Rio Ranchoan gets NMGCA buckle

RIO RANCHO — A young Rio Ranchoan has won the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association 2025 Heritage Buckle in Sandoval County.

Harper Cornwell, 14, of Rio Rancho, was announced as the winner Aug. 13 for the 9-15 age group. She is a barrel racer and roper.

“I am super excited to see the new and inventive ideas that our youth have for our industry. New technologies will always enhance our industry and way of life,” said Dave Kenneke, regional vice president of NMCGA Northwest.

To be eligible for the Heritage Buckle award, youth ages 9-15 were asked to write a 200-500-word essay answering: “What new innovative technologies or practices would you implement to address the current or future needs of agriculture?”

When asked what new technologies or practices Cornwell would implement in the future of agriculture, she said, “An AI system that detects weather and weather patterns in advance to help farmers prepare their crops for harsh weather and storms and to keep their livestock healthy.”

“We are grateful for the generous contributions from our sponsors, which are helping to prepare the next generation of leaders,” NMCGA President Bronson Corn said.