Ranchers, farmers and politicians attended the auction, dinner and presentation of the Cowbelle and Stockman of the Year awards at the Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association’s annual gathering on Saturday.
State Sen. Cleave Simpson, Rep. Larry Don Suckla and Montezuma County Commissioner Gerald Koppenhafer attended the evening festivities.
Eighty-eight-year-old Moeita Bauer received warm applause from the audience when she took home the Cowbelle of the Year award. Her historic ties to the founding of Mancos and deep roots in its ranching community were the focal points of the presentation.
“I would like to say to all the young men and young women, this is a great life,” Bauer said in her acceptance speech.
After moving around New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado, Bauer settled in Mancos, marrying the great-grandson of the town’s first mayor. In 1960, despite her wishes to stay in Mancos and avoid the ranching lifestyle, she and her husband began running cattle at Taylor Mesa and at the Goodman Point ranches, the latter of which she still runs with her son today.
“It's the best place in the world to raise your kids,” Bauer said, despite the financial hardships.
Now she is grateful for the ranching life and hopes to keep the ranch for her four children, 10 grandchildren and their 20 children.
Bauer is a lifetime member of the Southwestern Cowbelles, having joined more than 50 years ago, and the local Philanthropic Educational Organization. She was formerly a Bridge Club member and contributed to projects at her church.
“She often comments that she and her husband could have made more money somewhere else, doing something else, but money can never take the place of a ranching life with your children and grandchildren,” said Cowbelle Beverly Scott before handing Bauer a bouquet of flowers.
The Cowbelles and Cattlewomen also recognized lifetime member and former Southwest Cowbelles President Mary Ellen McComb for her devotion to the group. She helped assemble dozens of their brand quilts and worked many agriculture events for the organization.
“She is now a lifetime member and yet, she still pays her dues every single year,” Scott said before presenting McComb with her flowers. “Her love for this organization runs so deep that the Cowbelle symbol will forever be part of her legacy.”
The Stockman of the Year, Mancos rancher Vance Koppenhafer, received a similarly warm and enthusiastic reception from attendees.
“It’s an honor to be up here and receive this,” Koppenhafer said. “I thank the board for everything they do and for this.”
Koppenhafer grew up on his father’s ranch in Mancos and became a diesel mechanic before starting a cow herd and buying his ranch in Mancos Canyon.
“He has the understanding to learn from those around him to better himself and the industry, no matter their age or experience,” said Joe Lanier, vice president of the Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association, who presented the award. “He never takes life too seriously and enjoys a good cup of coffee.”
His three grandchildren enjoy the ranch with him, going for rides on the horses, tractors and four-wheelers on the property.
“He has incredible love and patience for the animals and people around him,” Lanier said. “He also has a true cattleman’s humility.”
Throughout the evening, attendees bid on handcrafted items, gift cards to local businesses and experiences, with proceeds supporting scholarships for graduating seniors. The Southwestern Cowbelles and Cattlewomen raffled off their brand quilt among other prizes.
Lynelle Brumley, secretary and treasurer for the Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association, said more than 360 tickets were sold for the banquet.
Dancing to the country music of the Vanishing Breed closed out the evening, with patrons smiling and holding each other arm in arm.
avanderveen@the-journal.com
