Jon Ragatz

Jon Ragatz – Beetown, Wis. ($77,340)
First-time WNFR qualifier
2-time RNCFR qualifier

Jon Ragatz’s qualification to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo has been 16 years in the making.

The Beeville, Wisconsin, resident joined the PRCA in 2001. He was in college at National American University in Rapid City, South Dakota. After college, he made a commitment to his rodeo career and for six years he spent most of his time on the road competing, finishing as high as 22nd in the world standings.

No one doubted his ability or his try in the arena. But, outside of the arena, life happens. He and his wife, Alison, took over the family farm and made their two boys, Toay and Teddy a priority.

They raise cattle and hay and their involvement in agriculture keeps them plenty busy. Jon has always entered a few rodeos as time allowed and did the same last October and November.

He won money and was 6th in the world standings. While that was a long way from getting him to the NFR, it did qualify him for the winter rodeos where again he had success. In March, he was 9th in the world.

Now, they had a big decision to make and with Alison’s encouragement, help from family, neighbors, and sponsors, Jon stayed on the rodeo trail. He won over $11,000 at the Days of ’47 Rodeo and Cowboy Games and was well on the way to Las Vegas.

He finished the regular season in 11th place and with $77,340 in earnings. He and the family took a vacation to watch the rodeo action at the Thomas and Mack in 2010. This year, the family will be spectators for their favorite farmer and rancher.