The western tradition comes alive each winter in Rapid City, South Dakota, and this year Ranch Company is bringing its expertise in ranch and land brokerage to one of the region’s most celebrated events. From January 30 through February 7, 2026, brokers Wayne Childers and John Stratman will represent Ranch Company at the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo, connecting with ranchers, landowners, and western lifestyle enthusiasts from across the region. Stop by the Ranch Company booth located at the Monument in the Ice Arena / Rodeo Zone at the Stock Show.

A Gathering Place for Western Heritage
Held annually at the Monument in Rapid City, the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo represents far more than livestock judging and rodeo competitions. This signature event brings together those who live and breathe the western lifestyle, creating a vibrant marketplace where ranching tradition meets modern agricultural business. For nine days, attendees can experience everything from thrilling bull riding and barrel racing to premier livestock shows featuring cattle, bison, and sheep, alongside trade shows, art exhibitions, and regional entertainment.

The event draws ranchers, farmers, and land enthusiasts from South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, and beyond, making it an ideal venue for connecting buyers and sellers in the western land market. With its diverse range of activities and attendance from serious agricultural professionals, the Black Hills Stock Show offers Ranch Company an exceptional opportunity to engage with clients in the heart of ranch country.

Expertise Rooted in Ranch Life
Wayne Childers brings a lifetime of hands-on ranching experience to the booth. With deep roots in South Dakota ranching, Wayne managed the family’s 7,200-acre ranch near Edgemont from a young age, running commercial cattle and bred heifers while developing expertise in performance horses. His career has spanned ranches in South Dakota, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, where he’s raised cattle, trained ranch and roping horses, and managed diverse agricultural operations. Currently based in Vale, South Dakota, Wayne operates a hay and performance horse operation and holds real estate licenses in Nebraska, South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming.

Wayne’s commitment to the ranching community extends beyond real estate. He served 15 years as Vice President of the Cottonwood Grazing Association, spent 25 years on the Edgemont Volunteer Fire Department including four years as Fire Chief, and maintains active membership in both the PRCA and AQHA. This deep connection to western culture and agricultural stewardship makes Wayne uniquely qualified to understand the needs of buyers and sellers in the region.

Joining Wayne at the booth will be John Stratman, Associate Broker and Principal Owner of Mason Morse Ranch Company. A third-generation rancher born and raised on the family ranch in Gunnison, Colorado, John has owned and operated ranches in Colorado, Montana, and Nebraska. His professional background includes 18 years with MetLife’s Agricultural Investment Department, where he rose from Field Representative to Regional Manager, gaining expertise in agricultural real estate lending and investment across multiple western states.

Since becoming a licensed broker in 2001, John has established himself as a top producer specializing in large farm and ranch properties throughout the central and western United States. His education includes a degree in Agriculture Business from Montana State University, and he maintains memberships in the Realtor’s Land Institute, Red Angus Association of America, and Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. John’s extensive network of real estate professionals and landowners across the West, combined with his in-depth knowledge of agricultural law and ranch operations, provides clients with comprehensive market insight.

Connecting Buyers and Sellers in Prime Ranch Country
The Black Hills region represents some of the most sought-after ranch country in the northern plains. From productive grasslands and hay operations to recreational properties with exceptional hunting and fishing, the area attracts buyers seeking diverse agricultural opportunities. Ranch Company’s presence at the stock show provides both buyers and sellers with direct access to brokers who understand the unique characteristics of properties throughout South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Montana, and beyond.

Wayne and John will be available throughout the event to discuss current listings, market trends, and opportunities in western ranch real estate. Whether attendees are considering selling their operation, searching for additional grazing land, or exploring recreational properties, the Ranch Company booth offers a chance to connect with professionals who combine practical ranching knowledge with sophisticated real estate expertise.

Experience the Show, Explore Your Options
Beyond the Ranch Company booth, the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo offers something for everyone. Youth livestock shows highlight the next generation of agriculturalists, while professional rodeo competitions showcase the skill and athleticism that define western sports. The trade show floor features vendors offering everything from tack and equipment to western art and ranch services, creating a comprehensive marketplace for the ranching community.

For those attending the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo this year, make sure to stop by the Ranch Company booth located at the Monument in the Ice Arena / Rodeo Zone at the Stock Show to meet Wayne Childers and John Stratman. Whether you’re actively in the market for ranch property or simply exploring future possibilities, their combined decades of ranching experience and real estate expertise can provide valuable insights into the western land market.

The show runs January 30 through February 7, 2026, at the Monument in Rapid City. For more information about the event, visit the official Black Hills Stock Show website. To learn more about Ranch Company’s current listings and services, visit www.ranchland.com or contact Wayne Childers at (605) 210-0124.

Come for the rodeo action and livestock excellence. Stay to explore your ranching future with professionals who truly live the western lifestyle.