Wayne and Melody Semler, ranchers in Bayfield, were selected as this year’s Cattlemen of the Year by the La Plata-Archuleta Cattlemen’s Association.
At the association’s annual banquet last weekend, the Semlers were honored for their deep roots in agriculture in La Plata County, according to a news release from the association Thursday.
According to the announcement, the Semlers’ homestead was honored as a Centennial Farm in 2013. Wayne and Melody graduated from local schools, the announcement said.
Over the years, either Wayne or Melody have served in various community roles, including La Plata-Archuleta Cattlemen’s Association president, serving on the La Plata County Fair board, the La Plata County Farm Service Agency, the Pine River Heritage Society and the 4-H Council Advisers.
The Semlers have also hosted a farm tour for a Bayfield Elementary School kindergarten class each spring since 2002, the announcement said.
“They have pushed and encouraged their children, Megan and Michael, to be leaders in the agriculture community and have been extremely successful,” the announcement said.
The Semlers could not immediately be reached for comment Friday morning.