Western Ag Life Magazine - Fall 2019

FALL 2019

2410 N. Willow Ranch Rd. Tucson, AZ 85749 info@westernaglife.com www.westernaglife.com 520-808-1229

Western Ag Life Paul Ramirez, Publisher Paul@westernaglife.com

Dean Fish, Ph.D., Sales Consultant Dean@westernaglife.com Heidi Crnkovic, New Mexico Rep hscrnkovic@gmail.com Renée Bidegain, Creative info@westernaglife.com Madison Ramirez, Subscriptions info@westernaglife.com SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE 2019 FALL ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS ARTICLES

Paul Ramirez Tiffany Selchow Aaron Downey Janice Bryson Ashtyn Carr Tina Mead - Ramirez Jane Eppinga Patina Thompson Billy Elkins Arizona Cattle Growers Assoc.

Celeste Settrini Jay Hill Amber Morin Western Bank Kate Sanchez Billy VanCamp Patrick Bray Joel Johnson Dr. Lyle McNeal Dr. Don Bixby Tamra Kelly Christy Davis Nik Klutch Sarah King Pat Sepulveda-Myers PHOTOGRAPHY & ILLUSTRATIONS

Tina Mead-Ramirez Ashtyn Carr White Stallion Ranch Ulrich Muzyck Rocking P Photography Celeste Settrini Carmen McConnel Kate Sanchez McNeal & Bixby Nik Klutch

© WESTERN AG LIFE MEDIA LLC

While every effort has been made for the accuracy of content, those listed above are not responsible for any errors or omissions appearing within the pages of this issue.

A LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER: Fall is my favorite time of year. For those involved in agricultural it can be the busiest time of year. Crops are being harvested and cattle are being gathered and shipped. It’s what the other 98% of Americans would call pay day. Payday for the Farmer and Rancher in 2019 has very little certainty to it! I think most people involved in agriculture would certainly agree 2019 has been a volatile year! The effects of a global market, good or bad, are undeniably affecting Agriculture, and hopefully as we move into this global economy, we become better negotiators of trade. Unfortunately, the American Farmer and Rancher is caught in the cross-hairs of this current trade war and will have to bear the burden. Weather has also not been a friend to agriculture in 2019. I believe the only thing more erratic than the markets is the weather this year. You can call it what you want but it has been either been too cold or hot or it’s been too wet or dry. If there was something called predictability, I think like Elvis, it has left the globe. Finishing off the summer, one fire in a beef packing plant sent all cattle trade boards in the red. As I’m writing this, I am thinking, Paul this is coming off awfully negative for your favorite time of the year. I am asking myself if I should erase this editorial or not...? I decided in the hopes that the 98% of Americans not involved in agriculture will have a slight glimpse into the life of the American Farmer and Rancher and be thankful.

We in America have so many things to be thankful for and one of them is the abundance of quality nutritious food at an affordable price. To think that 98% of the population has very little knowledge of how our food arrives at our plate? Do yourself a favor and send prayer out to all OUR Farmers and Ranchers as they go into the harvest this year, trust me, they’re going to need it!

In parting, I want to give a shout out to all the women that were involved in the 2019 Women in Agriculture Conference. It was impressive, to say the least. I have my fingers crossed that I will be invited back in 2020. The speakers were excellent! I’ve had the pleasure of being in the presence of some extraordinary speakers in my lifetime and I am pleased to say I added another one to my list in Sherry Saylor. Sherry is a tremendous orator and needs to be on a TED talk.

Wishing you and your family a blessed Fall. Take time to be with family and when you sit around your table to feast, don’t forget to be thankful and grateful for your American Farmer and Rancher.

Your Friend, Paul Ramirez

IN THIS ISSUE: WYATT FERREIRA :: BY TIFFANY SELCHOW...............................................................................4 WESTERN READS:: AARON DOWNEY..........................................................................................8 A FAMILY OWNED TREASURE :: BY ASHTYN CARR..............................................................11 FROM THE KITCHEN :: ENCHILADA SOUP............................................................................ 12 EXPLORE :: WHITE STALLION RANCH....................................................................................... 14 HEALTH :: BVD....................................................................................................................................... 16

I LIVE THE WESTERN LIFESTYLE :: JAY HILL.......................................................................... 24 FARMING :: CHANGING HOW WE THINK OF FOOD WASTE...................................... 26 THE LIFE OF A RANCH WIFE :: SUNRISES & SOOK WAGONS....................................... 30 HISTORY:: NAVAJO-CHURRO, NORTH AMERICA'S 1ST DOMESTIC SHEEP............. 36 FROM THE AUCTION BLOCK :: THE AUCTIONEER........................................................... 42

WESTERN AG LIFE MARKETPLACE .............................................................................................47

WINTER 2019 ISSUE AVAILABLE MID-DECEMBER advertising reservation deadline :: NOV 1ST email us us! info@westernaglife.com COVER PHOTO: Loading Goats ©Tina Mead-Ramirez WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 3

WYATT FERREIRA

ARTICLE BY TIFFANY SELCHOW PHOTOS BY TINA MEAD-RAMIREZ

I

n a deserted area of Pinal County, an unexpected sound greets your ears: the clamor of bleating goats and 700 sets of hooves cruising through the desert. If you're lucky enough to hear them, you might even catch a glimpse of something not often seen in Arizona, much less the United States. It's a large flock of goats with their shepherd patrolled by four Great Pyrenees working dogs. Wyatt Ferreira, who comes from a cattle business, is setting out on what you might call an adventure in the goat business.

Goat meat, also called chevon and cabrito from adult goats, or capretto or kid from young animals, is a growing market.

Ferreira says this was something he's always wanted to do and now the market is right. Growing up in California, goats were always an animal Ferreira enjoyed raising. His father PG. 4 :: FALL 2019

even experimented in the goat raising business for a stint, but predator issues required a dispersal. This time around, the goat business is mainly the junior Ferreira’s idea, but it's all in the family. Corriente cattle, used for ropings, are the mainstay of the Ferreira’s Roping Cattle business. The senior Ferreira had always wanted to live in Arizona. With the Grand Canyon State being a hot spot for wintertime ropings, the move from California to Arizona a few years ago made sense.

Estimations stand that this is currently the largest flock of goats in Arizona and not only are they surviving, but they are also thriving in the harsh desert environment. While the stocking rate isn't specified, these animals require fewer inputs than other species and are willing to eat pretty much anything. Upon inspection of the land and forage deeded to the goat grazing,

A NEW GENERATION OF MEAT GOAT PRODUCTION IN ARIZONA

it would be difficult to discern if any animal had been turned out even after months of use.

On Ferreira's operation, bucks are turned out for a small period to ensure kidding in the fall with a rate of one buck per twenty does. The bucks are pure Boer, and the nannies are Spanish/ Boer crosses. After the kids are weaned, they head to a feed yard situation until they reach 90-100 pounds. A ration complete with vitamins and minerals is fed during this period with the result of a quarter-pound of gain per day. When the goats are done growing and ready for processing, California is their destination with a portion going to Texas.

