DEMING – Youth in Luna County now have an opportunity to showcase their connection to agriculture and ranching traditions through a statewide contest that highlights the importance of heritage, land, and livestock in New Mexico.
The New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association has announced the opening of its annual Heritage Buckle Contest, which invites young people ages 13 to 17 from all 33 counties, including Luna County, to participate. The contest is designed to tell the stories of New Mexico’s youth involved in agriculture while preserving the traditions that have long been part of rural communities.
Participants are asked to submit a 350- to 500-word essay responding to the prompt: How does your heritage advance and promote the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association? One winner will be selected from each region of the state.
Regional winners will receive a belt buckle and a one-year junior membership in the association. Those winners will then advance to the statewide competition, where their essays could earn a $1,000 scholarship funded through the organization’s promotions and marketing committee. The statewide winner and their family will also be recognized as special guests during the 2026 Joint Stockmen’s Convention scheduled for December.
Local families involved in 4-H, FFA, ranching, and other agricultural programs are encouraged to help eligible youth consider participating, as the contest provides an opportunity to share personal stories about agriculture while competing for scholarship support.
Entries may be submitted by mail to NMCGA, P.O. Box 850, Moriarty, New Mexico, 87035, or by email to nmcgaheritage@gmail.com. The deadline to submit essays is May 9, 2026.
