FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phoenix, Arizona – March 2, 2026 – The Arizona National Livestock Show is proud to announce Ashlynn Richardson as the 2025 recipient of the Rose Mofford Award, one of the most prestigious honors presented to a junior exhibitor at the Show. The award was presented during the Arizona National Show Dedication on December 28.
Ashlynn Richardson, daughter of Daniel and Kathy Richardson, is from Arlington, Arizona, and is a senior at Buckeye Union High School. She has been actively involved in the Arizona National Livestock Show for several years, beginning with showing cattle and expanding her participation to include the cattle fitting contest, prepared speech contests, and livestock judging.
Following graduation, Ashlynn plans to pursue a degree in Agribusiness with a minor in Public Policy or Agricultural Communications and hopes to run for an Arizona State Officer position. In her award application, she shared that the Arizona National taught her that being a true showman is not defined by awards, but by a commitment to serving others.
“Ashlynn represents everything the Rose Mofford Award stands for,” said Tyler Grandil, Executive Director of the Arizona National Livestock Show. “Her leadership, work ethic, and heart for service set her apart, and we are proud to recognize her as this year’s recipient.”
The Rose Mofford Award recognizes Arizona’s most outstanding junior exhibitor and honors the legacy of former Arizona Governor Rose Mofford, whose commitment to youth and agricultural education left a lasting impact on the Arizona National Livestock Show. Established in 1978 as the Best All Around Arizona Junior Exhibitor Award, it was later renamed in her honor. Governor Mofford personally designed the custom belt
buckle awarded to recipients, making it one of the most sought-after honors among junior exhibitors.
The award is sponsored by Judy Lewis in honor of her late husband, Jim Lewis, who passed away in 2021. The recipient receives a custom belt buckle and a $1,000 scholarship.
The Arizona National Livestock Show congratulates Ashlynn Richardson on this outstanding achievement and is honored to recognize her as the 2025 Rose Mofford Award recipient.
About the Arizona National Livestock Show
The Arizona National Livestock Show, held December 27-31 at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix, brings together farmers, ranchers, and families from across the country to celebrate agriculture through livestock competitions, rodeo
events, and youth programs. Highlights include the Ranch Rodeo, Stockdog Trials, livestock judging contests, and the new Welding Competition.
For more information about contests and entry details, visit www.aznational.org or contact the Arizona National Livestock Show office at (602) 258-8568 or information@aznational.org.
Media Contact:
Tyler Grandil
Executive Director
Arizona National Livestock Show
1826 West McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85007-1696
Phone: (602) 258-8568
Email: information@aznational.org
Website: www.aznational.org
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