Kate Budge

Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2026

Kate Budge proudly serves as the Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2026. The 21-year-old daughter of Joey and Nicole Budge is a 7th-generation Jackson Hole native from Kelly, Wyoming, with deep roots in the Cowboy State.

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Kate’s passion for rodeo began early. From barrel racing and goat tail tying at Wyoming Junior Rodeos to showing cutting and reined cow horses, she is an accomplished horseman. She twice qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo in Girls Cutting and the Queen Contest.

A devoted 4-H member for 11 years, Kate showed market beef, horse, and sewing projects, and was honored with the Cody Shervin Memorial Award—one of Teton County 4-H’s highest recognitions for leadership and integrity.

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Kate recently earned her Associate of Science in Business and Accounting from Laramie County Community College with a 4.0 GPA while competing on the college’s Ranch Horse Team. She was named Outstanding Freshman and finished in the top ten at the Intercollegiate Stock Horse National Show. She is now pursuing a double major in Business Economics and Finance from the University of Wyoming. 

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Kate’s platform, Long Live Cowgirls, addresses the leading cause of death for Wyoming women: cardiovascular incidents. Partnering with the American Heart Association, she promotes CPR education and has helped teach the basics to over 100 Wyoming FFA members.

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Outside the arena, Kate enjoys iced coffee, Sudoku, podcasts, and spending time outdoors paddleboarding, and fishing with her family. She proudly represents the strength and spirit of Wyoming cowgirls.

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