National Western launches ‘Ranches of the West’ heritage award

The National Western has announced the inaugural class of Ranches of the West, a heritage award recognizing ranches for contributions to the American beef industry and Western ranching.

The 10 honorees will be formally inducted during an expanded National Western Stock Show Cattlemen’s Week, scheduled for Jan. 13-18 in Denver. An exhibit featuring the honorees will be displayed at The Legacy’s Wold Heritage Center through the fall.

The National Western said ranches were selected based on their contributions to the beef industry rather than solely on size, age or recognition. Areas considered include genetics and seedstock development, beef quality and carcass improvement, production systems, conservation, land stewardship and industry leadership.

“The connection between the National Western Stock Show and Western ranching runs more than 120 years deep,” said Wes Allison, president and CEO of the National Western. “Since our founding, ranchers and cattlemen have traveled to Denver each January to exhibit livestock, build relationships, market genetics and conduct the business of the beef industry.”

Allison said Ranches of the West was established to recognize that history and introduce it to another generation.

“This inaugural class represents the diverse people, places and operations that have built the Western cattle industry,” he said.

The award coincides with an expanded six-day Cattlemen’s Week, which will focus on commercial cattle producers and the beef industry.

Honorees and their families will be recognized during an induction ceremony and reception Jan. 14 at 4 p.m. at The Legacy. A PRCA rodeo will follow the ceremony.

2027 Ranches of the West Inaugural Class

PHOTO: Spann Ranches in Colorado is one of the inaugural Ranches of the West honorees. (Photo by Jan Washburn, courtesy of Spann Ranches.)