Nearly 250 ranchers and their families joined together Saturday night for the annual Southwest Colorado Cattleman’s Association meeting and banquet, held at the Cortez Elks Club.

Following a classic ranchers’ dinner of (you guessed it) steak, beans, cornbread and potatoes, all eyes turned to MC’s Jean Bader and Darin Goodall, who announced the Cowbelle and Cattleman of the Year awards with ample anticipation and wry cowboy humor.

The Cowbelle of the Year award went to Dixie Veach, described as "the truest example of a ranch wife and Cowbelle that exists anywhere."

Mrs. Veach has been an active Cowbelle member since 1965, serving as president in 1970 and in 1985. She was also the Cowbelle historian for five years and the secretary for one year. She also staffed the group’s booth at their annual meeting for 10 years, and at the Ag show for five. In addition to her hobbies of quilt making, furniture restoration, and genealogy, Veach has proudly worked alongside her husband with all of their sheep and cattle activities. She has been named a Master Homemaker, was chairperson of the annual Beef Cook Off, served on the Fall Luncheon and Silent Auction committees and contributed to the Cowbelle Calendar since its beginning.

It was back in the "old-timer" days when cowboys relied on brute strength and a trusty steed, rather than a half-ton four-wheel-drive pick-up and tractor, that this year’s Cattleman of the Year ambled into town. Junior Johnson was awarded the prestigious award to a standing ovation for his pioneer efforts in a cattle ranching career that began when his parents homesteaded here in 1914.

"Johnson’s concern for livestock and the people who raise them is a true testimony of his dedication to the western way of life," praised Goodall. "There are very few mountains, canyons, and rivers in this area where he hasn’t ridden and gathered cattle from."

Johnson has been active in 4-H activities, serving as superintendent and beef leader for many years. He has been involved with the Montezuma County and Dolores fair boards and the Dolores Future Farmers of America made him an honorary Chapter Farmer. For the past several years he has devoted his time to the Cahone Cemetery Board.

Johnson and his wife of 55 years raised four children here and have five grandchildren. The couple is especially proud that their kids still live in the area where they are now raising their own children. An ardent proponent of "Cowgirl Lib," Johnson raised his daughter to be as good a ranch hand as his sons.

"This man was born on April Fool’s day, and all of the pranks pulled on him have made him a rough and tough cowboy," said Goodall. "As long as he has a few old cows around, a few good horses to play with and someone who’ll lend him an ear while he tells stories of the good ’ole days, he’ll be a happy cowboy."

For all of his contributions to the development of a rural lifestyle in this community, Johnson humbly accepted his award and credited his closest ally for the success.

"I’ve never done anything all that good, but my wife sure has," he said.