About US

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Each year, the students of the Wapello FFA Chapter plan, manage, and produce every aspect of the Wapello Pro Rodeo. As the only rodeo in the nation fully operated by a high school organization, this event serves as the chapter's primary fundraiser, helping provide scholarships, leadership development opportunities, and registrations for state and national FFA conventions.

Beyond supporting its members, the Wapello FFA is committed to bringing quality, family friendly entertainment to Louisa County while maintaining a community equestrian arena for local events. Looking ahead, the chapter's vision is to continue expanding the rodeo grounds into a multi use recreational complex featuring baseball diamonds, a covered arena, an outdoor track, and other amenities for the community to enjoy.

The tradition began in 1981 when the Wapello FFA Chapter, led by advisor Ron Stover, set out to bring the excitement of rodeo to their hometown. FFA members worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality, even building arena gates in their agriculture classes and selling them to local farmers to raise funds. Their dedication laid the foundation for what has become a proud community tradition that continues to thrive today.

In 2009, under the leadership of advisor Irv Meier, Wapello FFA members embraced their motto, Step Up and Step Out. Following in the footsteps of the generations before them, they took the rodeo to the next level by partnering with Barnes PRCA Rodeo and earning Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioning. With tremendous support from the local community, the Wapello Pro Rodeo entered a new era and continues to grow as one of the premier rodeo events in the region.