The University of Arkansas at Monticello Homepage

By Traci Rushing

U of A System Division of Agriculture – UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources

 Fast Facts

• The 2026 Weevil Stampede, UAM’s annual rodeo, is scheduled for October 1-3 with nightly performances at 7pm
• Events include barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, goat tying, calf roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and bronc riding

 The University of Arkansas at Monticello will once again bring collegiate rodeo action to Monticello with the 2026 Weevil Stampede, scheduled for October 1 through 3 at the UAM Truck Driving Academy on Highway 425 South. Performances begin each night at 7 p.m. 

The three-day event will feature collegiate athletes from across the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s Ozark Region competing in barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, goat tying, calf roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and bronc riding.

Each year, the Weevil Stampede brings the UAM Rodeo Team together with fans and supporters for three nights of collegiate rodeo competition.

“Being able to represent UAM and compete in the Weevil Stampede is something I’m really proud of,” said Aspen Harris, senior UAM Rodeo Team member. “It’s an amazing feeling to have our community come out and support the rodeo team.”

The Weevil Stampede also gives UAM Rodeo Team members a chance to connect with the community before the first chute opens. Ali Jo Cruce, a senior member of the UAM Rodeo Team, said one of her favorite parts of the annual event happens before the rodeo begins, when team members visit area schools.

“One of my favorite parts of the Weevil Stampede is visiting the elementary and middle schools,” Cruce said. “We get to wave at the kids in the mornings, and seeing how excited they get when they see the horses is something I look forward to every year.”

UAM rodeo coach Rusty Jones said the event is a culmination of the preparation and dedication student-athletes put in throughout the season.

“Our athletes work hard year-round, and the Weevil Stampede gives them an opportunity to compete in front of the people who support them throughout the season,” Jones said. “It’s always exciting to bring collegiate rodeo to Monticello and give our community three nights of great competition and entertainment.”

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6–12 and free for children 5 and under. UAM students with a valid ID can attend for $5.

For more information about the 2026 UAM Weevil Stampede, call 870-460-1052.

 

 

About the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center

The College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, a University of Arkansas System Center of Excellence, brings together interdisciplinary expertise through a partnership between the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. The College and Center are headquartered at the University of Arkansas at Monticello campus, but their programs range statewide with the mission of developing and delivering teaching, research, and extension programs that enhance and ensure the sustainability and productivity of forest-based natural resources and agricultural systems. Academic programs are delivered by the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources through the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Through the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, research is administered by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, and extension and outreach activities are coordinated by the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

 

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Academics, College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Campus Events