The National Golden Spur Award is the most prestigious award given by the ranching and livestock industries. It is presented in recognition of exceptional accomplishments by an individual.

Established in 1978, the award has been conferred upon iconic industry leaders whose unparalleled devotion to land and livestock has earned them notable respect and admiration from their peers.The award also emphasizes the humanistic, scientific, and technological contributions of the ranching and livestock industries to society.

Six ranching and livestock organizations have historically sponsored the award: American Quarter Horse Association, National Cattlemen’s Foundation, Ranching Heritage Association, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Cattle Feeders Association and Texas Farm Bureau.

Award Qualifications:

Must have made an indelible impact on the ranching industry through:

  • Impacting the people and organizations of the national ranching and livestock industries.
  • Producing or successfully implementing critical scientific contributions.
  • Developing or successfully adopting technologies with far-reaching impacts.
  • Increasing the national awareness and reputation of the ranching and livestock industries.
  • Representing the highest order of cow country values and being an individual respected by the industry and his or her crew at home.

The National Golden Spur recipient is selected by a committee of ranching and livestock industry leaders and contributors. One recipient is chosen annually from this national pool. The winner is recognized at the National Golden Spur Award Honors event and honored with the “The Rancher” bronze-sculpture presentation piece.

Recent Honorees:
46th Recipient – Tio Kleberg | Kingsville, Texas
45th Recipient – Craig Haythorn | Arthur, Nebraska
44th Recipient – Clark Willingham | Dallas, Texas and Guymon, Oklahoma
43rd Recipient – Monte Dean Cluck | Boerne, Texas
42nd Recipient – James Robert (Bob) McCan | Victoria, Texas
41st Recipient – Russell Don (Red) Steagall | Forth Worth, Texas

Deadline – February 15, 2025. Please note, for nominations to be considered, they must include two letters of recommendation (minimum) and a bio/summary of contributions to the ranching industry.

Question Title

* 1. Name of person being nominated:

Question Title

* 2. Who is nominating this individual?

Question Title

* 3. Based on the award qualifications, please describe why this nominee should be considered for the National Golden Spur Award.

Question Title

* 4. Please list or describe the nominee’s work history and contributions to the ranching and livestock industry as pertaining to the award qualifications.

Question Title

* 5. Please list or describe leadership positions, awards, or recognitions that reflect the nominee's character and values, and that illustrates the respect they have garnered in the industry.

Question Title

* 6. Provide two letters of recommendation (minimum). Letters may be uploaded online by clicking the Choose File button - or - delivered to the contact information below. All letters of recommendation must be received by the nomination deadline for consideration.

PDF, DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, JPEG file types only.
Choose File

Question Title

* 7. Feel welcome to include additional documentation in support of the nomination (not required). Examples of additional documents include typed bios or resumes. Documents may be uploaded online by clicking the Choose File button - or - delivered to the contact information below. All supporting documentation must be received by the nomination deadline for consideration.

PDF, DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, JPEG file types only.
Choose File
Contact:

Jim Bret Campbell
Executive Director, Ranching Heritage Association
and National Ranching Heritage Center
Box 43200
Lubbock, TX 79409
Phone: (806) 834-2685
Email: jb.campbell@ttu.edu

Visit goldenspurhonors.com for more information about the National Golden Spur Award and the National Golden Spur Award Honors.
( Privacy & Cookie Notice

T