National Golden Spur Award–Rancher Jan Lyons to Be Honored in Lubbock

If you're a fan of good people doing big things in the ranching world, mark your calendars for Saturday, October 4, because Jan Lyons of Manhattan, Kansas, is headed to Lubbock to receive one of the most prestigious honors in the livestock industry: the National Golden Spur Award.

What's the Golden Spur?

That’s right—this Kansas cowgirl, beef industry powerhouse, and all-around legend will be honored at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center during the annual National Golden Spur Award Honors.

The National Golden Spur Award is basically the ranching world’s version of a lifetime achievement Grammy. It’s awarded jointly by six major ag organizations, including the American Quarter Horse Association, Texas Farm Bureau, and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, just to name a few.

READ MORE: Texas Ranch Lets You Pet, Feed & Hang Out With Alpacas

And this isn’t handed out lightly—only one person a year gets it. Lyons will be the 47th recipient, joining a legendary lineup of ranchers and livestock leaders who’ve helped shape the industry.

Jim Bret Campbell, executive director of the Ranching Heritage Association here in Lubbock said via press release:

“Jan Lyons continues the tradition of excellence that defines the Golden Spur. She’s a trailblazer who represents everything the award stands for.”

More About Lyons

Lyons has decades of service under her belt. She’s co-owner of Lyons Angus Ranch in the Flint Hills of Kansas, and she’s been the first woman to lead both the Kansas Livestock Association and the Kansas Angus Association. She even served as president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association during the turbulent 2003 mad cow disease scare—guiding the industry through it with steady, science-driven leadership.

READ MORE: Lubbock PSA: Don't Drink and Swim This Summer—Here's Why

Industry vets call her the “Gold Standard” for leadership, vision, and grit. She’s earned countless awards, including the BEEF Magazine Trailblazer of the Year and Kansas State’s Stockman of the Year.

But beyond the headlines, her real legacy is mentorship and the family tradition she’s passed on to multiple generations.

“Jan built a worldwide trust in American ranchers and beef,” said fellow rancher Jay O’Brien. “We owe a lot to her leadership.”

How Do You Attend?

Sponsorship packages and event tickets will be available soon. For more info, head to goldenspurhonors.com.

So let’s roll out the red carpet, Lubbock—Jan Lyons is coming to town!