La Plata-Archuleta Cattlemen's Association

06/01/2026

04/20/2026

What a night for our cattlemen community!🤠

We were honored to welcome 315 attendees for another incredible La Plata–Archuleta Cattlemen’s Association Banquet. From a packed room full of friends, families, and supporters to our strongest silent auction to date, it was an evening that reflected the strength and generosity of this community.

With more than 60 silent auction items valued at over $11,000, the support from local businesses, ranching families, and donors was truly outstanding. Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make this year’s auction such a success. 🙌🏽

Another exciting highlight of the evening was the La Plata County CowBelles quilt live auction, which brought the highest winning bid in the organization’s history. Because of that incredible generosity, even more student scholarships will be possible in the near future.

We were also proud to recognize this year’s award recipients. Congratulations to Basin Co-Op as our Friends of the Cattlemen honoree for their longstanding support of agriculture and our local ranching community. Congratulations as well to Gerald and Phyllis Ludwig, named our 2026 Cattlemen of the Year, in recognition of a lifetime of dedication, stewardship, and service to the cattle industry. 🌟🏆

Events like this are only possible through many helping hands. Thank you to our banquet committee, volunteers, board members, and the outstanding team at Sky Ute Casino Resort for going above and beyond to help make the evening special.

We would also like to extend special thanks to Cheyenne Munns for beautifully capturing the evening and for generously serving our organization behind the scenes. Her talent and support are deeply appreciated. 📸

Finally, thank you to our generous VIP Table Sponsors whose support helps make this event possible: American Ag Credit, Basin Co-op, Beaver Creek Enterprises, Four Corners Trailers, Gosney Ranches, Happy J Ranch, High Country Auction, Huntington Ranches, Colorado Independent Cattle Growers, Ludwig Ranch, Pargin Ranches, Taylor Ranch, Farmer’s Fresh Grill, Southwest Ag, and Energy Council.

We are grateful for each of you and proud to celebrate the people, partnerships, and traditions that keep our ranching community strong.

04/18/2026

04/18/2026

Everything is set and ready for the 76th Annual La Plata–Archuleta Cattlemen’s Banquet! 🐂

From the silent auction tables to the stage, it’s all come together for a special evening celebrating our ranching community.

A sincere thank you to the Sky Ute Casino & Resort staff, our GENEROUS sponsors and all of the banquet committee helpers who make this event possible—we truly couldn’t do it without you. 🙏🏼🙌🏽

Join us for:
• 50+ silent auction items valued at over $11,000
• Prime rib dinner
• La Plata County CowBelles Live QUILT auction
• A night of community and connection

Doors open at 6PM — we’ll see you there. 🤠

04/07/2026

04/02/2026

I'm honored to support the La Plata Archuleta Cattlemen’s Association banquet—and I’d love to see our community show up strong.

📅 Saturday, April 18th
📍 Sky Ute Casino Resort

These are the folks working every day to raise cattle, care for the land, and keep a way of life alive right here in Southwest Colorado.

🤎 Through advocacy, legislation, and boots-on-the-ground support, the La Plata Archuleta Cattlemen’s Association and Colorado Cattlemen's Association fight for ranchers—protecting land, water rights, and the future of agriculture.

🌾 Here’s the reality:
Colorado has ~2.6 million head of cattle
Beef brings in $3+ BILLION to our state
90% of U.S. ranches are family-owned

⚠️ But as Colorado’s urban population explodes, agriculture is being pushed out—fast.
If we don’t support ranchers now, we risk losing:
✔️ Open land
✔️ Local food sources
✔️ Family ranches
✔️ Our western way of life

🐂 You don’t have to be a rancher to care—you just have to care where your food comes from and what our future looks like.

🎟️ Get your tickets here:
https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/LPACA/annual-cattlemen-s-banquet?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ6YOVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEez2FzbpRNZbimKKEAR6zQxEW-_9jp9u8IRg4CiCE3rIq3uPKD4RQVEvoYwx0_aem_L1JNq1YK-kjudgDh03Hd0w⁠�

Come support. It matters more than ever.

04/01/2026

The 76th Annual Cattlemen's Banquet is April 18th and you won't want to miss the largest agricultural gathering of the year.

Hurry down to Basin Coop in Durango to purchase your tickets or snag yours online at:

Enjoy a Prime Rib dinner, guest speaker, live and silent auctions — including the coveted CowBelles Quilt auction — the Cattlemen of the Year recognition, and dancing to music by Vanishing Breed. Don’t miss this special evening of tradition, community, and celebration of our local ranching her

03/24/2026

With planting season approaching, now is a good time to plan ahead. High Desert Conservation District is offering several workshops, resources, and equipment to support producers across Montezuma County this season.

Workshops (see attached flyers for details)

Pasture Management – March 27
Learn what works locally—reseeding strategies, species selection, and w**d control for Southwest Colorado. https://forms.gle/1sh25jbTRboVShft8

Farm & Ranch Liability Workshop – April 7
In partnership with CSU Extension, this workshop will cover insurance coverage, liability considerations, and risk management strategies to help protect your operation. https://forms.gle/796JfB7pCQMXeDmv5

Ranching for Profit – April 10–11
A hands-on, two-day workshop focused on improving profitability, grazing management, and decision-making. https://high-desert-conservation-district.booqableshop.com/products/ranching-for-profit-2-day-workshop

Seedling Sale Now Open 🌱
We’ve got species suited for our area—great for windbreaks, habitat, and conservation plantings.
Also available: worm bins, castings, and wool pellets to build soil health.

Limited quantities—order early. https://high-desert-conservation-district.booqableshop.com/collections/spring-2026-seedling-sale

03/15/2026

🥩 Join Us for the La Plata–Archuleta Cattlemen’s 76th Annual Banquet-- April 18th, 2026! 🤠

Enjoy a delicious Prime Rib dinner, hear from our guest speaker Jerry Sonnenberg, USDA Colorado State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency, and take part in a fun evening celebrating our local ranching community.

The night will include:
• Live & Silent Auctions (including the coveted La Plata County CowBelles Quilt Auction)
• Cattlemen of the Year recognition
• Dancing to live music by Vanishing Breed

Jerry Sonnenberg is a lifelong Colorado farmer and rancher who served 16 years in the Colorado Legislature and was inducted into the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2023 for his leadership and advocacy for agriculture.

🏨 Planning to stay overnight?
Ask the casino about the Cattlemen’s Banquet room block when booking. Rooms are limited and available first come, first served.

Every ticket purchased directly supports our Youth Scholarship Program, helping invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders.

🎟 Get your tickets at Basin Coop in Durango or online: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/LPACA/annual-cattlemen-s-banquet

Please SHARE-- We hope you’ll join us for this special evening of great food, community, and tradition!

02/24/2026

🌾 Supporting the Next Generation of Agriculture 🌾

The La Plata–Archuleta Cattlemen’s Association is proud to continue investing in the future of our region’s agricultural heritage.

This year, we were honored to support the La Plata County Livestock Judging Team (La Plata County 4-H) as they competed at the Rumble in the Rockies, and to sponsor the True Western Roundup Royalty — young ambassadors who represent the values, tradition, and work ethic of western heritage.

Our association believes strongly in encouraging youth involvement in agriculture, leadership, and livestock programs. These young men and women are not only learning skills — they’re carrying forward a way of life.

We’re grateful to play a small part in helping them grow, compete, and represent our communities with pride.