Predator issues are always a concern with prey animals, but considering the terrain and remote location, Ferreira has experienced minimal depredation. Standard operating

procedures are in place to help ensure this remains consistent. A hot wire fence is used to pen the goats in at night, along with supervision from a shepherd, who is part of a migrant worker program and has previous experience with sheep and goats.

The protection dogs are another form of cheap insurance. Any losses that do happen are primarily due to coyotes.

The market for goat meat is growing in the United States, due to increased demand from the growing ethnic groups. Currently, the United States is importing more goat meat than exporting.

According to a report written by Dr. JM Luginbuhl, Professor Emeritus of North Carolina University, this has been the case since 1991 (Luginbuhl, 2015). The eastern side of the country sees the most sales with New Holland, Pennsylvania being the leader and Hawaii being another large purchaser of goat meat.

WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 5

California is also a significant destination for the final product, which is a large export hub. Â As a young entrepreneur, Wyatt Ferreira expresses his interest in staying in this market while it remains profitable. Each year new practices are put into place to improve his flock's productivity with homework done on the latest techniques in herd management. With a background of long-time livestock production, he's already a few steps ahead of the competition. Â Luginbuhl, J. (2015) Is There a Market for Goat Meat in the US? Yes, There Is! Retrieved from https://meatgoats.ces.ncsu. edu/2015/08/is-there-a-market-for-goat-meat-in-the-us-yesthere-is/

PG. 6 :: FALL 2019

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tiffany Selchow, moonlighting as a freelance writer, works for the ranchers of Arizona by educating consumers on the many benefits of including beef in a healthy lifestyle with the Arizona Beef Council.

Her horse crazy tendencies began by asking for one on her Christmas list as a young child and took her to Nelson Farms in Tucson, AZ where she rode and showed horses on a national level. That passion evolved and carried her into a life revolving around production agriculture. She lives and has taken up the role of ranch wife on the Quarter Circle U Ranch with her husband, the ranch manager, and their daughter Hayes.

WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 7

WESTERN READS

I

BY AARON DOWNEY

t’s autumn again already? Time is going by like a cheetah in a Bugatti!

Well, at least the heat waves are behind us and hunting season is almost here. You might want to save some of your delicious game in the form of backpack meat. Jerky

by A. D. Livingston is a no-frills cookbook with tons of techniques, advice, and recipes for beef, venison, fish, fowl, and some exotics.

The evil geniuses at Chronicle Books have done it again with their Taco Time!

Notecards. Yeah, it’s not exactly a book, but it includes twelve notecards with four types: ground beef, carnitas, shrimp, and veggies. The envelopes look like foil wrap, and there is a sticker sheet of garnishes. Brilliant. Send someone a taco note!

Now that I’ve thoroughly whet your appetite, how about some yummy fall comfort food? Ellen Brown’s Mac & Cheese: 80 Classic & Creative Versions of the Ultimate Comfort Food show how much the dish has grown up. Be still my grumbling stomach. Of the many interesting combinations in here, I go straight for the Poblano Chile Mac and Cheese. The book is full of excellent tips about the two star ingredients, and many others as well.

If you fear that the generation of readers of good old Western novels is waning, your teen young’un might go for Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman.

Our heroine is 18-year-old Kate Thompson on a quest to avenge her father, who was murdered over the whereabouts of a gold mine. It’s a heckof a plot-twisting, page-turning period piece.

Finally, Thomas F. Voight has curated a lovely gift-sized volume called Stand in the Light: Native Voices Illuminated

by Edward S. Curtis. The book pairs Edward Curtis observations and images of Native Americans from eight tribes with verse, songs, quotes, and wisdom from their respective cultures. It’s like me, both gorgeous and wise.

Just kidding. But seriously, enjoy your family and leisure time this fall. It’s the best time of the year for a family meal, a letter to a friend, or a darn good story.

PG. 8 :: FALL 2019

Visit: www.treasurechestbooks.com

A SCOURAGE DIFFICULT TO DEFEAT ARTICLE BY JANICE BRYSON

W

ho would have thought a female fly could be “A Scourge Difficult To Defeat”? The screwworm fly was reported in the American West as early as 1825.

She was potentially fatal to any warm-blooded animal, including humans, but most particularly cattle.

The female fly, after a one-time mating, deposits eggs in wounds and abrasions. When the eggs hatch within approximately twenty-four hours depending on the weather, the larvae sustain themselves by eating only live flesh. These larvae can grow as large as one half inch long. Dropping to the ground after four to seven days, they search for a suitable pupation site – usually within the first inch of topsoil or under leaf litter, rocks, or fallen limbs. During this time, the larval skin shrinks and hardens to form the puparium, which is dark brown. This stage may last seven to ten days depending on the temperature. Adult flies will emerge to mate and the cycle is repeated. In five to seven days, a full grown steer can die if the infestations are untreated.

Southern Arizona rancher Stuart Krentz wrote in his memoirs that the screwworm “altered the cattle business….from the first day of June, when the first rain started, until the cold weather - all we ever did was watch for screwworms...You had to get all your branding work done ….before the screwworms started.”

Keepers of The Range – The History of the Arizona Cattle Growers relates the history of the screwworm problem in cattle.

In the early 1930’s, the screwworm was costing livestock producers in the Southeast $400 million annually. Agricultural Research Scientists Edward F. Knipling and Raymond C. Bushland began to look further than topical wound applications for screwworms. In 1946, Knipling, now working at the USDA, read a paper discussing radiation’s use to alter the genetic material of insects. He became convinced the radiation could sterilize male screwworm eggs. Sterile flies would mate with native females, the eggs would not hatch and no offspring would be produced. The screwworm problem would eventually be solved.

Airplanes dropped sterilized male flies and by 1959 the Southeast was free of screwworms. America’s Southwest was far more extensively infested and the screwworms there were the next target. The area was cleared for a time; but with cattle and flies traveling between the United States and Mexico the Southwest began to reinfect.

Arizona rancher John Hays as well as ranchers from Texas testified before a congressional agricultural subcommittee advising that Arizona and the Southwest were again suffering from cattle-killing screwworms. Today, in 2019, discussions are being held on a border fence between the U.S. and Mexico; and so it was in the 1960’s when Davis and Hays testified.

They argued that although a permanent 2,000 mile fence might prevent an influx of screwworm-inflected cattle for a while, they had another suggestion. A better solution was a subsidized program set up to introduce irradiated male flies into Mexico which would push a buffer line back to just north of Guatemala.

Arizona cattlemen had levied one dollar a head on their range stock and contributed $350,000 matched by the state legislature to the control effort. The Senate agriculture committee approved the joint U.S. and Mexico program winning praise from Arizona Senator Carl Hayden. Then Senator Lyndon B. Johnson of Texas supported the Texas sterile fly program from the beginning and obtained funding as well as dedicating the opening of the Mission, Texas plant himself. By 1963, Arizona became part of the Southwest Animal Health Research Foundation joining cattlemen from Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana in an effort to promote private funding to match federal dollars.

The November, 1965 Convention Issue of the Arizona CattleLog includes a President’s Letter from outgoing Arizona Cattle Growers Association president Ray Cowden. He writes that Congress required a commitment of $300,000 to match the Federal appropriation for the screwworm project. Only $124,000.00 had been raised so far. The issue includes a picture of Susan Krueger, Miss SWEEP of 1965. Arizona sportsmen were urged to support the Arizona Game Protective Association screwworm fund-raising project. Ten thousand donation requests had been mailed to Arizona sportsmen and 200 collection canisters had been placed in sporting goods outlets. If you made a donation; you received a SWEEP decal for your bumper.

