On Feb. 1, 2026, Lieutenant Governor Stavros S. Anthony attended the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, highlighting the importance of connecting with residents and visitors at the annual event.
The gathering is recognized for its role in bringing together people from across Nevada and beyond to celebrate rural Western culture. According to Anthony, “Cowboy Poetry in Elko is a great annual event where I get to spend time with Nevadans from across the state and tourists from around the country (…) The shows are first class Extra special to talk with Nevada ranchers and farmers as Lieutenant Governor.” According to his social media post, Anthony emphasized the value of discussions with ranchers and farmers during his visit.
The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering has been organized by the Western Folklife Center since 1985. The event features poetry, music, workshops, and exhibits focused on rural Western life. It draws participants each year during late January to celebrate traditional cowboy culture. Reports from the National Endowment for the Arts indicate that it contributes over $6 million annually to Elko’s local economy through visitor spending, supporting businesses during off-peak months and attracting thousands of attendees.
Ranching and farming remain central to Nevada’s rural economy. According to the Nevada Department of Agriculture, cattle production leads agricultural output in a state where ranches average 3,500 acres—ranking third nationally in size—and more than 4,000 farms generate key revenue for remote communities.
Agriculture also plays a significant role nationwide. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that agriculture contributed $1.53 trillion to gross domestic product in 2023, supporting over 34 million jobs through farming, food processing, and related sectors.
Anthony began his public service career as a police officer in Las Vegas in 1980 before serving as captain for nearly three decades. He later served on the Nevada Board of Regents and as a Las Vegas City Councilman before being elected lieutenant governor in 2022.According to official records, he holds degrees from Wayne State University and UNLV.