From left are Bobbie Neal-Little, 2015 Cowbelle of the Year, and 2015 Copper Cowbelles President Jo Ann Miller. (Courtesy Photo)

This annual award is bestowed on a member for outstanding service to the organization and to the promotion of the ranching way of life. Bobbie Neal-Little exemplifies this honor. She has served over 15 years as a Copper CowBelle and although she stays quite busy with her family, she always makes time to help a neighbor and support local youth.

Bobbie has been instrumental in assisting the Silver City Museum with “Trunk lessons” on ranching as well as collecting artifacts and histories for an upcoming ranching exhibit. She works hard to promote the fundraising efforts for the Copper CowBelles with the annual Shindig, coming up April 30, as well as the annual Grant County Fair booth and other venues which fund scholarships for Grant County students majoring in Agricultural fields.

The local chapter of the New Mexico CowBelles organization, Copper CowBelles, began September 1976. The Copper CowBelles, with members from all walks of life, have made themselves known as a group of women who want everyone to know the importance of the beef industry to Grant County and The State of New Mexico.