Photo courtesy of Micah Lynn Barnes on Facebook

You’ve seen Barnes PRCA Rodeo line the red and white bucking chutes, you’ve heard Bob Tallman talk about the family—Micah Barnes is the granddaughter behind the fame. Born and raised in a small town outside of St. Peterson, Iowa, Barnes has been an integral part of her family company since its founding by her grandfather, Bob Barnes. She received an undergraduate degree in Animal Science from the University of Iowa and continued her education at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo with a clear vision in mind.

Photo courtesy of Travis Dewitz on Facebook

Famed with unmatched prestige, the Barnes PRCA Rodeo Company has been the premier livestock contractors for professional rodeos since 1950. The granddaughter has seen her family company grow and flourish, from initially being the equipment contractors to now managing almost every aspect of a rodeo—livestock included. Beyond constructing the skeleton of the event, the family has an elite bucking bull and horse breeding program at their home ranch in Iowa. Needless to say, the Barnes granddaughter has experience around rodeo like no other—she understands what it takes to make the sport happen and keep the event going.

Photo courtesy of @micahbarnes23 on Instagram

Barnes’ mission? To put her twist on tradition. She wants to become a professional bucking bull breeder. 

Photo courtesy of Meagan Harrie-Pieper on Facebook

Beyond this aspiration, Barnes is making an impact in the Western world. She is a hungry woman working in the cutthroat industry.

Photo courtesy of @micahbarnes 23 on Instagram

She not only sets an example for young cowgirls, but was also an assistant rodeo coach at Cal Poly. She has made multiple trips to the College National Finals Rodeo herself. Her words of advice were gold pieces to the athletes, especially those competing in goat tying and breakaway roping. 

Photo courtesy of Lauren Flaherty

“Being an assistant coach allowed me to grow in a leadership role...it also helped me to grow as an individual, both in and out of the arena, by teaching me patience, integrity, and dedication to something bigger than myself.”

Micah Barnes

Whether it was through a game of beach volleyball or enjoying a bonfire, Barnes took her light beyond the arena sand and made it a point to host team bonding events at the beach—capitalizing on her time spent in California.

Photo courtesy of Travis Dewitz on Facebook

Barnes is excited to apply her experience to her future endeavors. She is already equipped with the foundation of starting her own breeding program with the family ranch back home and her degree in Animal Science. The future of the Western industry looks bright with Micah Barnes!