Kicking Up Dust in 2026: The Road to the Ring & The Classroom
Saddle Up: 2026 is Here
Happy New Year from the PGM Foundation! The ornaments are packed away, the barns are colder than we’d like, and the trailer tires are aired up. For the rest of the world, January is about gym memberships and resolutions. For Texas agriculture families, it means one thing: Show Season is open.
As we turn the page to 2026, the calendar is packed tight. Whether you are hauling a steer to Fort Worth or hauling a mini-fridge back to Prairie View or College Station, we want to make sure you are where you need to be, when you need to be there.
The 2026 Major Show Circuit: Key Dates
The "Texas Tour" is back in full swing. This year, we are seeing some tight turnarounds between shows, so logistics will be key. Here is your roadmap for the big five:
Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR)
Dates: Jan 16 – Feb 7, 2026
The Lowdown: The legendary show kicks us off. Keep an eye out for the new PRO-RODEO Rookie Rally on Jan 22.
Note for Students: If you are showing in the junior steer or heifer shows, remember that the barns at Will Rogers Memorial Center fill up fast—plan your arrival time carefully.
Humble Rodeo & BBQ Cook-Off
Dates: Feb 6 – 7, 2026
The Lowdown: A quick but vital stop for many of our local students. It’s a sprint event that overlaps the end of Fort Worth, so check your trailer logistics if you have students showing in both.
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
Dates: Feb 12 – March 1, 2026
The Lowdown: The "Rodeo of the Year" winner brings the heat in February. San Antonio is critical for our scholarship applicants—participation here often plays a big role in scholarship eligibility for various breed associations.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR)
Dates: March 2 – 22, 2026
The Lowdown: The big one. Pre-rodeo events (Go Texan Day, Trail Rides) will ramp up in late February.
PGM Tip: Houston is a marathon, not a sprint. For our ag mechanics and livestock students, make sure your documentation is pristine before you hit the NRG gates.
Rodeo Austin
Dates: March 13 – 28, 2026
The Lowdown: "Where Weird Meets Western." Austin overlaps the tail end of Houston, creating that classic March madness for families trying to be in two places at once.
Back to School: Spring Semester 2026
While the show barn is calling, the classroom is waiting. For our collegiate scholars, the break is over. Here is when the major Texas universities are opening their doors for the Spring 2026 semester:
Texas Tech University (Lubbock): Classes begin January 12.
Texas Southern University (Houston): Classes begin January 12.
Prairie View A&M (Prairie View): Classes begin January 20.
University of Houston: Classes begin January 20.
University of Houston (Downtown): Classes begin January 12.
Lone Star College: Classes begin January 20.
University of Texas (Austin): Classes begin January 12.
Texas A&M University (College Station): Classes begin January 20 (After MLK Day).
Aggies: This later start date gives you a little extra time if you are working the Fort Worth opening weekend!
The PGM Checklist for January
With so much moving, things can fall through the cracks. Here are three things to do this week:
Grade Check: If you are a high school exhibitor, remember that "No Pass, No Play" applies to stock shows too. Ensure your Fall 2025 grades are solid so you are eligible to walk into the ring.
Scholarship Renewal: Current PGM Scholars, check your email. If you need to submit verification of enrollment for your Spring disbursement, the deadline is fast approaching.
Thank Your Ag Teacher: They are about to spend the next three months living in a truck with you. Start the year off right by saying thanks.
Let’s Ride
2026 promises to be a banner year for Texas youth. Whether you are chasing a banner in the ring or a degree on stage, the PGM Foundation is in your corner.
Drive safe, show hard, and Gig 'em / Wreck 'em / Hook 'em!