New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association Heritage Buckle Awards

NMCGA Rolls Out First Heritage Buckle Awards

In 2021 the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association initiated a program to honor youth at each of the state’s county fairs called the Heritage Buckle Award program. To be eligible for the Heritage buckle award, youth ages 9 to 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. Buckles were donated and presented by NMCGA members.

Caysie Wood, Chaves County wrote: “The heritage of the cattle industry is invaluable to our present and future generations because of the traditions it honors, the land it conserves, and the people it values. Ranchers are dedicated to their land, their livestock and their families. Keeping these traditions alive is an active and ongoing responsibility.”

(L-R) Bill Marley, Donna Marley, Dennise Bridgers, award sponsor; Caysie Wood, and Rowdy Green

Lacey Knight, Dona Ana County wrote:

“As a member of 4-H and FFA, I feel that it is my responsibility to tell others about my agricul(L-R) Lacey Knight and award tural way of sponsor Senator Crystal R. life and how Diamond rewarding it is. There is no greater feeling of accomplishment than to care for the animals and the land, with my family by my side.” Jacee Smith, Eddy County wrote: “My great-grandpa raised cattle, rode horses, and taught many lessons to my grandpa and my father who have taught them to me. If I don’t place a large importance (L-R) Callie Bennett, Rowdy on ranching in Green, Jacee Smith, Eddy my life the County Queen Laurel Henson next generation may not have the same opportunities as me. I hope that I can keep learning and growing and one day become a leader in the cattle industry.”Award Sponsor Robert R. Homer & Associates

Jordan Perez, Guadalupe County

wrote: “My legacy was built from a cattle and sheep homestead in the 1900’s. Now as the 4th gener(L-R) Jordan Perez and Taylor ation, I place Riggins, NMCGA my family’s successes in the traditions and old fashioned values found in 3 words: hard work, sacrifice and determination.” Award Sponsor: Jim Thorpe & Carol Church

Isabella Sugg, Lincoln County wrote: “My family has been ranching on the Bar W Ranch outside of Carrizozo since 1888. Part of passing down heritage is being honest (L to R) Kayanna and Chelsie Wilson, about the Isabella Sugg, Kendal and Gemma rewards, Wilson challenges and sorrows that occur in ranching. With fewer choosing to become a part of the cattle industry, it is important that we continue to educate the public with our knowledge of animal husbandry and how food is produced. This begins with the knowledge we pass from generation to generation.” Award Sponsors Kendal and Chelsie, Wilson Beef

Myra Olivas, Valencia County

wrote: “I recently asked myself this question: Who will share (L-R) Myra Olivas with the heritage Representative Gail Armstrong of the cattle industry and ranching in New Mexico if there is no one in the future to maintain its legacy? I was able to explore this more after attending the New Mexico Youth Ranch Management Camp. Surrounded by likeminded youth, we learned about grazing, administering vaccines and consumer driven markets. Consumers want to know where their food comes from! I see opportunities now that I didn’t see before attending camp.” Award Sponsor Representative Gail Armstrong.

Breylin Rubio, Colfax County wrote: “A big part of ranching heritage is work ethic. To get things done you have to have a good attitude and love your work. My grandpa and my dad have taught me that along with Breylin Rubio responsibility. I have a large amount of responsibility when I shoot my rifle, care for my animals, and someday when the ranch is passed to me. My responsibility and work ethic are what will keep my ranching heritage alive.” Award Sponsor Major Ranch Realty

NMCGA Rolls Out First Heritage Buckle Awards

James Tucker, Santa Fe County

wrote: “I place high value in heritage ranches and their owners, specifically in my neighbor Mr. Tom Spindle. Since starting a small cattle operation of my own, I have been lucky to learn and ask questions (L-R) James Tucker with Bill on how to properly King, award sponsor feed and manage my cattle, how to deal with drought and range management, and when the best time is to sell my calves. One day I hope to have a heritage ranch of my own.”

Natalie Smith, Harding County wrote:

“Generations of ranchers have faced hardships. It has made our skin tan, our muscles strong and our work ethic real. Obstacles such as drought, animal rights groups and other activists help me (L-R) Joe Culbertson, Culbertson Whatley Ranch, award sponsor, and Natalie Smith. to better value my heritage in ranching. I know that I want to carry on the legacy of strong, capable people who have come before me.”

(L to R) Kayla Heinrichs and Kooper Kerby. Award Sponsored by, Robert L. Homer & Associates, LLC.

Kooper Kerby, LeaCounty,

wrote: “For 5 generations my family has pushed through the hardships and successfully ranched in southeastern New Mexico. It all started with my grea-, great- great-Grandpa William Standifer “Colonel” Williams in 1898. Nearly 123 years later we still own some of the original ranch where my father is the 5th generation and I hope to be the 6th. “ Award Sponsored by, Robert L. Homer & Associates, LLC.