The screwworm population disappeared for a couple of years but did not fade away. In 1967, Hays reported in the Arizona CattleLog that funds were exhausted and the USDA was considering cutbacks. Arizona’s Senator Carl Hayden remembered seeing the threat based on cases he saw while growing up along the Salt River in the Tempe area and he was a powerful ally. Through his influence, funds became available and the war continued.

In the early 1970’s weather conditions with periodic high rainfall, flooding and humid weather, began to work against ranchers. The condition were ideal for the screwworms. Cases were reported in Arizona, Texas and New Mexico. The USDA sparked a new program and created a fiercer, still sterile “Super Fly” called 009. New sterile screwworm centers were opened in Mexico. Texas was given two million dollars to continue their work on the sterile fly program. The barrier was advanced all the way to Panama against a fly invasion from South America. No other program has resulted in such dramatic results in the southern half of the United States. In 2016 screwworm was found in a small population of deer in Florida but they have been contained. Screwworm eradication is one of the greatest entomological success stories of all times and also one of the least well-known peaceful uses of atomic energy: perfection of an effective control for screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel), using x-radiation.

WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 9

PG. 10 :: FALL 2019

A FAMILY-OWNED TREASURE ARTICLE & PHOTO BY ASHTYN CARR

F

rom the historic brick roads to the buzzing of live bass, the Depot District in Lubbock, Texas is full of life, stories, hopeful musicians, and great food. At the heart of the Depot District is Triple J Chophouse and Brew Company, a restaurant serving up house-made beers, juicy steaks and local favorites. Triple J puts a West Texas twist on the typical steakhouse with its laid back atmosphere, live music from local artists, and open kitchen environment.

“We’re here to give you a good product in a home-style atmosphere,” Tish said.

Since 1978, Don and Joyce Bigham have owned and operated Bigham’s Smokehouse, a local bar-b-que joint. Now managed

by Joyce, Bigham’s has two Lubbock locations and offers catering services. The family-run business began to expand in 2006, when the opportunity to expand arose. The family got the news that Hub City Brewery would be shutting down. The owners wanted the building to go to a local business, so they reached out to the Bigham’s. From there, Triple J was born, named after Joyce, her son Joe Keller, and an old business partner. The chophouse and brewery is currently operated by Joe and his wife Tish.

Triple J serves up food on two different menus, the Pony Express Lunch Menu and the Dinner Menu. Patrons can order burgers, salads, pizza, and house classics off the Pony Express from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. A West Texas favorite is the Green Chile Burger. This peppery hand-held comes loaded with green chile sauce and Monterey Jack cheese on top of a juicy char-grilled hamburger patty. If you’re looking for something light, choose from their variety of salads topped with a house-made dressing. My preferred lunch option is the Buffalo Chicken Pizza. Where can you go wrong with buffalo sauce and ranch?

For the evening crowd, you can order from a range of “appeteasers”, steaks, seafood, “poultry pleasins’”, pizza, and, of course, the house classics. A must try to start your meal off right is the cactus queso blanco. Triple J puts a twist on the TexMex favorite by combining queso and spinach artichoke dip. This unique starter is served up with fried wonton chips, a Triple J specialty. Next on the menu, is Triple J’s hand-cut steaks. The chef’s hand-cut all the ribeyes, filets and sirloins on site. My personal favorite is the Sir Nick Sirloin. Although just six ounces, this steak packs a mouthful of flavor for just the right price. Another great main course is the Rosemary Grilled Lemon Chicken. If you were to ask my dad, he would also recommend the classic Big Daddy’s Smoked Pork Chop, served bone-in on a bed of mozzarella cheese taters with a helping of cinnamon apples on top. Don’t forget to finish off with some praline bread pudding!

In addition to the chophouse’s hand-cut steak options, customers also have the option to take part in a special challenge

called “Grab the Bull by the Horns”. A ribeye is brought out to the table where they mark up where they want the steak cut. The largest cut the restaurant has seen was a daunting 88 ounces! You can keep your personal steak to yourself or share with the table.

Because the restaurant came with all the necessary equipment for a brewery, the Triple J family kept Hub City Brewery’s brewmaster, Mike Sipowicz, who built the brew system 25 years ago. Although Sipowicz has specialty in wine, he has since been working on and off at Triple J to provide one of a kind beers. The drink menu features a wide range of beers with a variety of stoutness, alcohol percentage, and flavors. One of their most popular beers is the Raider Red, the house amber brew. The Raider Red has a malt sweetness combined with the bitterness of hops.

Although their spread of brews changes with the seasons, there are a few beers that always make a come back. In the early weeks of October, you can find the Oktoberfest Amber on the chalkboard menu. But, you have to be quick to get a taste before the traditional German beer runs out. Likewise, Triple J has a Winterfest spiced beer available in the winter months.

It features aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and oranges. This winter beverage is unique to Triple J as it uses pumpkin in the brewing process.

If you just can’t get enough of Triple J’s fruit beer, malt liquor, pale ale, lager or any other local brew, you can take it home with you! Take it to go in a mason jar, 32 ounce squealer, 64 ounce growler, or even a keg.

“We are a brewery but that just comes with the good food,” Tish said in reference to operating both the restaurant and brewery.

As Texas Tech University graduates, the Keller’s continue to show their Red Raider pride. Soon after opening the restaurant, football season was upon the college town. Being in the Big 12 Conference, Tech goes head to head with the University of Texas each year. That being said, the family didn’t feel right leaving their cattle mount decor facing up right. Now, every Thursday before the Tech versus UT football, the celebrate “The Turning of the Horns”. The family will rotate the mount in good fun so the horns of the bull are facing down, as a jab at UT. Tish said they have a big celebration every other year where the cheerleaders, pom squad, and other Tech officials come out to take part in the tradition.

From the homey feeling to the Red Raider pride, Triple J fits right in with Lubbock. The in-house beers and well crafted bites are great for the locals, college students, and foodies visiting town.

For more information on Triple J Chophouse and Brew Company, visit www.triplejchophouseandbrewco.com.

WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 11

FROM THE KITCHEN: ENCHILADA SOUP Who doesn’t love to make soup when the weather cools down? I created this soup recipe as a play on ground beef red enchiladas!

Enjoy a little bit of warm soup love from our family to yours.

