New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association is proud to announce the opening of the annual Heritage Buckle Contest. The contest aims to tell the stories of New Mexico’s youth involved in agriculture and highlights the importance of generational ties to land and livestock.

Youth, ages 13 to 17 years, in all 33 counties of New Mexico are eligible to apply, but previous winners will not be selected to receive honors. One winner will be selected from each region. Entries require a 350-to-500-word essay response to the prompt: How does your Heritage advance and promote New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association?

NMCGA award sponsors will collaborate in deciding the final winners from each region. Winners will receive a belt buckle and a one-year NMCGA junior membership. Each region winner will then be automatically advanced to the Statewide Heritage Contest, where their essay submissions could earn them a $1,000 scholarship funded through the NMCGA Promotions and Marketing Committee. The statewide winner and their family will be awarded and recognized as special guests during the 2026 Joint Stockmen’s Convention which will be held in December.

Deadline: May 9, 2026

Apply Here

The NMCGA Heritage Buckle Contest will follow the 4-H District Regions.