Jeff Bilberry
7th RHA Working Cowboy Award | Western Division Recipient
Kenna, NM | Singleton Ranches
Photograph by Ross Hecox
Jeff Bilberry, a lifelong cowboy and respected leader in the ranching industry, will receive the prestigious Ranching Heritage Association Working Cowboy Award, representing the western division. A fourth-generation rancher whose legacy runs as deep as the roots of the land he stewards, Bilberry exemplifies the time-honored values of integrity, service, and a life spent horseback.
For more than 30 years, Bilberry has served as the general manager of the Bojax, Augua Verde and Lobo divisions of Singleton Ranches, one of the largest ranching operations in the nation, encompassing more than one million acres across New Mexico and California. Additionally, for the past eight years he has overseen three of the ranches in California. As Vice President of Singleton Ranches, he continues to work cattle from the saddle, sharing his experience with young cowboys and leading by example in every corner of the outfit.
“Although Jeff’s current responsibilities include ranch management, he still saddles up more often than not and continues to doctor cows, brand calves and do anything necessary to ride for the brand,” said Pat Boone, a New Mexico rancher.
Photograph by Ross Hecox
His commitment to the ranching lifestyle is matched only by his dedication to community and faith. Bilberry has served as a Chaves County Commissioner, Elida School Board President, and held leadership roles with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association and the New Mexico Agriculture Board.
“Jeff is a true servant to his ranch, community, his family, and most importantly, the Lord
Almighty,” said Blaze Cogdell, a fellow rancher from the Tule Ranch.
Born into a family whose cowboy roots stretch back to an 1881 cattle drive to the legendary LFD Ranch, Bilberry carries that legacy with pride, perseverance, and humility. With his wife, Cheree, at his side, the Bilberries and their children continue the family tradition. Jeff Bilberry is living proof that the cowboy way of life is alive and well.
Photograph by Ross Hecox