A legacy built stitch-by-stitch, Fern Sawyer (May 17, 1917 – Oct. 16, 1993), became an agricultural icon with her fearless attitude and bold style. The rodeo champion and political figure was widely known across the southwest. Her numerous rodeo victories and political interests paved a path for future generations of women in agriculture.
“All I need is cattle, a good horse, a pick-up truck, and a good pair of boots,” Sawyer said.
Sawyer grew up on a De Baca County ranch where her father expected her to work and ride as capably as any man. During this time, she developed strong ranch and rodeo skills. Her ranch background and remarkable horsemanship helped her dominate the competitions and build a name for herself in the rodeo community. When she participated in competitions, she frequently stood out as the only woman.
Sawyer started competing in rodeos while in high school, but the limited opportunities available for women led her to entering men’s competitions finding them more challenging and exciting. Sawyer’s reputation in rodeo was lined with victories from winning the All-Around World Champion title in 1938 to becoming the first woman to win the cutting horse competition at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo in 1940. She even competed in the first all-girls rodeo in Amarillo, TX where she won nearly every event she entered. After retiring in 1949, Sawyer became a highly sought-after rodeo judge.
Outside of the pen, Sawyer was an active member of New Mexico politics and served as the chairwoman of Lincoln County Democratic party. She blended her interests in ranching and rodeo into her political career becoming the first woman appointed to the New Mexico State Fair Board and to serve on the New Mexico State Racing Commission.
With her iconic style, Sawyer was no needle in a haystack. Her flashy outfits were perfectly matched with her vast collection of over 200 pairs of custom boots. New Mexicans remember her for grand entrances at the New Mexico State Fair and iconic presence.
“When I was roping calves in rodeos, I wore my best clothes,” Sawyer said in an interview. “I didn’t come out in Levi’s, and I didn’t want to look like a man.”
“Her Land: Women in Agriculture” is a rotating exhibit in the central corridor at New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Women hold a pivotal yet often overlooked role in agricultural history, so this exhibit shares their stories of resilience and expertise that continue to shape the agricultural landscape of the state.
By Dolores Melchor, NMFRHM Marketing Intern
