Being named Oklahoma Cattlewoman of the Year 2026 is an honor Debbie Powers says she never expected, but one she deeply appreciates. Powers, who was recently recognized by the Oklahoma CattleWomen, reflected on the friendships, volunteer work and passion for beef promotion that have shaped her journey during a conversation with Associate Farm Reporter Carli Davenport.

A Friendship Sparked Her Involvement

Powers said her path into the Oklahoma CattleWomen began with encouragement from a close friend. “I have a friend named D’Lese Travis who I’ve known since we were in my 20s, and she talked me into it,” Powers said. “So I joined and really enjoyed it in the beginning.”

Like many women balancing careers and family, Powers said her involvement was limited while she was raising children and working full time. After retirement, however, she found more opportunities to serve. “Then later on, when I retired, I really got involved in it, and now I do a lot,” she said. “I volunteer for everything.”

A Humbling Recognition

Receiving the organization’s highest individual honor came as a surprise to Powers, who credits the many women serving alongside her. “For one, I don’t think I’m worthy,” she said. “There’s so many women in this association that are so deserving of this.”

Even so, Powers said the recognition is meaningful because it acknowledges years of dedication and volunteer service. “I’m excited, and I’m proud,” she said. “I feel like they noticed that I’m doing what I’m doing, which makes everybody feel good when you’re noticed and you get recognized.”

Building Memories Through Fellowship

Rather than pointing to one defining moment, Powers said her favorite memories come from the many experiences she’s shared with fellow members over the years. “I really don’t have one memory,” she said. “It’s all the memories of all the meetings that we’ve had, the gatherings.”

She also highlighted this year’s “Behind the Gate” events as a favorite part of the organization’s activities. “This year, it’s been Behind the Gate, and every one of those has been fun,” Powers said. “We have two more to go, and I can’t wait to do those.”

For Powers, the greatest reward has simply been spending time with other women who share a commitment to agriculture. “Being with the women,” she said, is what has made her experience so rewarding.

Encouraging Others to Get Involved

Powers hopes more women will consider joining the Oklahoma CattleWomen, saying the organization offers opportunities for fellowship while advancing agriculture and educating consumers. “You need to join and come and have fun and learn about the cattle industry,” she said.

Education, especially among young people, remains one of the organization’s central missions. “We’re really big on educating the children and getting everybody involved,” Powers said.

She also emphasized the group’s shared passion for promoting beef. “Beef’s good for you, beef is good,” she said.

Powers described the Oklahoma CattleWomen as a group united by a common purpose. “It’s just a good organization to be in,” she said. “Just a bunch of good women working for the same cause.”

Cattlemen of the Year

Also named at the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association tradeshow and convention was the Cattleman of the Year. The award went to Virgina Rogers.

Rogers said, “Thank you to the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association for naming me the Cattleman of the Year at the annual convention last night. I am honored and humbled and proud to be a part of this great organization.”

Lifetime achievement award

The Oklahoma CattleWomen Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual whose lifetime of service, leadership, and dedication has made a lasting impact on Oklahoma CattleWomen, the Oklahoma beef industry, agricultural education, and the promotion of beef. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to Esther Miller.

Media Appreciation Award

Also receiving an award is our very own Fram Director KC Sheperd. KC won the Media Appreciation Award at the cattlemen’s convention and tradeshow Saturday, June 25th. KC said, “Special thank you to the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association for SURPRISING me with a Media Appreciation Award today! I am honored to have this amazing job of helping tell the stories of our Ag producers each day, and even more humbled to be recognized! Thank you!”