Avery Pipkin, Curry County

wrote: When growing up on a family ranch, bonds created last a lifetime. Not only do ranchers show up for Avery Pipkin (Curry) with their immeBronson Corn diate family, they also show up for their neighbors. Ranchers are tight knit and have created unbreakable bonds even living miles apart. My grandpa once told me, “Every single one of us is part of a big family, and always will be.” On the land covered in yuccas, the deepest conversations occur. I hold the heritage of ranching families near and dear to my heart. It is up to the next generations to continue the legacies left behind, pave our own individual paths and stick true to our roots. Award sponsored by Bronson & Barbara Corn.

Chloe Jean Harral, Torrance County

wrote: The heritage of cattle ranching is important because it has taught me the meaning of hard work. My grandfather always quotes “early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” I am fortunate to be growing up with my three sisters, my parents and my grandparents on the ranch. What we do contributes to the land, the state’s economy and the families of New Mexico. Award Sponsor Brett & Linda Rizzi, No Bull Prime Meats.

Brayden Wright, Quay County

wrote: One of the best things about working on my family ranch is that we have a lot of fun together. We work hard, but we play harder. When working with my Grampy, I have (L to R) Tom Sidwell, Brayden Wright, and Mimi Sidwell hauled water, fed cake, climbed windmills, drove the tractor and fixed fence, my Grampy makes it all fun! As a 4th and 5th generation rancher I like to tell anyone who listens how important our job is to the world. A cow does more that provide meat for us to eat, but also gives us leather for our boots, belts and seat covers and their pancreas even helps to make insulin for diabetics. I am Brayden Wright and ranching is my heritage. Award Sponsored Tom & Mimi Sidwell.

Mandy Crisp, Union County

wrote: The hardships of ranching are well worth the triumphs, they have helped me to succeed in my day to day life by showing that through perseverance you can still come out on top. As a 6th generation rancher, my heritage has taught me to endure the hard times and appreciate the abundance of joys this lifestyle gives. Drought and markets may be uncertain, but there is hope found in a newborn calf hunkered down by its mother and the satisfaction of a big rainstorm. I would not choose any other way of life. Award Sponsor Cliff & Pat Copeland.

(L to R) Mandy Crisp and Cliff Copeland

Rebekah Roybal, Mora County

wrote: I am grateful for the knowledge I have acquired learning from my grandparents’ cattle operation, my (L to R) Amanda mother who serves Culbertson & Rebekah as my FFA advisor Roybal and from my own herd of cattle. I am avid about improving the agriculture industry in New Mexico because I am a part of it. I am fortunate to have learned responsibility, hard work and the importance of a handshake. I can’t thank the generations before me enough. Award Sponsor Ag New Mexico Farm Credit.

(L to R) Trent Bilberry, Payton Henry, Tyson Henry, Shane Henry, Kari Henry and Holli Henry

Shane Henry, De Baca County

wrote: I am a 5th generation cowboy. I grew up hearing stories about how my Great-Grandfather Red Kyle arrived by train as a child to the ranch west of Fort Sumner many years ago. I plan to continue my family tradition in living the cowboy way of life to not only be a steward of the land but to be an advocate for the importance of cattle and ranching heritage and what it provides to the rest of the world. I can do this because my parents have taught me to work hard and always “make a hand.” Award Sponsored Singleton Ranches.

Sakari Frazier, San Juan County wrote:

My family and I have been involved in agriculture for 3 generations. I have a deeply shared passion for valuing and most importantly continuing our ranching and agriculture heritage because ranching and agriculture Sakari Frazier (San Juan) with Matthew Denetclaw never stop. During the

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Earl Velasquez, Sandoval County wrote:

“The cattle industry is not just a job but a way of life and how many provide for their families. My great- greatgrandpa was the first to start ranching in our family in the (L to R) Betty Jo Welch, Earl late 1800s. Ever Velasquez, and Darlene since then we Schmitz have proudly been ranchers and have raised cattle to contribute to the history of America.” Award Sponsor Bill Humphries in memory of Carol Humphries.

Johni Gallegos, Rio Arriba County wrote:

Our family has been ranching from the time my three times great-grandfather, Perfecto Esquibel settled here from Spain. During his early years he held a position in the New Mexico Senate and even assisted in writing the state’s Constitution! He also built a large ranch and later passed it down. My grandfather Juan Montano was voted Rancher of the year in the 1980’s, and passed the ranch to my mother and her sisters. I am passionate about my heritage and where I come from. Ranching connects me to the people before me and the people yet to come. Award Sponsor Bill Humphries in Memory of Carol Humphries ▫