RECIPE & PHOTOS BY TINA MEAD-RAMIREZ

INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup baby carrots 1 stalk celery 1 cup cilantro 5 garlic cloves 1/4 small sweet onion 1/3 cup rice flour 1 egg Salt and pepper to taste (at least 1 tsp each) 2 1/2 pounds ground beef 1/4 cup avocado oil 4 cans pinto beans (I like Bush’s beans) 1 large can white Hominy (1lb 13oz) 1 small can yellow Hominy (15.5oz) 1 32oz carton beef broth 1 can petite diced tomatoes (14.5oz) 1 can Las Palmas Red Enchilada sauce (10oz) GARNISH WITH ALL OR SOME OF YOUR FAVORITES: Sliced black olives Queso fresco Tortilla chips Purple or Green Cabbage finely chopped Green onion Cilantro Avocado slices Finely Chopped Jalapeños COMBINE INGREDIENTS: Start by Food Processing (mincing) the carrots, celery, cilantro, garlic, & onion and set aside. Take the ground beef and place it in a bowl, add half of the food processed vegetables along with 1 egg, rice flour, salt and pepper. Combine all well. Make 1 inch meatballs with the mixture. Place a large soup pot on the stove at medium heat with avocado oil. Add meatballs and the rest of the food processed vegetables. Sauté until meatballs are browned. Add the rest of the canned ingredients and broth.

Let Soup heat for 1 hour stirring occasionally. Serve in a bowl with your favorite garnish! I love to add all the garnish listed!

Enjoy! Tina.

PG. 12 :: FALL 2019

WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 13

EXPLORE: WHITE STALLION RANCH

Providing exceptional guest services, the ranch works to preserve the life of the cowboy but also it hears the future.

ARTICLE BY JANE EPPINGA

F

or more than fifty years, the True family has served as stewards of the White Stallion Ranch while providing exceptional guest service. Russell who received a degree in business from the University of Arizona is in charge of marketing and interfaces with all facets of the ranch management. His wife, Laura, runs the horse program and social media.

His son Steven and his wife Alice share responsibilities for front desk, activities (excluding riding), and outside events.

Steven is also on the board of directors of The Dude Ranchers Association (the only multi-state organization of dude ranches with more than 100 members).-

David works in the corral and in activities.

Russell’s brother, Michael oversees, building projects, maintenance, bookkeeping, transportation and logistics in general.

Michael’s wife Kristen is in charge of housekeeping and the kitchen. The cuisine is quality ranch fare and the White Stallion receives and accommodates many requests for special diets including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free meals.

White Stallion Ranch was originally built in the 1900’s a cattle ranch. The first buildings were constructed of Mexican adobe brick made of mud and straw.

During the recent renovations, wire and horseshoes were found in the walls. A

Family is important at White Stallion Ranch. Courtesy White Stallion Ranch PG. 14 :: FALL 2019

small area of the original adobe is on display in the dining room, the original building on the ranch.

It was homesteaded by David Young in 1936. Herbert and Vine Bruning purchased the ranch in 1939 to raise cattle, chickens and turkeys. They changed the name to CB Bar Ranch and it was once home to 30,000 birds. In 1945, Max Zimmerman, a Chicago liquor store owner, bought the ranch. Zimmerman moved back and forth between the ranch and Chicago. The twice annual moves made his wife, say “no more”. He named the ranch the MZ Bar Ranch and constructed six buildings complete with kitchenettes for guests. In 1949, Mary Varner purchased the property, continuing to operate it as a guest ranch; she also offered long-term rentals to the nearby Marana Army Airfield. In 1959, Brew and Marge Towne, of Cape Cod, Massachusetts bought the property and renamed the ranch White Stallion.

In 1965, Allen and Cynthia True arrived from Colorado to make the ranch their home, with Russell, five years old and baby Michael still in a crib.

By then the ranch consisted of 17 rooms, 17 horses and 200 acres. The number of guest ranches left in the area had dropped to about thirty; most were casualties of Tucson’s Urban Sprawl. With an eye toward the future, Allen and Cynthia purchased adjacent land as it became available, increasing the ranch to 3,000 acres. Today, the ranch offers 43 rooms and a five bedroom hacienda as guest accommodations.

While maintaining the traditions of the West with many of the original buildings still in use, Russell and Michael have added a sunken tennis court, a movie theater, a renovated pool and hot tub area with a serenity patio, lighted sport courts, a spa area and fitness center. They have established one of the largest privately

Rearing Stallion by Ulrich Muzyck

Loop Rawlings performing his amazing rope tricks. Courtesy White Stallion Ranch

True Family Portrait: Top rail Kristen Laura, Russell; bottom Row David, Michael Steven and Alice. Courtesy White Stallion Ranch

Teaching the youngsters. Courtesy White Stallion Ranch

owned herds of horses in Arizona and a large herd of longhorn cattle. The family already has criollo cattle at its Rancho de la Osa and will be raising them at the White Stallion. As soon as the steers are large enough they will be butchered the ranch will become sustainable. Criollo cattle were first brought to the New World with Christopher Columbus’s second expedition in 1493. Hardy and durable, these cattle came from the desert country of southern Spain. Having already evolved in a hot, dry climate with scarce feed and water, these cattle were ideally suited to survive the rigors of an ocean crossing and adapt rapidly to a desert environment. The White Stallion uses the Lazy TB brand.

They originally got it about forty years ago to keep Russell’s and Michael’s cattle distinct from their parents cattle. Russell says their father picked it as a joke saying it stood for the “Lazy True Brothers”.

Many of the ranch’s clientele who come from large urban areas are anxious to be outside and go horseback riding.

Once a week the ranch holds a rodeo to introduce guests to the cowboy life. It features bronc riding, barrel racing and

roping. Other entertainment includes Loop Rawlings performing spectacular roping acts. In the evenings Bill Gantz and Dave Richner entertain dinner guests with beautiful western music inside, on the patio or around a bonfire. The ranch has a telescope and includes astronomy, nature programs and country dancing. The ranch is experimenting with new outdoor activities, and you’re invited to participate in shooting, rock climbing, team cattle sorting and fat tire E-biking The White Stallion has served as a backdrop in Western feature films and later, as the location for the television series High Chaparral. The following are just a few of the movies filmed at White Stallion: Arizona – 1939 William Holden and Jean Arthur, The Last Round Up – 1948 Gene Autry, Winchester 73 – 1950, Apache Drums – 1951, The Last Outpost (cavalry charge scene) 1951 Ronald Reagan, How the West Was Won – 1977 James Arness TV Mini Series.

Russell attended the State of the City Address for Oro Valley as a board member for the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2008. Solar Path

was there with a solar display, and they offered an opportunity for a utility sponsored, government funded solar program.

After much internal discussion, the Ranch decided that based on the economic uncertainty of the times, White Stallion would not join the program. However, because of the economic decline, several companies dropped out. An opening was available, so White Stallion opted in, creating the largest private solar farm for the time.

A panel of experts including USA Today editors, 10Best.com editors, expert contributors and media nominated the ranch, which has been owned by the True family for more than five decades, has been named one of America’s top 10Best family resorts of 2018 by readers of USA Today.

The USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Award was based on the resort’s amenities for kids and family programming. The White Stallion Ranch is one place where the clientele has a voice in determining its future. The ranch works to preserve the life of the cowboy but also it hears the future which includes internet, solar energy and who knows what else?

Book at: www.whitestallion.com WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 15

HEALTH: BVD BVD is a threat that can be devastating to beef and dairy cattle operations if undetected, and the cow-calf operator is where detection needs to start.

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY PATINA THOMPSON

B

VD. There, I said it and I’m not talking about underwear, I’m talking about Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) in cattle.

