Cherie Copithorne-Barnes, First Vice-Chair of the Board at the Calgary Stampede, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws (Hon. LLD) Degree by the University of Calgary in November 2025. A fourth-generation rancher and CEO of CL Ranches Ltd., Cherie has carried forward a 138-year family legacy, advancing sustainable beef production, strengthening the connection between agriculture and business, and helping shape national standards through her founding leadership with the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef.
We visited Cherie at CL Ranch to learn more about her life, her career in ranching, and the values that have guided her journey as an industry leader and First Vice-Chair of the Calgary Stampede.
Watch the full video to learn more about Cherie’s story.
Recent Stories

From Vine to Victory: Stampede Cellar Showdown Puts Agriculture in the Glass
February 27, 2026Now entering its third year, the Stampede Cellar Showdown International Wine Competition highlights how wine belongs within the agricultural traditions of the Calgary Stampede.

Meet the 2026 Calgary Stampede Royalty!
January 30, 2026As we gear up for all things Stampede this year, we are thrilled to introduce the 2026 Calgary Stampede Royalty as they begin their reigns as ambassadors of the Calgary Stampede!

Life on the Land: How the Stampede and OH Ranches Thrive in Winter
January 30, 2026Winter on a working ranch can feel like a different world from life in the city. At both the Stampede Ranch near Hanna, AB and the OH Ranch west of Longview, AB, winter is less about slowing down and more about preparation, adaptability and daily responsibility to the animals and the land.
