How will The Farm change the way exhibitors, volunteers and guests experience the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™? In Episode 6 of “Mission Rodeo,” Chief Show Operations Officer Kyle Olsen and Senior Director of Mission Division Karl Hengst take listeners behind the scenes of the operational planning underway as the Rodeo prepares to expand to its new agricultural complex along Highway 288.
The conversation explores how the Rodeo plans to create a seamless experience between its two campuses while using the additional space to improve everything from exhibitor staging and move-in to parking and day-to-day operations. Olsen says the goal is to view The Farm not as a separate destination, but as an expansion of the Rodeo’s existing footprint.
For Hengst, the impact on exhibitors and their families is especially important.
“I think for them, it means a lot to have a facility that’s built for them, that gives them the means they need to come out here and show, have space for their animals, have space to camp and just enjoy it as a family,” Hengst said.
With approximately 1 million square feet of additional space, Olsen says The Farm will give the Rodeo room to grow well into the future.
“We have used up every bit of good space on these grounds. To be able to add 1 million square feet of covered space just around the corner for us — it’s a space that we will grow into for decades,” Olsen said.
From easing logistical challenges to creating more room for exhibitors, volunteers and future programming, Episode 6 offers a closer look at the planning behind The Farm and how the new complex will help support the Rodeo’s mission for generations to come.
New episodes will be released each Wednesday through the 2027 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Fans can follow along on the podcast’s dedicated Instagram account, @missionrodeopodcast, and by searching “Mission Rodeo” on their preferred podcast platform.