Way Off Topic: But ND Has a New Number 1

In addition to being number four in production of oil in the continental United States, number one in dry edible beans, and number one in honey production, North Dakota can now add another first: first in broncing bulls.

Up until this year the number one contractor for rodeo bulls came from Oklahoma or Texas. The best bulls in the world now come from North Dakota.

This year PBR Professional Bull Riders Stock was named Contractor of the Year. PBR is located seven miles south of Mandan, ND. Look for the dust raised by stomping bulls.

In addition to what one would expect from a bull rider, Chad also hosts bull-riding seminars.

Among this year’s young riders in the seminar was Kallie Kautzman, 11, of Bismarck. She’s been riding horse since age 7 and has been rodeoing in the past two years — often beating the boys in her age group.

Chad Berger's ride to the top was meteoric and took only a bit longer than a ride on one of his bulls.

In 2003, Berger, a longtime professional cattle buyer, started building his own string of bulls that now numbers about 200 head, including Professional Bull Riders association stars Big Tex and Code Blue.

So, there you have it. Another first for North Dakota.