MESSAGE FROM OUR NEW PRESIDENT, JUSTIN WILSON

Hello, I am Justin Wilson, the 2025 elected President of the New Mexico Rodeo Association. The elected event directors and myself are very enthusiastic about the new year and rebuilding our association. I wanted to start off with thanking our loyal members. With out your support, the association would not exist.  We are trying hard to get it up off the ground and are in a better position this year than last.

Let me give you a little background on myself and how we plan on moving the NMRA forward to the twenty first century and entice the younger generations to get involved. I am from Carlsbad New Mexico, where my wife Copper Perry, the Open Barrels Director, and I own and operate a cattle ranch. Agriculture and sustainability have played a key role in my entire life. I was raised in the Rodeo Community and am a third generation Steer Wrestler, still competing in PRCA and amateur associations. I plan on using my experience as a contestant and entrepreneur to strengthen the bond of the association and local cultures in the towns we travel to.

My plan is to make our nonprofit successful, while staying family oriented and build healthy relationships with our Rodeo Committees.  To progress us forward in today’s age, plus capture the attention of the younger generations and a larger percentage of the public, we adopted the NextGen Entry App.  NextGen will pull in more contestants, and aid in approaching communities in bringing back NMRA rodeo to their local areas. Additionally, we are expanding marketing and plan to incorporate our sponsorship on a larger scale. The NMRA, is using part of the 2024 funds to sponsor the 2025 Kick Off Rodeo in T or C. We will also be helping with a youth rodeo at the same time. The NMRA provides a huge economic impact to the towns that host an NMRA event. Competitors and spectators alike, purchase gas, stay in motels, and frequent the local restaurants and stores. Our hope is that by hosting these events we can help stimulate NM and the various community rodeo committees.  We are also working on an updated website and a social media platform. This platform will help gain knowledge and attention to what we do.

This first year of so many changes will be a challenge that we are ready to take on. This year the NMRA board of directors will continue to host rodeo events as our funding allows. The board of directors and I are super excited about bringing rodeo and a family traditional way of life back to the NMRA.

NMRA President,

Justin Wilson