2026 International Utility Locate Rodeo

This event is free of charge to competitors and was created to support utility locators worldwide!

Date: December 7th & 8th in Springfield, MO

December 7th & 8th, 2026 in Springfield, MO

The 2026 MOCGA Summit occurs during the same week on December 9th & 10th. ILR competitors are encouraged to attend top-quality safety and damage prevention classes free of charge.

It may be hot outside, but we’re bringing the holiday spirit early — because every child deserves a little magic at Christmas.

MCGA is on a mission to fill an entire truck with toys for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) — an incredible organization that supports kids in the foster care system with advocacy, hope, and consistency, and we’re starting early!

Just scan the QR code or click here to shop directly from our Amazon wish list!

The mission of the International Locate Rodeo is to promote locating and damage prevention best practices, recognize locators for superior performance, and restore the pride and profession of underground utility locating.

The MOCGA team is a motivated and mission-driven group of volunteers from across the Midwest, solely focused on reducing underground utility incidents, and improving construction crew safety. In partnership with the National Utility Locating Contractors Association, the MOCGA team is excited about hosting the International Utility Locate Rodeo each year.

Each Rodeo has been a huge success! We start the party off on day 1 with networking and an excellent meal in Springfield, Missouri. On competition day temperatures have been around 30 to 40 degrees, with sunny skies all day long.

The 75 registered Competitors, from 18 States (including Canada) descended on the Fulbright center to prove that they were the best in the business…

Runner Up – Sean Eckman, Northern Lights  & Mark Willers, City Utilities Springfield  (1982) & (tied on time)

Wheel I – Justin Ridgell, DTE Energy  (997.5)

Wheel II – Sean Eckman, Northern Lights  (993.5)

Winner – Beau Myers,  (1995.5) (time used as tie breaker)

Runner Up – Krystal Ramler, UtiliSource (1995.5)

Wheel II – Krystal Ramler, UtiliSource (999)

Winner – Nathan Parish, APS Locating(1990.5)

Runner Up – Matthew Bradley, Promark (1990)

Wheel II – Austin Barber, Northern Lights (999.5)

Winner – Paul Bess, SCI Engineering (1985.5) (time used as tiebreaker)

Wheel II – Paul Bess, SCI Engineering (992)