McKenzie County Farmer - Latest News

M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer

The dust is flying and the crowds are roaring, and right in the thick of it all is Watford City’s own Clay Jorgenson, making a name for himself in the high-octane world of professional bronc riding. This North Dakota cowboy is currently holding strong in the top ranks of the PRCA world standings, proving his grit, determination, and the deep roots he has in the heart of McKenzie County.
Jorgenson, a fourth-year PRCA competitor, isn’t letting the pressure get to him. “I’m feeling really good about it,” Jorgenson said in a recent interview. “About as confident as I’ve ever been in my riding right now.” His rise in the standings, which briefly saw him as high as third in the world, is no accident. He’s learned to be strategic, being more measured in picking his rodeos and traveling smarter. It seems he has dialed in his strategy of how best to use his energy, crediting veteran riders for their guidance.
But Jorgenson’s success isn’t just about strategy. It’s about a deep love for the sport and a hard-earned wisdom that comes from experience. “Last year was kind of a breakthrough season for me,” he reflected. After a period of focusing too much on the standings, he learned a valuable lesson: “Now, I just don’t even pay attention to it really...I just kind of went back to remembering that I’m just rodeoing because it’s what I love to do and it’s supposed to be fun.”
That love for rodeo is intertwined with his family history. “One of my earliest memories was my grandpa getting inducted into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame,” Jorgenson shared. His family’s ranching and rodeo background instilled a deep respect for the cowboy way of life. “My parents were not, I never was pushed to rodeo or anything. But when I finally decided I wanted to do it, my parents went all in and helped me out any way they could.”
Jorgenson has faced his share of challenges, including injuries that sidelined him for two and a half years. “It was really frustrating,” he admitted. But he persevered, learning to take the rough with the smooth. “Rodeoing is just a really humbling sport,” he said. “You know, you can go from winning big rodeos to bucking off the next day and thinking you forgot how to do it all.”
Among his career highlights, Jorgenson counts winning the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, the “Daddy of ‘em All,” as especially memorable. “It was the first 90-point ride I’ve ever had,” he said. “It’s probably one of the top five most prestigious regular season rodeos...it’s one of those bucket list rodeos that everyone wants to win.”
Jorgenson’s connection to Watford City runs deep. “I love Watford City, North Dakota. I love the Badlands of North Dakota,” he said. “That place holds a very special place in my heart. You know, I am born and raised and very proud to represent the town.” As Jorgenson continues his climb in the world standings, he carries the spirit of Watford City with him. His hard work, resilience, and passion prove that the cowboy way of life is going strong in the next generation–and a source of pride for his hometown. He also expressed his gratitude to his sponsors, who he credits with much of his success: Veeder Ranch, Dodge Ranch, Jellesed Ranch, and Northern States Fishing Tools. Rodeo fans from near and far will be pulling for Jorgenson as he continues to ride high in his upcoming season

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