Farmer Rancher of the Year Mike McLain 

Mike McLain of Gruver, TX was honored with the 2017 Farmer Rancher of the Year Award as part of the Amarillo Ag Appreciation Luncheon during the Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show. 

According to his wife, Diane, “Farming is in his (Mike’s) genes.” He farms and ranches with his son, Buster and son-in-law, Marty as part of the their family’s Mc Cattle Company. In 1985, Mike was awarded the Hansford Co. Conservation Farmer of the Year award. Mike is a descendant of Leslie Cator, the brother of Bob and Jim Cator, the buffalo hunters who originally settled the Panhandle. 

McLain was born in Austin, Texas in 1951 to Don and Gwen McLain. He graduated from Gruver High School in 1969. Mike earned a bachelor of science degree in business, with the intention of attending law school. He applied to Harvard, Columbia, and University of Texas Law schools. He was accepted to both Columbia and the University of Texas law schools. Although he was disappointed that he was not accepted into Harvard, he made the most of his opportunity and went on to graduate with highest honors from the University of Texas Law School in 1973. 

Mike met the love of his life Diane, and they married June of 1973. Mike and Diane have three children: Mika Devaney and husband Matt of Ft. Worth, Molly McCloy and husband Marty of Spearman, and Buster McLain and wife Holly of Gruver. They are the proud grandparents of eight beautiful grandchildren. 

For 24 years Mike has served on the board of Amarillo Production Credit Association, which became Great Plains Ag Credit, and is now Ag Texas. Throughout his tenure on the board, he has also served on various State committees, such as the Farm Credit Bank State Advisory Board and the Association Business Advisory Committee. 

Mike has always been, and continues to be, involved in the community. In the 1980’s, for several years, Mike coached Little Dribblers basketball teams in Gruver, and in the early 1990’s, he coached girls AAU basketball. 

In his spare time, Mike enjoys watching his grandchildren in their activities, basketball, going to the movies, muscle cars and five-window Chevys. 

Duncan & Boyd Jewelers has proudly supported the Farmer Rancher of the year for the last 25 years. Recognizing farmers and ranchers are the backbone of the Panhandle and the hard work these community members do year-round, Duncan & Boyd is proud to honor Mike McLain.