The partnership of Chad Berger and Larry Ryken brought the most impressive bull power to the table in 2007 to earn the coveted honor of Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Stock Contractor of the Year. The prestigious award is determined annually by a vote of the top 45 bull riders in the world.

Berger, of Mandan, N.D., has been immersed in the bucking bull business for a lifetime, while Ryken of Yankton, S.D., first got his start in 2003. Ryken, however, has been heavily involved in various facets of the livestock industry since graduating from college in 1968.

Berger views the Stock Contractor of the Year honor as a crowning reward for decades of effort, stating, This is just a lifelong dream. My dad (Joe Berger) got involved in the bucking bull business in the mid-1960s and has raised some great bucking bulls, going back to Wrangler Rivets. Being named the PBR Stock Contractor of the Year is a great honor. I was shaking so bad when they announced it I was so excited I could've just come right out of my skin. During the second half of the PBR season, a lot of the bull riders were telling me we'd win it, but it was definitely a surprise and it didn't sink in instantly.

Berger has a deep affinity for his bulls, but cites 2006 and 2007 PBR World Finals Bucking Bull qualifier Copperhead Slinger as his current favorite, along with standouts Cooper, Vertical Limit and Sir Patrick. Berger's all-time favorite bull pick is Palace Station Deuces Wild, a bull whom he cites as the first bucking bull that really put his program on the map.

Ryken shares Berger's appreciation of Copperhead Slinger, Cooper and Sir Patrick, a bull that incidentally is named after his young adopted son.

Said Ryken of the honor, It's very difficult to earn this distinction and it's quite an honor. We hope to keep doing what we've been doing and be successful.

Echoed Berger, Now we;ll have to keep working just as hard or harder. We'll be looking over our shoulder because every stock contractor wants to win this.

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