Entries 4 U, which handles NSRA entries and day sheets.
For local rodeo fans, the Sutherland honor comes just ahead of another opportunity to see the arena in action when the MPCC Stampede arrives September 17-19.
The September 17 performance begins at 7 p.m., with additional slack and evening performances scheduled September 18-19.