BVD seems to be a topic producers avoid talking about as much as they avoid talking about underwear in public! BVD is a threat that can be devastating to beef and dairy cattle operations if undetected, and the cow-calf operator is where detection needs to start.

Think back through your own experiences over the years, and stories from our ranching grandparents, of those few cows that “didn’t take”, or slipped a calf, a poor doer, or maybe a calf crop that just didn’t quite perform like it did in the past. You might blame the weather (don’t ranchers always blame the weather?), dust off the EPD’s on your bulls, or wonder if you have enough bulls to cover all your cows. Don’t point a finger at those bulls just yet though, these could all be signs of BVD in your herd.

But you know what? BVD can be sneaky!

You may not notice any signs at all. BVD infected calves/heifers/cows/bulls can gain and perform year after year!

BVD is spread by contact with saliva, feces, nasal secretions, blood, urine, semen, milk, and it can also be contracted by calves while in utero via the placental wall. The time of exposure that is pivotal is the first trimester of pregnancy (months two through four), in which the fetus can contract and carry the virus after birth, IF they survive the pregnancy. Fetal protection is key. A calf born alive with BVD may appear healthy or show immediate signs. Calves may appear weak or be abnormally small, unthrifty, fail to nurse, may have ocular deformities, or a wide stance with swollen joints. The calf may not live past one year of age. Excessive diarrhea is the most common sign in older calves, and a poor growth rate is the most common sign in younger calves. Indicators of BVD in adults may be acute and include fever, depression, loss of appetite, excessive nasal secretions and excessive diarrhea that may last 1-3 days.

A BVD positive calf doesn’t mean the mom will be positive either, it just means that the calf came in contact with, and couldn’t defend against the virus at some point. Downright sneaky, isn’t it? So, if properly immunized, healthy looking cattle can still contract BVD even though they may have been exposed to it and fought it off. How is it still in my herd or a threat to my herd? Well, add two more letters to that particular brand of underwear from the 1960’s and you have your culprit.

BVD-PI – Persistently Infected. This means that the BVD-PI PG. 16 :: FALL 2019

individual has the virus, and will continually shed it in the environment for the rest of its life. This is the animal you must find and eliminate from your herd, and I don’t mean taking it to the auction or feedlot and make it someone else’s problem.

More often than not, a PI animal is not easily detected visually and must be tested. Testing consists of a small notch from the ear that is sent to a lab for analysis. A PI positive animal should be quarantined from the herd for 30 days, re-tested, and can be safe for slaughter and human consumption if proper withdrawal times have been met. With feeder and stocker operations, this time frame may not be feasible logistically, so separation and a follow-up test after 14-21 days may be sufficient. The good news is that once an animal tests negative for PI, they will always be negative, so you only have to test them once. But remember that a cow that tested negative can still produce a PI positive calf in the future if she is exposed to the virus during that pivotal time during her pregnancy we talked about above. Later term exposure may not produce a PI calf, but it can cause birth defects and other symptoms.

Why don’t all operations test for BVD-PI? Money, time, hassle, you name it. I get that gathering and testing and additional immunizations aren’t how you do it, or how your grandfather did it, or your mother’s cousin that has ranched since the 20’s did it. I get it. But you can add measures to help protect your herd as best you can, and protect the calves you sell from getting it when (not if), they are exposed to it later in life. I also get that you can’t expect a 100% calf crop every year due to weather (there it is again), predators, reproductive age, bulls, etc. However, BVD-PI is one of the myriad of things that factor into your calf crop you CAN control.

A solution is quite simple and three-part, if you put the effort into it. The first step is testing your herd for the presence of BVD-PI. There are a number of labs across the country that charge a nominal fee (from $3.50/head to $5.50/head) for BVD-PI testing. Some of the labs provide all the supplies necessary from start to finish. It’s important to note that not all testing protocols require you test your entire herd, and there are several sampling methods to choose from. Assume a 200 head cow-calf operation tests all of their herd: 200 head of breeding stock, 15 bulls, and 160 calves (80% calf crop). Say, $3.50/head @ 375 head = $1,313.00. Continued on Page 18...

WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 17

Continued from Page 16...That’s not much in the grand scheme of things, and boils down to the value of two calves in the current market. Is it worth it? I think so! Imagine recouping that income the following year due to an increased calf crop, and continually building up your calf crop percentage one baby step at a time. THAT is where the extra effort and investment pays off. Remember, once a negative PI, always a negative PI, so the initial costs will be the highest. And as an added bonus, that proven, BVD-PI negative tested animal should draw a premium at time of sale.

An immunization schedule that fits your operation is the next step. Vaccines boost individual immunity, and reduce viral shedding. Most veterinarian protocols call for the addition of a modified live virus annually, but be sure to know what stage of pregnancy your cows or heifers are in.

Once your breeding stock are tested and on a vaccine regimen, you will only have to test the new calf crop annually to ensure a new infection has not been introduced. Finally, biosecurity is key and the third part of managing the ever present, sneaky BVD. How are you to know if the pairs you picked up just brought it back to the rest of your herd? Or if your neighbor’s cattle aren’t property vaccinated and exchange a nose-nuzzle

PG. 18 :: FALL 2019

on your shared fence? What about that slimy manure in your trailer that isn’t washed out when you load the next set in? While some suggestions may be extreme, identifying and eliminating sources of potential contamination and cross-contamination across herds via shared tools, boots and equipment is important to consider. Separation and testing of any new individuals before being added to the herd is also an important measure, and will help in reducing and eliminating the spread of BVD. If you change your mindset to think of testing for BVD-PI as a form of insurance that could increase your calf crop percentage in the future, it’s well worth it.

With BVD-PI, prevention is key, detection is critical, and eliminating the source will increase productivity and overall herd health in the long run.

Though the content in this article was approved by a licensed Arizona veterinarian who has been practicing for 4 years, please consult with your veterinarian for consultation on your herd health management plans.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Contributor Patina Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife, Watershed and Rangeland Resources from the University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz. She works in the agriculture insurance field. She is a wife, mother, rancher, hunter, photographer and conservationist in southeastern Arizona.

2019 CATTLEWOMAN OF THE YEAR

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n Wednesday, July 24th, the Arizona State Cowbells awarded their Cattle Woman of the Year award at their Annual Meeting at the WE-KO-PA Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona to Anne Marie Moore of Willcox.

The meeting was held in conjunction with the Arizona Cattle Growers Association Annual Meeting presided over

by President Jay Whetten of the 76 Ranch in Bonita. Upon accepting the award from Pam Turnball of Dragoon, the award Chairman, Moore reflected upon the 30 year span since she served as their State president in 1989 and as the American National Cattle Women's Beef Promotion Chairman.

The plaque presented to Moore reads: "In appreciation and recognition for your dedication and continued service to the cattle industry."

Anne Marie resides in Dos Cabezas, Arizona where she and her husband L.E., Jr. raise Red Brangus cattle at their Rancho Hacienda.

