My Story
Valerie is a rancher's wife, teacher, writer, crew cook, quilter and reader. She and her husband, cowboy poet Floyd Beard, live in Southeast Colorado and run Corriente cattle with their daughter and son-in-law. They keep a few Border Collies around to stay humble. Valerie was a top five finalist for IWMA Female Poet of the Year in 2019, 2021, and 2022.
Recognitions
IWMA Poetry Contest -Novice Winner
Winner of the International Western Music Association’s Cowboy Poetry contest-Novice Division at the 2015 IWMA Convention in Albuquerque, NM.
Top Hand Award
The Colorado Chapter of the International Western Music Association gives the Top Hand Award to the member who has done the most that year to support the Colorado Chapter.
2019 IWMA Top 5 Female Poet Nominee
Each year the International Western Music Association membership votes on top musicians and poets. In 2019 I was honored to be named one of the Top Five Finalists for Female Poet of the Year.
“Time well spent leads to life well lived.”
-Martin Uzochukwu Ugwu
