Heritage Buckle Tour Continues
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hroughout the 2021 fair season members of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) have been encouraged by the words of rural youth as they reflect on the heritage of ranching. “The future of our industry relies on the involvement of our youth,” said Dusti Caviness, NMCGA Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Committee Chairman. “This award not only ensures that our youth are involved in our association but also rewards them for their hard work.” To be eligible for the Heritage buckle award, youth ages 9 through 21 were asked to provide a 200- to 500-word essay on the ‘value they placed on the heritage of the cattle industry and ranching in New Mexico. Recipients from each county are presented with a trophy belt buckle and a 1 year junior membership to NMCGA, winners are then automatically entered in the overall state Heritage contest. The first 18 winners were featured in the September New Mexico Stockman. Winners from the later fairs will be in the November issue. Kyleigh Stephenson, Roosevelt, wrote: “I am blessed and fortunate to be able to have cattle on the land that has been in my family for four generations. In fact Kyleigh Stephenson (Roosevelt) w/Pat Boone our cattle graze at the old home site where my grandfather was born! Not all kids are as lucky. The reason I am absolute in my advocating for our heritage, the cattle industry and agriculture, is I understand the important role it plays in our world. Without agriculture we would not be able to feed the ever growing population. The agriculture industry is constantly adapting and developing new technology and science to maintain our populations’ needs. I want others to understand that although there is hardship in our heritage, we persevere and become stronger with the lessons learned. Award sponsored by Pat and Cindy Boone Alexis Rosales, Taos, said: My great-grandfather first began raising the Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle and today we still
do. I love to go out to the field when the new calves are born and watch them grow up to be beautiful mother cows or big strong bulls . I b e gan showing Santa GerAlexis Rosales (Taos), trudis as a novice in left, with Lee, Victoria 4-H and have always and Waylon Knox. taken pride in my heifers for their deep cherry red color and gentle temperaments. Raising Gerts has touched me a lot, they help me to remember my heritage on the land and have given me a special love for the animals we get to raise. Award sponsored by Ag New Mexico Farm Credit. Elizabeth Baldridge, Catron, wrote: Beginning in the early 1600s and still going strong, ranching has been one of the most significant Elizabeth Baldridge and abundant (Catron), right, w/Ron occupations in Burnett. New Mexico. The cattle industry and ranching is a heritage that is valued for its legacy in the present and in the future. Ranchers work to develop and enhance knowledge while strategically managing cattle for their good as well as the good of those they support. It all begins with management of self, which involves honesty and integrity. We have been given a great responsibility by God to care for and have dominion over His creatures. Award sponsored by Ron and Mahona Burnett. M a d i s o n M i l l e r, Hidalgo, said: I am proud to be a 5th generation New Mexico rancher. In the beginning, ranching families had strong women that cared for their families in hostile and Madison Miller (Hidalgo), center, barren territory in the with Judy Keeler and Southwest. In the late Colleen Miller. 1800s and 1900s when the area of Hidalgo county had just begun to be settled, our ancestors set on the path of making a home, a living, and a lifestyle that still exists to this day. This heritage has taught us to rely on each other and work
together in times of need. This is a place where everyone pitches in willingly and perseverance is a common trait. Ranching has taught me how to rely on God for help with things I can’t control, and has given me amazing examples of how to be a strong woman. Award sponsored by Keeler Ranches K a y d e n Branum, Cibola, wrote: New Mexico is a rural state made up of many ranches, dairies, and small cow-calf operations. Ranching heritage Kayden Branum, left shapes the people with Sheriff Tony Mace of New Mexico, yet many overlook the importance of agriculture. Heritage in ranching instills youth with work ethic and responsibility, incorporates cultural diversity and customs, creates leaders through FFA and 4-H, and brings together New Mexican producers and consumers. My heritage in ranching has shaped me to see the ways we all represent agriculture in our state. Award sponsored by US Representative Yvette Herrell Cheyenne Carlisle, McKinley said : All across New Mexico you can find trucks driving around with a front red license plate that reads “NEW MEXICO BEEF IS Cheyenne Carlisle GREAT”. It’s true, (right) with Karen our beef is great Bedonie (center) & her because our herigrandmother Dorothy Carlisle. tage runs deep. I am a 5th generation rancher from Tohatchi. There I grew up with days that started early and ended late. A place where animals were cared for and fed before I had breakfast or dinner. Where I have great memories of sitting on my grandpa’s tailgate eating a sandwich with dirty hands, smelling of horse sweat and smoke from branding calves. I am proud of my home and my heritage, it is my daily reminder of how hard my family works and cares for land and livestock. Award sponsored by Ag New Mexico Farm Credit
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