During a crowded banquet on Saturday, a fourth-generation Mancos rancher received the Southwest Colorado Livestock Association’s Cowbelle of the Year Award.
Beverly Humiston-Scott has been a member of the Southwestern Cowbelles, the women’s group that works alongside the Livestock Association, for 39 years. According to an Livestock Association news release, she has been instrumental in organizing numerous Montezuma County events and co-operates Humiston Ranches in the Mancos Valley. Her mother, Ann Humiston, was named Cowbelle of the Year in 2002.
Bonnie Ellis, the fellow Cowbelle who presented Humiston-Scott the award, said she had a reputation as a hardworking rancher and a kind neighbor.
“She’s quick to offer help to her neighbors and to all community members who are in a bind, and is always willing to share her knowledge of ranching,” Ellis said.
She said Humiston-Scott has been involved with agriculture her entire life, starting with her 10-year career in 4-H livestock shows and other competitions. As an adult, she worked for companies including from First National Bank and Phillips Petroleum, but she always took time to be involved in the Cowbelles’ activities, helping to organize the annual meeting, promotions at the Montezuma County Fair, fundraisers and other events. She spent four years as the organization’s president, six as vice president and two as secretary, and Ellis said she has served as a reporter and parliamentarian as well.
In 2004, she went back to ranching full-time.
Humiston-Scott also spent four years on the Mancos School Board, has been chairwoman of the Mancos Days Queen Committee for seven years and currently serves as president of the Montezuma County VFW Auxiliary. She has participated in the Mancos Valley Balloon Festival ever since it began.
The Mancos rancher has been married to Bruce Scott since 2014, and he helps her run the ranching business. She has two children from a previous marriage and five grandchildren.
Humiston-Scott kept her award acceptance speech short and sweet, thanking the Livestock Association and saying she was proud to pass on her knowledge to her children and grandchildren.
“It’s amazing how much little kids love to learn if you just let them,” she said.
She was honored, along with the Stockman of the Year, during the dinner that came at the end of the Livestock Association’s annual meeting. About 340 Southwest Colorado ranchers and members of the livestock industry attended.
This article was re-posted on Feb. 13 to correct information about Humiston-Scott’s involvement in the Mancos Valley Balloon Festival.