"

In appreciation and recognition for your dedication and continued service to the cattle industry"

WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 19

I came across this photo of my dad in 1948. The photo was taken during a 30-day, 1700 steer cattle drive from Grants, New Mexico to Chama, New Mexico. As I look at this photo, I try to imagine how my dad thought 70 years down the road might look. Was he thinking of subflow water rights, animal rights activists, corn tariffs, green cards, fake meat, border issues, wolf reintroduction, or even the economic impact of a beef packing facility catching fire? I would venture to say, “no”. While I was sitting at our Summer Convention, looking at all 5 generations of ranchers, I was trying to image 70 years down the road. Just like my dad, I have no idea what the world will look like; however, I know that the Arizona ranching community will continue to be a vital industry!

Over the past few weeks, I have seen our ACGA leadership and staff work to ensure all 5 generations in attendance at the 2019 Summer Convention, and many generations to come, can raise Arizona beef and continue to care for the land! Your leadership and staff do not slow down, and will not slow down.

They are working seven days a week to protect our way of life and will continue to do so to ensure a vital industry for many generations to come.

Water issues, the border, animal rights, the United StatesMexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the Arizona-Sonora Commission, wolf reintroduction, product labeling, ArizonaMexico Commission, labor issues, and many other topics are at the forefront of our lobbying and committee efforts. One of my first duties as President was to appoint committee chairs.

Our committee structure truly speaks to our membership-driven mentality and is one of the driving forces behind our policies and education outreach. Through committees, members develop policy to guide our legislative efforts both at the state level and nationally. The following how our leadership structure is organized, including executive committee membership oversight, committee chairs, and staff support: 1st VP: Emmett Sturgill (Staff Support: Gaither Martin) Ag Policy: Fred Davis & Roger Warner Federal Lands: Emmett Sturgill & Brain deGanahl

Forest: Teresa Hicks & John Fowler

PLC: Emmett Sturgill

BLM: Brian deGanahl PG. 20 :: FALL 2019

Legislative: Gary Kiehne State & Private Lands: Jack Mann & John Ladd Wildlife: Richard Searle & Mike Wear

Wolf: Jeff Menges 2nd VP: John Ladd (Staff Support: Summer Johnson) Business Members: James English Convention: Billy Elkins & Robbie Sproul Education: Suzanne Menges & Susan Wilson Sanders Native American: Bill Inman Membership: Anne Marie Moore Structure: Lori Sturgill Winter Meeting: Mackenzie Kimbro Immediate Past President: Jay Wheten (Staff Support: Ashlee Mortimer) Arizona Ranchers for Tomorrow: Ben Menges Nominating: Jay Whetten Communications: Rick Bader Members-at-Large: Robbie Sproul & Mike Wear (Staff Support: Ashlee Mortimer) Border: John Ladd & Ted Noon Bylaws: Fred Davis Traceability: Jay Whetten Water: Jay Whetten Secretary: Jack Mann (Staff Support: Summer Johnson) New Technology: Steve Boice Parliamentarian: Ben Menges Treasurer: Richard Searle (Staff Support: Gaither Martin) Finance & Budget: Richard Searle Fundraising: Robbie Sproul & Gaither Martin In the coming weeks, each committee chair will recruit at least 6 members to participate in their committee. If you are interested in a specific committee, please contact the office or sign up for the specific committee online. You will then be added to the email lists for the committee(s) and will receive future communications.

I am excited about the future – I am excited about the progress the cattle industry will make in the next 70 years. I am honored to be the voice for you and your family on state and national topics that affect our operations!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out, Billy Elkins, Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association President

Call us for your spring fair showpigs needs. Over 40 litters of all breeds for February thru May Shows. Annual Hangin Banners Sale is NOVEMBER 30TH AT THE FARM

WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 21

BEHIND THE BLOCK THE 2019 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

The crack of the gavel, the rapid rhythm of the chant, the excitement of the crowd..."

BY CELESTE SETTRINI

T

he 56th Annual World Livestock Auctioneers Championship was held at the Tulare County Salesyard in Tulare, CA this past June.

Thirty one semi-finalists from across the United States and Canada gathered for the event held in conjunction with the Livestock Marketing Association annual convention. The entire event brimmed with excitement as the contestants, family and friends joined together to go through the process of selecting the new World Champion to succeed last years winner, Jarred Miller.

Russelle Sleep of Bedford, Iowa was named the 2019 World Champion. Russelle accepted his silver and gold champion

PG. 22 :: FALL 2019

2019 World Champion Livestock Auctioneer Contestants at the opening of the contest.

buckle along with numerous other prizes at the awards banquet at the conclusion of the convention. A very surprised Sleep was sure to thank his wife, family and all of those who have supported him along the way to get to the championship.

Chuck Bradley from Rockford, Ala was the Reserve Champion and Will Epperly from Dunlap, Iowa was honored Runner - Up Champion. Rookie of the Year award went to Ryan Konynenbelt, Ft McLeod, Alberta.

Top ten finalists were Eric Drees, Nampa,, Idaho; Dean Edge, Rimbey, Alberta; Steve Goedert, Dillion, Montana; Brennin Jack, Prince Albert, Saskatoon ; Ryan Konynenbelt, Ft McLeod, Alberta; Wade Leist, Boyne City,Michigan ; and Jacob Massey, Peterbsurg, Tennessee.

Additional contestants included Neil Bouray, Webber, Kansas ; Colton Brantley, Modesto, California; Darren Carter, Ninety Six, South Carolina; Dakota Davis, Caldwell, Kansas; Brandon Frey, Creston, Iowa; Philip Gilstrap, Pendleton, South Carolina; Shane Hatch, Kirkland, New Mexico; Jim Hertzog, Butler, Missouri; Garrett Jones, Los Banos, California; Lynn Langvardt, Chapman, Kansas; Justin Mebane, Bakersfield, California; Jeremy Miller, Fairland, Oklahoma; Daniel Mitchell,

Cumberland, Ohio; Christopher Pinard, Swainsboro, Georgia; Jay Romine, Mt Washington, Kentucky; Jim Settle, Arroyo Grande, California; Dustin Smith, Jay, Oklahoma; Curtis Wetovick, Fullerton, Nebraska; Tim Yoder, Montezuma, Georgia; Vern Yoder, Dundee, Ohio;and Zack Zumstein, Marsing, Idaho You might wonder what it takes to be a world champion auctioneer. First of all you need to make it through a qualifying competition, once you make it you are on the road to the world champion competition. Qualifying competitions are held throughout the USA at various sale barns across the country in various regions. During the world finals you will be judged on live auction ability, taking into consideration presentation, chant and execution of sale. The interview portion focuses on presentation and response to industry questions. With over 5 million cattle in California and 35% of those being dairy cattle, dairy cows and heifers were the species of choice as the contestants sold not only by the pound but by the head.

As livestock market owner and past world champion David Macedo shared “ if you are a world champion you should be able to sell anything.” That rang true for Russelle as he made his way through numerous drafts of cows and heifers before finishing up his run.

Numerous past World Champions were on hand to celebrate the contest and welcome a new auctioneer into the elite fraternity of champions. Colonel John Rodgers, 1986 World Champion, had this to say about the contest; “ I have been to many contests since 1968 and this may have been the closest competition I have ever seen. Indeed Russelle Sleep is a deserving winner and will make a great champion. Any one of the top finalists could have finished in the top 3 and the judges would have been correct in whomever they chose. David Macedo and his crew at the Tulare Salesyard conducted one of the best, well run contests I have ever seen.”

