The 45th Annual National Golden Spur Award Honors, celebrating the spirit of the American rancher and the enduring tradition of ranching, is set to take place on November 3, 2023, at the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences in Lubbock, Texas, featuring an exclusive acoustic performance by country music superstar Cody Johnson. 

This prestigious event is the pinnacle of recognition for the ranching and livestock industries, spotlighting those who forge ahead in continuing the incredible story of ranching. The night will be illuminated by the presence of the National Golden Spur Award honoree Craig Haythorn of Arthur, Nebraska, and the Ranching Heritage Association (RHA) Working Cowboy Award recipient Jimbo Humphreys of Dickens, Texas. 

“We are thrilled to honor these exceptional individuals who embody the heart and soul of the American ranching tradition,” said Jim Bret Campbell, Executive Director of the Ranching Heritage Association and National Ranching Heritage Center. “With special guest Cody Johnson adding his musical talent to the night, we are sure it’s going to be a memorable celebration of ranching heritage.” 

Other notable appearances include professional announcer and host for The Cowboy Channel Justin McKee, Western singer and entertainer Red Steagall, CMA Award Winner Trent Willmon, and other special guests. 

Proceeds from the National Golden Spur Award Honors will go towards the preservation of ranching heritage and history. To learn more about the National Golden Spur Award Honors and the award recipients, visit goldenspurhonors.com. 

Tickets range from $150 to $400. All tickets include access to the National Golden Spur Award Honors Pre-Show Reception and the Awards Show. Select tickets also grant access to the Cattleman’s Club VIP Dining, a unique culinary experience with exclusively themed food stations and beverages. 

Tickets are available through the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts & Sciences box office and website. For more information on ticket pricing, inclusions, the event schedule, and planning your visit, check out the official event website at goldenspurhonors.com. 

About the National Golden Spur Award Honors

The National Golden Spur Award Honors recognizes the recipients of the National Golden Spur Award and the Ranching Heritage Association Working Cowboy Award.  The National Golden Spur Award is the most prestigious recognition given by the ranching and livestock industries. It is a joint annual recognition historically given by six of the leading state and national ranching and livestock organizations, including the American Quarter Horse Association, National Cattlemen’s Foundation, Ranching Heritage Association, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Texas Farm Bureau, and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. 

Suggested Photo Captions:

Cody Johnson.jpg – Country music recording artist Cody Johnson will perform a live acoustic performance during the 45^th Annual National Golden Spur Awards. (Photo courtesy of Cody Johnson Music)

Red Steagall.jpg– Western entertainer Red Steagall will present and perform at the 45^th Annual National Golden Spur Awards. (Photo courtesy of National Ranching Heritage Center)

Craig Haythorn-by Peter Robbins.jpg– Craig Haythorn, fourth generation owner and operator of Haythorn Land & Cattle Co., will receive the 45^th National Golden Spur Award. 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. (Photograph by Peter Robbins)

Jimbo Humphreys 3 – by Ross Hecox.jpg – Jimbo Humphreys, ranch manager of Guitar Ranches, will receive the Ranching Heritage Association Working Cowboy Award. Established in 2018, the award recognizes men and women who make their living in the saddle taking care of livestock and land daily. (Photograph by Ross Hecox)

By Annette Bridges

One might think living over four decades on a working cattle ranch there would not be anything not seen or experienced. The truth about this city girl is the more I embrace my
life as a cattle rancher the more first-times happen. Remember, I’ve told y’all before that
it took me almost 40 years to become comfortable with my life in the country. Perhaps the
surprises that continue to occur is largely due to my increased awareness of and participation
in our ranching operation.

The summer drought of 2022 brought many unwanted firsts for our ranch, but amongst the
ugliness was some beautiful and precious, too. When the herd was in our southwest pasture,
we could place the water tanks along the east fence that was close enough to allow for filling with water hoses rather than hauling the water tank. Of course, filling with water hoses
was much slower so it meant I spent many hours hanging out during the process.

To read more, pick up a copy of the September issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

By Annette Bridges

Have you ever said “never again” about something? After our 17-year-old dachshund passed away in 2018, I told my husband never again would I let another fur baby steal my heart. My heart was broken, and I could not bear the thought of loving and losing again.

We both stand by our desire to not have another animal share our home. At least that is our current wish, as we have traveling hopes and remodeling and moving goals. We have explained to our family and ourselves it is about freedom. We have help with caring for our cows when we are away, but indoor pets are another story, and we worry that we just do not want to take on more at this time.

To read more, pick up a copy of the August issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.