Iowa cowgirl Kami Axtell headed south to Kansas to earn the Miss URA 2006 title in October of 2005.  She was also honored with the Speech award by the panel of three judges.  The Iowa Falls resident previously held the Miss Rodeo Leon title and earned the Horsemanship award, 2nd runner-up and the Larry Roberts Rodeo Spirit Award at the 2006 Miss Rodeo Iowa pageant.

A self-motivated person, Kami was home-schooled and is now taking general ed classes at Ellsworth Community College and is carrying a 4.0 GPA.  Her future plans include pursuing a commercial pilots license, and she will continue her education at the University of North Dakota and study aviation to do so.  An avid horsewoman, Kami strives to improve her skills and knowledge by attending a variety of clinics.  Kami is also certified in open water scuba diving, and is president of Phi Theta Kappa educational fraternity.

During the 2006 rodeo season you'll see Kami and her big black and white paint horse Hot Shot at many URA rodeos. If your rodeo or related event is interested in having Kami's expert promotional skills draw attention to your activity, please contact Clara Glover, URA Secretary, to schedule her appearance.

Fairfield cowgirl Erika Harlan topped a field of six contestants to capture the honor of Miss Rodeo Iowa 2006. During her reign she will travel throughout Iowa and the United States to promote the sport of rodeo and the Western lifestyle she loves so much.  She will speak to numerous groups including 4-H clubs, and civic organizations and participate in parades, trade shows, and of course rodeo activities. 

The daughter of Victor and Andrea Harlan, she is no stranger to the hard work and dedication it took to earn her state title.  A 2003 graduate of Fairfield High, Erika has earned an AAS degree in Horse Science Technology from Kirkwood Community College and is pursuing a BA degree in Equine Administration.  She plans to put her degrees to use by working for a major breed group such as the American Quarter Horse Association.

Erika has extensive experience as a member of her local 4-H, FFA and collegiate judging teams and plans on apprenticing to become an AQHA judge.  In 2001 she earned the state 4-H horse project award, was a member of the championship state FFA horse judging team and was the 4-H state horse judging champion.  In 2004 she was a member of the Kirkwood Community College judging team that earned national champion accolades at the Morgan Grand National and World Championship Show and a fifth place berth at the AQHA World Show.  She has been a participant in the AQHA MBNA Challenge Championship Racing Program and received an AQHA Foundation Racing Scholarship.

As a member of the Iowa Horse Council, Erika was recognized with a college scholarship based on her academics and involvement with horses.  She is also a member of AQHA, the Pinto Horse Association, Ft. Madison Saddle Club, and a past member of the American Quarter Horse Youth Association, Iowa Quarter Horse Association, Iowa Quarter Horse Racing Association and Kirkwood Saddle Club.