Vernon “Bud” Walker Jr. was named Cattleman of the Year by the Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association at the group’s annual banquet.
Walker has dedicated his life to ranching, with the last 35 years plying his trade in Dolores. He is also an avid hunter, and was an outfitter in Arizona and New Mexico.
“They say some people are born to do a certain thing, others shape what they are through sheer will and determination,” said speaker Joe Lanier. “This man is one of the latter.”
Besides running his cattle and helping his fellow ranchers, Bud lead the way behind the scenes too, serving as president of the livestock association and as a member of the grazing advisory board with the Forest Service. He was also a dedicated member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
As tradition at the annual banquet, held Saturday evening, Bud’s life story was told to a huge crowd at the Elks Club following a traditional steak dinner.
