James E. Herring, of Amarillo, Texas, has been selected to receive the prestigious National Golden Spur Award for 2014. Herring will receive the award on September 20, 2014 at the National Ranching Heritage Center on the Texas Tech University campus.

Bestowed to an individual who has provided outstanding contributions to the nation’s ranching and livestock industry, the National Golden Spur Award has become an iconic national honor. Herring is the 37th recipient and joins the ranks of men and women whose work and accomplishments have earned the highest respect of their peers. The accolade is a joint recognition of some of the industry’s leading organizations: American Quarter Horse Association; National Cattlemen’s Foundation; Ranching Heritage Association; Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; Texas Cattle Feeders Association; and Texas Farm Bureau.

Herring’s lifelong work has created tremendous benefits and opportunities for ranchers and beef producers throughout the United States. As chairman and CEO of Friona Industries, Herring led an innovative approach to coordinate efforts of ranchers, cattle feeders, beef processors and retailers to enhance quality and consistency of beef. Herring’s work made great strides in raising the competitive position of beef in a highly competitive environment for consumer preferences. Fortunately, consumers and cattle producers benefit because of the ingenuity and drive of Herring’s leadership.

“I am honored to know and have worked with James for many years,” said Ross Wilson, president and CEO of Texas Cattle Feeders Association. “He is a visionary businessman with an uncanny ability to foresee and capitalize on opportunities in the beef industry, many of which have not been easy to achieve. At the same time, he gives back to the beef industry and community interests through countless hours of volunteer service. James loves and appreciates the tradition of the cattle industry while recognizing that we must continue to improve the way we produce and market beef to satisfy the ever increasing demands of U.S. and foreign customers. He is most deserving of this prestigious award.”

The National Golden Spur Award reception, dinner and ceremony, hosted by the National Ranching Heritage Center, will begin at 6:00 p.m., September 20 in the center’s main gallery located at 3121 Fourth Street in Lubbock, Texas. Reserved tables for eight are $1,250 and individual tickets are $100.