The annual meeting of Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Cortez Elks Lodge with a morning session that includes reports from U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton and county and state officials.
Tipton plans to discuss legislation with association members. Representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and other organizations will provide updates on agriculture and community issues.
At noon, the Southwestern Cowbelles will provide a potluck dinner, followed by a business meeting and election of directors at 1 p.m.
Evening festivities start at 7 p.m. with a steak dinner and all the trimmings and the announcement of the Stockman and Cowbelle of the Year.
Last year, Vernon “Bud” Walker Jr. was named Cattleman of the Year by the Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association Saturday evening at its annual evening banquet. Walker has dedicated his life to ranching, plying his trade in Dolores for the past 35 years. He is also an avid hunter, and was an outfitter in Arizona and New Mexico.
Besides running his cattle and helping fellow ranchers, Walker led the way behind the scenes, serving as president of the livestock association and as a member of the grazing advisory board with the U.S. Forest Service. He also was a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
Nonie Bane, of Cortez, was named Cowbelle of the Year in 2016. Bane was raised in a generational farming and ranching environment in Montezuma County, helping her parents raise sheep, cattle, rabbits and chickens, and wheat, beans and hay. After graduating from Montezuma-Cortez High School, Bane earned a degree in home economics from Fort Lewis College.
The dance begins at 9 p.m., featuring music by The Vanishing Breed Band.
Proceeds from a silent auction will go to a fund for educational scholarships for local youths. To date, Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association has awarded over $85,000 in scholarships, according to Secretary-Treasurer Lynelle Brumley.
Dinner and dance tickets can be purchased from any member of the board of directors. Banquet tickets are $30 each. Dance tickets are $5 each.
For more information about the Scholarship Fund or if you would like to make a contribution to the auction to help students in Montezuma and Dolores counties, contact Bill or Peggy Blackmer or a board member.
Members of the board of directors include President Zane Odell at 749-5476, Vice President Wayne Rogers at 739-0682, Voting Secretary Al Heaton at 749-2532, Jason Blackmer at 739-5577, Drew Gordanier at 759-5392, Joe Lanier at 560-2363, and James Snyder at 560-4629.
For more information, contact a director or Secretary-Treasurer Lynelle Brumley at 565-1972.