New Mexico singer-songwriter Randy Huston and farrier Jim Keith were honored with the 2025 Rounders Award on October 15 at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces.
Randy Huston, who is also a rancher and rodeo competitor, has performed across the United States. His songs have been recorded by artists including Lee Ann Womack, Darryl Singletary, and Chris LeDoux. Huston has received awards from organizations such as the Academy of Western Artists, International Western Music Association, Western Writers of America, and the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. In addition to his music career, he advocates for American agriculture and continues to manage cattle on his family’s ranch near Cuervo, New Mexico.
Jim Keith grew up in Springer, New Mexico, with a background rooted in ranching, rodeo, and horseshoeing. He is a four-time World Champion Blacksmith and respected farrier who has taught horseshoeing and judged competitions internationally. Keith managed the American Farrier Team before retiring to focus on cowboy art and writing. He published "I Never Called Myself a Cowboy" and is working on another book titled "Looking Back: 66 Years of Shoeing."
The Rounders Award is named after “The Rounders,” a novel by Max Evans. It was established in 1990 by former New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Frank DuBois to recognize individuals who exemplify the Western way of life.
New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte presented this year’s awards to Huston and Keith.
“I am proud of the legacy Max has left in Western culture, and this year’s Rounders Award recipients definitely live and articulate the Western way of life. Max would be proud,” said Witte. “Jim Keith and Randy Huston have built remarkable careers that honor our ranching traditions and Western heritage.”
Max Evans was the first recipient of the award.
