10/15/2026
In 2020, the pandemic canceled 23 of his rodeos. Marty Barnes found a way to hold one anyway, on the family ranch in Peterson, Iowa, 54 years after his parents hosted their first rodeo in the same town.
Marty Barnes grew up in rodeo. He’s the eldest son of Bob “the Colonel” Barnes and Donita Barnes, who founded Barnes PRCA Rodeo in Peterson, Iowa, in 1950. Bob was one of the most respected stockmen in professional rodeo, and the company claims to be the longest-running rodeo company in America. Its stock was in the chutes at the very first National Finals Rodeo in 1959. “We are to rodeo what Cadillac is to cars,” Bob once told a reporter.
Then Marty went out and competed. He joined the PRCA in 1976, rode saddle bronc and competed in other events, and graduated from Iowa State in 1984. He earned seven year-end circuit championships, including the All-Around in 1999, and qualified for the National Circuit Finals fifteen times in saddle bronc riding.
Then came the business. In 1984, Marty and his brother John started MJM Rodeos, following their father’s bootprints. Over time Marty took over the family company, which he runs with his eldest son Westin. Barnes PRCA Rodeo produces nearly 30 events a year and has supplied stock continuously to community rodeos for 50, 60, and 70 years. The Spooner Heart of the North Rodeo in Wisconsin is the oldest produced by Barnes PRCA Rodeo, and Buffalo, Minnesota, has marked 70 years with the Barnes outfit.
Then the stock itself started winning. The Barnes bay mare CAT Power was selected nine years in a row, from 2005 through 2013, to buck at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. In 2018, the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association named Marty its Stock Contractor of the Year.
Then came 2020. After canceling 23 events, Marty hosted a rodeo at the Rafter B Bar Ranch, with bleachers, lawn chairs, and blankets, so cowboys and the community could get back to what they love. “We’re really laid back, easy-going,” he said. “We just wanted people, if they chose, to come out and watch a rodeo.”
Then he turned his attention to the next generation. In 2016 he was inducted into the Iowa High School Rodeo Hall of Fame for his support of young competitors, and he hosts practice sessions at the ranch for them. “Rodeo is something I love, and encouraging the youth strengthens our sport,” he said. In 2020 he became the head coach of the new Buena Vista University rodeo team, where his daughters Micah and Mary both competed.
A stock contractor’s son from Peterson, Iowa. Fifteen trips to the circuit finals. Rodeos held when no one else could hold them. Marty Barnes is carrying the Rafter B Bar brand into its eighth decade.
Marty Barnes 🤠🐴
