Young Rodeo Announcer Travels Country

ADEL, Iowa (DTN) -- Bright lights, loud music and big performances are what started the love of rodeos for Jarrett Orman even as a young boy growing up in Iowa. Orman would set up toy rodeos and pretend to be the announcer; now, at the age of 21, he announces and is sound director at real rodeos across the country.

"I've always liked the loud music and voice of the announcer at the rodeo. It was their job to get the crowd going, and it did it for me," Orman said as he prepared to announce the Adel Breakout Rodeo in Adel, Iowa, over Labor Day weekend. This is in his home county; he's announced it every year there since his first rodeo announcement job took place there in 2020.

When you listen to his announcing style, it's hard to believe he's only 21, but his experiences being around the rodeo industry his whole life have helped develop his style. As a child, Orman would set up rodeos with his toys in his room and use his mom's CDs to pick out the music to go with each ride.

"I always have liked the loud music, and when I'm doing sound at a rodeo, the only time you'll hear country music is during the warmup before the performance starts," he explained. "I want to get the crowd going, and that's easiest with the upbeat, loud rock music."

FAMILY ENCOURAGEMENT

His family has always encouraged his career in rodeo. He started roping at a young age; his grandpa would also take him to watch the big rodeos in Omaha and Denver. "One year, my grandpa took me to the National Western in Denver, and we went to all 10 rodeo performances. I enjoyed the time with him, and I think I was learning the entire time, too," Orman added.

His uncle was actually the one that asked if he thought about announcing rodeos. With some encouragement, Orman announced their family rodeo for the first time at age 8 in 2011. "After he was done roping, they'd have him come up and announce," said his mom, Mandi.

"He likes to talk, so it's the perfect job for him," said his dad, Jim.

WORKING AT BIGGER RODEOS

In 2020, he started announcing and producing the sound at bigger rodeos for Wright Rodeo Company, which propelled from there and has led to 40 to 50 performances in six different states per year.

He started his business, Rockin J Productions, for his announcing and sound production. Along with his fiance, Bailey Stuva -- whom he met while participating on the rodeo team at Northeast Oklahoma A&M College -- they also own JB Promotions. This company produces barrel races across the Midwest. Between the two businesses, and Stuva being a competitive barrel racer, they are putting a lot of miles on their trucks.

PERFORMANCE PREPARATION

To prepare for the performance, Orman will research the two-legged and four-legged athletes. When he works several performances in one area, it's easier to know the cowboys and cowgirls and their history. The rodeo stock companies will help with the information on the horses and bulls. Then it's figuring out what music to use when.

"If a bronc or bull has a name that is the same as a song or music group, that makes music selection easier, but as long as it's upbeat, it works for the cowboys and the crowd." He then added, "I'm always trying to keep the people engaged to draw everyone's attention to the arena."

WORKING ON HIGHER GOALS

Orman has gained his Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association card for producing music at pro rodeo performances. He hasn't yet attained the card for announcing. The process includes having the support of rodeo stock companies, clowns and announcers, and being evaluated by a selection committee.

The job is a constant learning experience. "I've been doing this a long time, but I am only 21. I continue to study how I can be better," Orman said. "I have to prove myself, and I'm willing to do that to stay in this business for a long time."

Becoming a long-time respected announcer takes a memorable voice and willingness to have the energy to make sure people enjoy watching the entire performance. He spent many hours listening to greats like Hall of Fame announcer Hadley Barrett and said hearing them has helped him shape into the announcer he is.

"I always want everyone attending to be impacted by what I do. The prayer before the performance is a special part of what I do. It's always important for everyone to leave with something to think about, even if that is a small prayer for someone who needed it that day," Orman concluded.

He continues to announce, produce sound and put on barrel races throughout the year. Information on upcoming rodeos is available on his Rockin J Productions and JB Promotions Facebook pages.

Listen and watch Orman at work here: https://www.dtnpf.com/….

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

Follow her on social platform X @JennCattleGal

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