It’s National Finals Rodeo (NFR) time, the Super Bowl for all rodeo contestants, where the top 15 athletes in their respective event will compete for the world title and a gold buckle. And this year, The Certified Agriculture Group (TCAG) — the only ag-facing program in the automotive industry — now boasts a significant achievement with three of its five athletes competing at NFR. TCAG’s online presence, AgTruckTrader.com, is in its second year of sponsoring a pro rodeo team.
The 66th annual Wrangler National Finals Rodeo kicks off its 10-night run at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on December 5, 2024, concluding on Saturday, December 14, when the world champions will be crowned.
“Not everyone in agriculture is into rodeo, but nearly everyone in rodeo is into agriculture,” said Pat Driscoll, founder and CEO of The Certified Agriculture Group. “Rodeo is the only professional sport fully founded on agricultural practices. The members of our AgTruckTrader pro rodeo team are authentic advocates of agriculture, value hard work and determination, and are proud of their rural roots.”
The all-star lineup is comprised of world-class athletes who qualified for NFR and other national finals this year.
Team member Taylor Santos, Creston, Florida, steer & tie-down roper, was unable to compete this year due to injuries requiring surgery.
"Last year we were excited to cheer on our team captain, Leighton Berry, as he competed in bareback riding and won round four at NFR,” said Peyton Valentine, AgTruckTrader pro rodeo manager. “This year is bigger and better as we have three of our team members competing, and one has already earned a top prize. We couldn’t be more proud of all they’ve accomplished this year, both in and out of the arena.”
The AgTruckTrader pro rodeo team is built on the company’s values of passion, faith and an overall emphasis on doing good things. The team believes in the idea of “unity” and works together to rally fans and communities in a manner that goes beyond a typical sponsorship relationship.
"I feel very blessed and overly thankful to be making my fourth trip back to the National Finals Rodeo,” said Team Captain Leighton Berry. “I feel more experienced and prepared this year than I ever have been. Sharing the journey with teammates and good friends like the ones I have at AgTruckTrader makes it that much better."