Working Ranch Magazine Summer 2025

BY KATIE HUTTON weekend events The 36th Annual Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo

he 36th Annual Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend took place February 26th through March 2nd, 2025 in Nevada. Thirty teams

from Nevada, Oregon, California and Idaho converged in Winnemucca to compete in Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Stopping, Wild Mugging, Trailer Loading, Team Roping, Ranch Doc toring, and Team Branding. The weekend included dog trials, barrel bash, a women’s ranch rodeo, west ern trade show and Performance Horse Sale.

PHOTO BY DE-JAY HANSSEN

The Ranch Hand Award Courtesy of The Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo E ach year Agriculture District No. 3 recognizes the men and women who make their living as ranch hands, Will was born in Winnemucca, Nevada, to John and Judy DeLong. He joined sisters Christy and Jhona on Trout Creek Ranch, becoming part of

Will and Katie DeLong

Business in 1995. In June 2002, he married the love of his life, Katie Marvel. They began their life together at Jackson Creek Ranch where they welcomed son William “Billy,” daughter Matti, and daughter Louise. Will was a hard-working cattle rancher who loved his horses, cattle and lifestyle. He was an avid reader who loved spending time with his family, and loved watching his kids compete in junior high and high school rodeo as well as other activities and sports such as wrestling, dance and basketball. Will was an

seven days a week, 365 days a year, and have contributed to the fabric of our Great Basin culture and community with the Ranch Hand Award. This year the award was given to the late Will DeLong, who passed away in November 2024, in Reno, Nevada. “Will’s entire life represents exactly what a strong ranch heritage can provide; he was dedicated to this way of life and wanted to help others also see success within ranching and rodeo.

WRHR

the fifth generation of family ranchers on the Jackson Mountains. Will started school at home at Trout Creek, attended the one-room Jackson Mountain School, and graduated from Albert M. Lowry High School with the Class of 1992. After high school, Will attended the College of Southern Idaho and Treasure Valley Community College as a college rodeo athlete. He earned his Associate’s Degree in Ag

adult director for the Humboldt County High School Rodeo Club for many years; he also served on many cattle industry boards. He was president of his family-owned business, DeLong Ranches, Inc., which was honored numerous times by the Red Angus Association for their high-quality cattle. Will was loved and adored by many and will be greatly missed.”

30 I SUMMER 2025 WORKING RANCH audited readers run 21 million head of beef cattle.