The World Livestock Auctioneer contest has been in existence since 1963 where the Livestock Marketing Association hosted the first ever contest at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Denver, Colorado. The purpose was to spotlight North America’s top livestock auctioneers and to salute their important role in the competitive livestock marketing process.. The contest was held at various hotels until 1967 , when it then traveled to its first LMA market. Since that time the World Livestock Auctioneers Contest has been held at member markets across America and Canada. Over the years rules may have changed a bit but the excitement has not.

The Livestock Marketing Association is North America’s largest membership organization dedicated to supporting, representing and communicating with and for the entire livestock marketing sector.

With more than 800 member businesses across the USA and Canada. To find out more about LMA, to follow the World Champion and to find out about the 2020 competition visit ​www.LMAweb.com ~Thank you Livestock Marketing Association for detail particulars on this article.

Contestant Zack Zumstein and his son.

The 2018 World Champ Jared Miller congratulates The 2019 World Champ Russele Sleep.

WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION? Farmer, Marketer, Businessman.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH

JAY HILL hilljay45

WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU? There is no such thing as a typical day. Every day presents itself with new challenges and new blessings.

IF YOU COULD BE ANYWHERE OTHER THAN HERE, RIGHT THIS MINUTE, WHERE WOULD YOU BE? (DON’T OVERTHINK IT!) High in the mountains elk hunting.

FLASHBACK TO WHEN YOU WERE 10 YEARS OLD. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? A farmer.

FINISH THIS SENTENCE. ON SUNDAY MORNINGS, YOU CAN USUALLY FIND ME...

Drinking coffee with my girls.

HOW DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO REMEMBER YOU? As a man that gave all he could for his faith, his family and his occupation.

WHAT’S SOMEONE YOU ADMIRE, AND WHY? I admire my father because even though he is in his late 70’s, his willingness to learn something new is never ending.

TELL US THREE PET PEEVES. Bad table manners, inquires on acreage farmed, and the presumption that all agriculturalists are not environmentally friendly.

HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR COLLEAGUES WOULD DESCRIBE YOU? Out of the box thinker and wildly ambitious.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BEST SKILLS THAT YOU BRING TO YOUR JOB? The ability to motivate and the ability to articulate a message to people who don’t understand where their food comes from.

PG. 24 :: FALL 2019

LIVING THE #WESTERNAGLIFE NAME THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU. Driven, understanding, friendly.

WHICH TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE? I would like to be more organized.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU DO BEFORE YOU DIE? Take a full weeks vacation and not freak out about being gone.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? Accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord.

WHAT’S A GOAL YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF THAT YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEXT YEAR? Launch two new product lines.

NAME A FEW OF YOUR DAILY HABITS (OTHER THAN A SHOWER AND BRUSHING YOUR TEETH).

Kiss my girls before I leave in the morning, say a prayer, eat a corn dog.

WHAT ARE YOU HAPPIEST DOING, WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING? Hanging out with my family.

WOULD YOU RATHER LIVE ON A FARM OR A RANCH? Farm!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION? My industry.

WHICH HISTORICAL FIGURE DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH? I would hope Ronald Reagan.

WHAT MAKES YOU, #WESTERNAGLIFE? An unbelievable love and admiration for the rich culture and heritage of agriculture.

WHAT ARE SOME CAUSES YOU CARE ABOUT? Mental health, climate change.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR PERSONAL MOTTO? Run hard, think smart, forgive, enjoy.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS? Knowing that I impacted society and my family positively.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR? Letting my employees and my family down.

WHAT IS THE TRAIT YOU MOST DEPLORE IN OTHERS? Laziness.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST LIKE IN A MAN? Honesty.

WHAT OR WHO IS THE GREATEST LOVE OF YOUR LIFE? My wife.

To find out more about the farm visit: hillfarmsnewmexico.com

WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 25

FARMING: CHANGING HOW WE THINK ABOUT FOOD WASTE “There is no such place as away,” Zach Brooks, the owner and master planner behind the Arizona Worm Farm stated as he gave a tour of his farm.

ARTICLE BY AMBER MORIN - PHOTOS BY CARMEN MCCONNEL

S

o often people throw food waste away, but don’t very often think about where “away” actually is.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service estimates that food waste is about 30 percent of the available food supply. That’s 133 billion pounds worth approximately $161 billion. On a local level that equates to 300 pounds per year per person, or PG. 26 :: FALL 2019

almost 1 pound per day, that contributes to Arizona landfills according to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

With these facts and figures on your mind, when was the last time you threw food away? Maybe at breakfast? Did some lunch meat spoil in your refrigerator? Did those bananas on your counter go bad?

More importantly, how do you combat this problem in a realistic, sustainable manner?

My visit to the Arizona Worm Farm provided some much-needed options to help repurpose food waste and stop throwing sending food to that “away place” also known as a landfill! The entire farm is based on the goal of sustainability and the hope is that by 2023 the farm will be producing food, shelter, and entertainment for ten families on ten acres using only sunshine, rainwater, and other’s garbage.

Like all other farms, the beginning of the process starts with reproduction.

In this case, worm reproduction or the breeding bins. In an unassuming box car transformed to an insulated 70-degree reproduction area, breeding bins are stacked from floor to ceiling. Each bin has 500 to 600 breeding worms, which produce a cocoon per week, and 4 babies per cocoon. The process takes about 3 weeks and the cocoons are screened prior to hatching. Throughout this process the breeding stock worms are fed emulsified food waste, which is the first way in which the Arizona Worm Farm repurposes disposed food.

The second step in the process is the grow out bins. For those of us in large livestock production, it would be like a feed yard. All the cocoons are placed in grow out bins each Wednesday and hatched about 30,000 to 40,000 baby worms outside. The infant worms don’t require the cool temperatures that the breeding stock requires, but the heat does still affect them. It is visibly obvious that they are much more sluggish than their much older counterparts kept inside the temperature-controlled building. Again, these baby worms are fed a mixture of food waste before being moved to the third step in the process, cultivating castings.

The juvenile worms are moved to what are known as worm wedges. The worm wedges are composed of pre-composted food waste and about 10,000 worms.

Continued on Page 32...

WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 27

WESTERN BANK GROWN LOCAL, SERVING LOCAL

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eliability is a cornerstone for any successful business and Western Bank has a long history of exactly that – being reliable. In business since 1907, it’s the people of Western Bank that have developed and shaped the character of this local community bank. The initial stockholders made many sound business decisions that brought the bank through the early years, but for the past 90 years the bank has been, and still is today, under the steady influence of the Robert C. Martin family.

In 1907, New Mexico was still only a United States Territory. Businessmen John McCabe, Frank R. Coon, and W.H. Small led 14 investors to open the doors of First National Bank of Lordsburg in Lordsburg, NM, the small town that would eventually be known as the state’s “Bootheel.” First National Bank of Lordsburg (FNBL) shared space with Eagle Drug Mercantile Co. During the Depression, many banks closed their doors for good and FNLB was the only bank in the region.

