LOVINGTON, N.M. – This segment of New Mexico is well known for its rough terrain. It’s also well known for being home to some of the best steer ropers in the history of the sport.

That’s why it’s a big stop for steer ropers hoping to qualify for the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping this fall. The first competition of this year’s Lea County Fair and Rodeo began Tuesday with two full go-rounds of steer roping and a number of cowboys competing in the third round already.

If Opening Day was a precursor to the remaining four days, Lovington is about to host some outstanding competition.

First round: 1. (tie) Trevor Brazile, Ty Herd and J.B. Whatley, 10.2 seconds, $1,469 each; 4. (tie) J.P. Wickett and Vin Fisher Jr., 10.7, $918 each; 6. Shay Good, 10.9, $588; 7. Cody Scheck, 11.2, $367; 8. (tie) Ralph Williams and Brent Lewis, 11.3, $73 each. Second round: 1. Troy Tillard, 9.0 seconds, $1,690; 2. Marty Jones, 10.6, $1,469; 3. Guy Allen, 10.7, $1,249; 4. (tie) Rob Denny, Landon McClaugherty and Rocky Patterson, 10.8, $808 each; 7. (tie) Cody Lee and Ralph Williams, 11.2, $257 each. Third round leaders: 1. Rocky Patterson, 8.7 seconds; 2. Jake DeGeer, 10.0; 3. Cody Garnett, 10.3; 4. Shay Good, 10.4; 5. J.D. Yates, 11.1; 6. Ralph Williams, 12.9; 7. Chet Herren, 13.5; 8. Larry Stewart, 14.0. Average leaders: 1. Shay Good, 32.8 seconds on three head; 2. Ralph Williams, 35.4; 3. Rocky Patterson, 37.0; 4. Cody Garnett, 42.5; 5. (tie) J.D. Yates and Will Gasperson, 46.9 each; 7. Mike Chase, 55.6; 8. Trevor Brazile, 21.9 on two head.