New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association extends a congratulations to all of last year’s countywide winners and is also proud to announce the opening of their sixth 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 9 to 15 years, in all 33 counties of New Mexico are eligible to apply, but previous winners will not be selected to receive honors. Entries require a 200-to-500-word essay response to the prompt: TBD.

NMCGA award sponsors will collaborate in deciding the final winners from each county. Winners will receive a belt buckle and a one-year NMCGA junior membership. All county winners 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