Rose Mofford Award
Outstanding Junior Exhibitor
This award is presented in honor of former Arizona Governor Rose Mofford. Governor Mofford was an active supporter of the Arizona National and Agriculture in Arizona.
Recipient to be awarded a buckle and a $1,000 award.
Rose Mofford was born in Globe, Arizona and served in state government for more than 50 years. Her public service career included work in the Arizona Treasurer’s Office and the Tax Commission before her appointment as assistant secretary of state in 1953. She held that role for 22 years. In 1975, she became assistant director of the Department of Revenue and succeeded Wesley Bolin as secretary of state in 1977. She won election to a full term in 1978 and earned reelection in 1982 and 1986. In 1988, Rose Mofford was sworn in as governor to complete the term of Evan Mecham and became the first woman governor in Arizona history.
Beyond public office, Former Governor Mofford maintained a strong commitment to Arizona agriculture and youth development. Her involvement with the Arizona National Livestock Show reflected active participation, not just ceremonial support. She attended events, engaged directly with exhibitors, and took personal interest in youth competitors. Former Governor Mofford believed public service included showing up, listening and recognizing effort. Her involvement reflected a long-standing commitment to agricultural education and Arizona youth, not politics. The values she championed in public office were the same values she reinforced at the Show: fairness, work ethic and recognition earned through effort.
During her involvement with the Show, Former Governor Mofford noticed an absence of awards dedicated to Arizona participants. In 1978, she established the Best All Around Arizona Junior Exhibitor Award to recognize hardworking Arizona youth. The award later became known as the Rose Mofford Award. Former Governor Mofford personally designed the belt buckle presented to recipients. The buckle became one of the most sought-after honors among junior exhibitors. The award reflected her belief Arizona youth deserved recognition on their home stage, judged by both character and achievement.
The Arizona National Livestock Show dedicated the 1992 event to Former Governor Mofford in recognition of her lasting impact on the Show, its exhibitors and generations of Arizona youth.
Qualifications
- Must be an Arizona Resident
- Must be a junior exhibitor at the current Arizona National Livestock Show
- Must not have been previously awarded the Rose Mofford AwardÂ
Award Procedure/Timeline
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- December 1 – Applications due to the Arizona National Office
- Week of December 5 – Committee will review applications
- Finalists will be determined and contacted for an interview
- Week of December 12 – Conduct finalist interviews
- December 28 – The recipient of the Rose Mofford Award presented at the Arizona National Show Dedication
Application Information
Please submit completed applications via email to information@aznational.org. The deadline for submission is December 1.