Each year, the National Golden Spur Award recognizes the lifetime achievements of the nation’s top rancher. This unique award, the only national distinction of its kind, recognizes outstanding contributions to the ranching and livestock industry. More than bringing prestige to an individual, the award spotlights the humanistic and scientific contributions of the livestock and ranching industries.

Golden Spur 2011

Nolan Ryan of Georgetown, Texas, will receive the 34th annual National Golden Spur Award Sept. 17, 2011, at the Overton Hotel & Conference Center, 2322 Mac Davis Lane, Lubbock. In recognition of his positive portrayal of ranching and his public acknowledgement of it as his chosen way of life in numerous national publications, interviews and product endorsements, the 2011 Golden Spur sponsors selected Ryan to receive this year’s award.

The National Golden Spur Award is a joint recognition by some of the industry’s leading organizations, among them the American Quarter Horse Association, National Cattlemen’s Foundation, Ranching Heritage Association, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Cattle Feeders Association and Texas Farm Bureau.

The Golden Spur recognizes outstanding contributions to the ranching and livestock industry.

The award will be presented during a dinner, preceded by a reception and silent auction. Tickets, available from the Ranching Heritage Association, are $100 each or $75 for RHA members, with tables for 6 available at $750, tables for 8 $1,250 and $5,000 for event sponsors. The $5,000 tables include admission to a Private Reception with Nolan Ryan from 6-6:30 p.m.

Host organization, the Ranching Heritage Association, is a support arm of the National Ranching Heritage Center museum and historical park established to preserve the history of ranching, pioneer life and the development of the livestock industry in North America.

Click here for a listing of past recipients