ARTESIA — A 4-H participant from Carlsbad was Eddy County’s winner in this year’s New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) Heritage Buckle competition.
The NMCGA is selecting Heritage Buckle winners at all county fairs. To be eligible, youth ages 9-15 must provide a 200- to 500-word essay on how they would continue their family’s agriculture heritage in order to better their community.
Eddy County’s winner, Jersee Smith, is a member of Kountry Klovers 4-H Club of Carlsbad. Her buckle was sponsored by Waypath Employee Benefit.
“My family have a few traditions that I would like to continue throughout my life,” read a portion of Smith’s essay. “When it is time for calf working, we host a large gathering of people over many days. […] I love the time spent working and then visiting with family and friends.”
“We are thrilled to be able to present these awards to outstanding youth in our state,” said NMCGA President Loren Patterson. “Every year, the participation and the depth of the essays just keeps getting better and stronger. It is a good feeling to know that the future of agriculture is in great hands.”
“This program would not be possible without our sponsors,” added NMCGA Promotion and Marketing Committee Chairman Amanda Culbertson. “We have wonderful NMCGA membership and Allied Industry partners that step up to the plate to support our youth.”
