Alisha Shy Nominated for CO CattleWomen
Rookie of the Year
Cattlewoman Alisha Shy serving sloppy Joes at the fall 2025 Bobcat Homecoming football game. Photo by Teri Munson
by Reggie Foster
L ocal Alisha Shy was recently nominated by Colorado CattleWomen for Rookie of the Year. How can someone with Alisha’s lifetime of experience in Ag to include ranching and owning a feed store be considered a rookie? Well, because this was Alisha’s first year as a member of the Custer County CattleWomen. She jumped in with both feet, attending every meeting and volunteering at every CattleWoman event, noticed by her fellow CattleWomen. Alisha also gives her time as Treasurer of the Custer County Fair Board and is the Club Leader for the Custer County Trailblazers. When asked why she gives so much of her time to so many community programs she said, “I do all of these things because I feel like volunteering is a good way to serve and give back to my community.” Custer County is proud to recognize Alisha Shy as our local CattleWomen Rookie of the Year.
WESTCLIFFE, CO
Custer County CattleWomen are proud to announce that Sara Shields has been honored as the 2025 Colorado CattleWoman of the Year, recognizing her lifelong dedication to the beef industry, agricultural education, and land conservation.
Sara Shields Photos courtesy of Custer County CattleWomen
A third-generation rancher, Sara carries forward the legacy of her family’s San Isabel Ranch, homesteaded in 1872 by her great-grandfather here in Westcliffe, Colorado. From a young age, she was horseback and active in every aspect of ranch life—from animal health and irrigation to haying and range management.
Sara is a graduate of Colorado State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Equine Science and a Master’s in Beef Industry Leadership. Her professional journey began with the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association, where she lobbied on behalf of agricultural and rural communities at both state and federal levels.
For decades, Sara has played an active role in promoting beef
and supporting youth engagement in agriculture. She has worked tirelessly at the Colorado State Fair and National Western Stock Show since 1989, and continues to serve as a mentor and educator to young cattle producers. A former 4-H club leader, she remains involved in youth development through showmanship clinics and leadership training.
Most recently, Sara helped launch the Colorado CattleWomen’s Beef Ambassadors Program, which teaches youth vital communication and advocacy skills to promote the beef industry. She and fellow advocate Sudzy Benesch led the program’s inaugural workshop at the Colorado CattleWomen and Colorado Cattlemen’s Association joint convention in Steamboat Springs.
Beyond her work in the beef industry, Sara also serves her community as a pastor’s wife and continues her family’s conservation legacy. In 2003, the Shields family placed the San Isabel Ranch in a conservation easement, ensuring the preservation of Colorado’s natural resources and working landscapes for generations to come. Sara continues this stewardship today as a board member of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust.The Custer County CattleWomen extend heart-felt congratulations to Sara Shields for her exceptional leadership, advocacy, and lifelong commitment to Colorado agriculture. We are beyond proud to have her in our “herd”.
Sara has spent her life caring for this valley, its people and animals. She also served as the interim Custer County Extension Agent in 2017. Sara is loved by both young and old. Sara Shields sets the finest example in both agriculture and in loving kindness toward others. The Sentinel staff congratulates Sara on this recognition.
by Reggie Foster
Claricy Rusk, a dedicated rancher and community advocate, has been recognized as the Colorado CattleWomen Southeast Member of the Quarter. This honor highlights her unwavering commitment to agriculture, conservation, and the future of ranching in Colorado. Continue reading Claricy Rusk Recognized by Colorado CattleWomen→
