By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Haskell County rancher and Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) member Arlon Baize was recognized with the 2026 Ranching Heritage Association Working Cowboy Award.

Baize, of Sagerton, received the Eastern Division award during the National Golden Spur Award Honors held Oct. 10 in Lubbock. The recognition coincided with his 85th birthday.

The award recognizes individuals who make their living primarily horseback, caring for livestock and the land. Recipients are selected for their ranching skills, character and respect among fellow cowboys and ranchers.

Baize has spent more than 50 years working cattle on ranches throughout the Abilene, Albany, Baird and Haskell areas.

He began his cowboy career at the Guitar Ranch near Abilene and later operated a ranch with his brother near Baird. The brothers eventually purchased land near Sagerton, where Baize continues to ranch and work cattle for other operations.

“I got to work with a lot of good cowboys here and there and everywhere,” Baize said in an interview with the Ranching Heritage Association. “They inspired me to be as good as I could. The ones I admired were the ones that could do all things.”

TFB nominated Baize for the award.

“Arlon represents the dedication, work ethic and character that have long defined the working cowboy,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “He has spent his life caring for livestock, helping fellow ranchers and doing a job he loves. We’re proud to see him receive this well-deserved recognition.”

Baize previously received the Working Ranch Cowboy Award from the Texas Cowboy Reunion in 2020. He also competed in ranch rodeos, winning championships with the Guitar Ranch team at the Western Heritage Ranch Rodeo in 2003 and 2004.

The Ranching Heritage Association Working Cowboy Award was established in 2018 to honor the men and women whose daily work helps sustain the ranching industry.

TFB is one of six longtime sponsoring organizations of the Working Cowboy Award and National Golden Spur Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the ranching and livestock industries.