Justin McKee

McKee is the voice of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) tour that airs on the Versus network and periodically on NBC. He also announces some of the biggest PRCA events in the nation, including the Ellensburg, Pendleton and Cheyenne rodeos.

As a cowboy, McKee has been known to disappear from his announcing duties during a performance and reappear as a contestant in the arena. In 2004, McKee missed qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo by three spots, finishing the season at No. 18 in the standings for steer roping.

McKee is from Lenapah, Okla., where he and his family operate the McKee Ranch. He is a graduate of Oklahoma State University but got his start as an

announcer much sooner. As a 7-year-old, McKee sold his first animal at his family’s livestock auction.

The ranch-raised cowboy knows a thing or two about the bulls he introduces at events. That’s because he raises his own. With the help of his wife, Jeannie, and daughter, Kassidy, the McKee Ranch raises purebred bucking stock and sells bucking bull futurity prospects and replacement heifers.

The McKee Ranch also is well known for its quarter horses. McKee’s wife, Jeannie, raises, trains and sells well bred barrel racing horses.

“I thank God every day for blessing me with the opportunity to make a living at something I enjoy so much,” Justin McKee says. His enthusiasm for rodeo and life is contagious and genuine. He admits, “I am one of the biggest fans in rodeo. When I’m behind the mic, I’m having a great time and one of my main goals is that everyone there is having fun, too.”

Joe Braniff

Seven time announcer of the Year comes to Ellensburg. This year’s Xtreme Bulls announcer is Joe Braniff, who has been the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association announcer of the year seven years in a row.

Braniff, who has announced in Ellensburg in the past, got his start in rodeo as a bull riding contestant, but says his skills were less than adequate.

He shines behind the mic, however, having appeared in rodeo arenas in more than 30 states and throughout Canada.  This year will be Braniff’s tenth year announcing the Ellensburg Xtreme Bulls.