NMCGA Second Annual Heritage Buckle Contest Announced
The New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) is pleased to announce the Second Annual Heritage Buckle Contest to be held in all 33 counties of New Mexico. Youth ages 9 to 15 are eligible to enter and are required to write a 200 to 500 word essay response to “How will you build on the legacy of agriculture in New Mexico?”
Essay submission deadline is June 1, 2022. NMCGA board members, county fair board members and award sponsors will collaborate in deciding the final winners. Each county winner will receive a belt buckle and one year junior membership with NMCGA.
“This contest shows the passion kids in rural New Mexico have for their agricultural roots,” said Loren Patterson, NMCGA President. “It inspires us all to remember why we do what we do to feed America.”
Last year, NMCGA received many outstanding essays, therefore the committee has decided to additionally offer a $1,000 Heritage Scholarship to one overall state winner. Scholarship monies will be awarded to one of the 33 county winners at the selection of NMCGA committee members. The scholarship will be awarded in person during the annual Joint Stockmen’s Convention. Last year’s scholarship winner Kyleigh Stephenson of Roosevelt County said it best, “I feel a duty to not only inform and educate others about agriculture, but welcome them into our world and teach them about our heritage and traditions.”
Entry form and contest rules below. For more information call the NMCGA office at 505-247-0584.
Essay submission deadline is June 1, 2022. NMCGA board members, county fair board members and award sponsors will collaborate in deciding the final winners. Each county winner will receive a belt buckle and one year junior membership with NMCGA.
“This contest shows the passion kids in rural New Mexico have for their agricultural roots,” said Loren Patterson, NMCGA President. “It inspires us all to remember why we do what we do to feed America.”
Last year, NMCGA received many outstanding essays, therefore the committee has decided to additionally offer a $1,000 Heritage Scholarship to one overall state winner. Scholarship monies will be awarded to one of the 33 county winners at the selection of NMCGA committee members. The scholarship will be awarded in person during the annual Joint Stockmen’s Convention. Last year’s scholarship winner Kyleigh Stephenson of Roosevelt County said it best, “I feel a duty to not only inform and educate others about agriculture, but welcome them into our world and teach them about our heritage and traditions.”
Entry form and contest rules below. For more information call the NMCGA office at 505-247-0584.
|
| ||||
|
ABOUT THE CONTEST
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) has been the voice of the beef industry since 1914. With the continued dedication and support of numerous generations of livestock producers, the Association is able to carry out the work of advocating for, defending and growing the future of the agricultural community. The legacy of our association spans over 100 years. Through entries received during the Heritage Buckle Contest we are encouraged that this legacy will continue for another 100. 2021 is the inaugural year of the contest and we can’t think of a better way to encourage and thank the youth in all 33 counties for their appreciation of this lifestyle. Youth are one of the most critical components of our futures on the land. Individual county winners were presented with a belt buckle and a one year junior membership to NMCGA. An overall state Heritage award winner will be announced during the 2022 Joint Stockmen’s Convention held December 13-18 at Hotel Albuquerque in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship during the December 16th noon Family Luncheon. |
2021 Heritage Winners
*RED denotes 2021 Statewide Heritage Winner
CountyBernalillo
Catron Chaves Cibola Colfax Curry De Baca Dona Ana Eddy Grant Guadalupe Harding Hidalgo Los Alamos Lea Luna Lincoln McKinley Mora Otero Quay Rio Arriba Roosevelt Sandoval San Juan San Miguel Santa Fe Sierra Socorro Taos Torrance Union Valencia |
Award SponsorJason & Leslie Balthrop
Ron & Mahona Burnett Dennise Bridgers US Representative Yvette Herrell Major Ranch Realty Bronson Corn Singleton Ranches Senator Crystal R. Diamond Robert L. Homer & Associates Spur Ranch Cattle Co, LLC Jim Thorpe & Carol Church Culbertson - Whatley Ranch Keeler Ranches AG NM Farm Credit Robert L. Homer & Associates Tamara G. Hurt CPA, PC Kendal & Chelsea Wilson AG NM Farm Credit AG NM Farm Credit Cross D Ranch Tom & Mimi Sidwell Bill Humphries Pat & Cindy Boone Bill Humphries Dustin Johnson AG NM Farm Credit Bill King Ranch Representative Rebecca Dow Dale & Rep. Gail Armstrong AG NM Farm Credit No Bull Prime Meats, LLC Cliff & Pat Copeland Representative Gail Armstrong |
Heritage Winners-
Elizabeth Baldridge Caysie Wood Kayden Branum Breylin Rubio Avery Pipkin Shane Henry Lacey Knight Jacee Smith Kayleigh Massengill Jordan Perez Natalie Smith Madison Miller - Kooper Kerby Braylin Chaffin Isabella Sugg Cheyanne Carlisle Rebekah Roybal Amanda Hibbard Brayden Wright Johni Gallegos Kyleigh Stephenson Earl Velasquez Sakari Frazier Steven Lavato James Tucker Kaden Whetten JD Kersey Alexis Rosales Chloe Jean Harral Mandy Crisp Myra Olivas |
(L-R): Trey, Kyleigh, Sheila and McKennon Stephenson.
Kyleigh won the Heritage Buckle Contest in Roosevelt County, and was also chosen as the overall state winner. She received the $1,000 Heritage Scholarship for her achievement during the 2021 Joint Stockmen's Convention with her family!