During this period, many people tried to deal in cash as much as possible but checks were still common. With the absence of an operating bank, Howell Drug Store in Silver City, NM became a collection point for banking PG. 28 :: FALL 2019

business. “Transactions” were then shuttled to Lordsburg for processing. Eventually banks in the region reopened, but the services offered by FNLB helped solidify a reputation for reliability that still exists today.

Robert C. Martin was a businessman with a background in ranching and understood the needs of the agricultural community. He began buying stock in the 1930’s and eventually became the majority stockholder. In 1946, he became a member of the Board, a position he would hold for 50+ years.

He had a knack for a good judge of character, finding the good in people, and how to have people get along.

These attributes served him well during his tenure as a State Representative

from 1952 – 1970. Later in the 1950’s, he became the Bank’s Board Chairman and held that position for 40 years.

In 1986, First National Bank of Lordsburg changed its name to Western Bank and in December of 1988, Robert C. “Bob” Martin, Robert C. Martin’s son, became the Vice-Chairman of the Board after a career with the FBI. In January of 1989 Bob Martin began his 10 year leadership as Western Bank’s Chief Executive Officer.

Later in 1999, Michael “Mike” Martin, Bob Martin’s son joined Western Bank. Mike graduated from Texas A&M ’87, with a degree in Agriculture Economics, Minor in Finance and earned a Master’s degree in Banking from Louisiana State University. He represents the third generation of Martin’s leading the homegrown community bank.

In 2003, Western Bank opened the Silver City Branch to continue the reputation of the local community bank committed to serving neighbors and supporting the growth of local economy. In 2007, Western Bank celebrated 100 years!

Western Bank had been serving rural communities in southeast Arizona for decades because the closest bank was in Lordsburg. The opportunity arose to apply for a charter to

open a full-service branch in Willcox in 2010. They opened in June 2011.

Again, an opportunity arose for Western Bank to open a branch in Bisbee in 2012 to serve even more of the rural communities in Cochise County.

The bank building in Bisbee was built in 1902 and has always served as a bank. The 1955 Western movie Violent Saturday has several scenes filmed inside. It mostly looks the same today.

The bank’s 4 branches partner with over 10,000 customers. Western Bank financial statements consists of over $72 million in loans, deposits over $160 million, capital of $22 million, and assets over $185 million. Since its inception in 1907, Western Bank’s mission has been to serve the banking needs of southwestern New Mexico and southeastern Arizona with a focus on the backbone of our communities, individuals, and locally owned businesses. A core element in this effort is to support youth in the community and invest in their future. That commitment is illustrated through the Scholarship Program, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year! Every year, Western Bank provides two scholarship applications to 9 area high schools in the region each branch is located. This year, nine students were awarded and $8,000

was distributed to invest in students’ goals of furthering their education.

Another way the bank tangibly supports their communities is through the Bootheel Foundation. Created over 22 years ago, the foundation has funded in excess of $548,000 in donations to community efforts in the areas serviced by Western Bank. Every employee, director, and officer of the bank contributes to the Foundation to support this mission. Western Bank also has a “Levi Fund” that is funded directly by employees to assist fellow employees and customers during times of need. Examples are anything from assisting with funeral expenses to helping pay for a new set of teeth.

During the early 2000’s, the bank

decided against following the trends in the financial system as a whole.

Avoiding predatory lending practices, and deciding against investments in obscure assets, the bank was able to enter the financial meltdown in 2008 in a position to weather the storm. During the fallout from the financial meltdown in 2008, the bank believed that it was vital to remain an independent, well capitalized, and conservatively run institution. The bank made a point of becoming even financially stronger, and never received any assistance from any governmental entity. The employees, shareholders, board, and management simply continued to serve its customers and communities.

We understand the challenges and opportunities in rural southwest New Mexico and southeast Arizona because we were grown from the very same soil.

That is what sets us apart from our competitors. We know the people and the communities we serve and we support endeavors that other financial institutions might turn away. Bank products are bank products. We nurture relationships that blossom into partnerships.

Like us on Facebook or go to: www.bootheelbank.com to learn more!

WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 29

THE LIFE OF A RANCH WIFE: SUNRISES & SOOK WAGONS The name of this article came to me months ago. It had a certain ring to it, but for the longest time I couldn’t figure out why I wanted to use it, or what it really meant to me…until now. Coincidently, that’s exactly what this is about, learning what works in your life, where you fit in, and what’s most important in each season.

My hope is that this influences others to find where they really belong, whether it be a physical location, job, relationship, or state of mind….

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY KATE SANCHEZ

I

’ve always wondered how they do it; how people master the skills to feel like they really fit in. How a common interest, certain hair style, or high-end brand of clothing can make a group of women seem inseparable. I’ve never been there. I’ve never been the girl who has several best girlfriends, and yes, I was homecoming queen in high school, but I wouldn’t have necessarily called myself the most popular. I never felt like I fit, not into a certain group, not into a clique, and certainly not into a “box”. It’s almost funny now, looking back, my yearning to fit in. I was a star athlete, honor student, and class president, but that didn’t matter to me. I never was labeled a certain way, and honestly, I’m glad for it!

Over the years, I would often miss school functions and sporting events to go to a horse show on the weekends, a life that literally no one at my upstate NY high school knew anything about, and I was glad for that too! On those weekends, we would load horses in the trailer, and enough belongings to survive just a few days away from home, to drive four or more hours to shows up and down the east coast. Those were the weekends I’ll never PG. 30 :: FALL 2019

forget. It was in the little historic villages of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, as well as the outskirts of a few big NY cities, that I soon learned exactly where I fit.

Those were the weekends that came and went from the time I was two until I graduated high school. Escaping on those days, 80’s country on the radio, homework scattered out across the back seat of the pickup (because it still came first!), and only visions of how my rides would play out, ran through my mind. They were the weekends when I, coincidentally enough, drove hours to be judged; this time by men and women in cowboy hats and boots, rather than my peers at school. Those were some of the best weekends of my life.

Times have changed and showing has taken a back seat, well, to everything, I suppose. I sold the last show horse I had about five years ago and haven’t stepped back into the arena since. But I’ll be the first to admit the nostalgia that I’m overcome with, every time I see a truck and trailer hauling down the road. I feel my heartstrings tugging, telling me that’s still a place I’d fit in, a place that sometime, I need to return to. For now, I’ll have the memories; watching the sunrise on the best little bay horse around, in the humid Virginia air at the affiliate finals my last year of youth, or hearing friends and family erupt with cheers when I scored my first ‘70’, but mostly, receiving some of the biggest life lessons I’d never thought to be possible.

The good news is, I can always go back. I truly believe if it’s something that still makes your heart race, it’s not worth giving up entirely. I often find myself daydreaming of the moment when I return to that beloved place, whether for myself, or leading a little blonde headed horse-crazy girl into the pen atop a trusty gelding. It’s in that place that I feel whole. It’ll happen one day.

And until then, I’ll return to my ranch-wife duties, another job that has become a place of contentment for me. Feeding cows and cowboys, raising an outdoor-loving baby girl, and helping out where asked, it’s a pretty okay job if you ask me. It’s loading

up with feed and heading out first thing in the morning to call cows and calves in. It may not be atop a horse in an east coast town, but if you’ve never seen a West Texas sunrise, sitting on a hill, watching wobbly-legged calves follow their mamas out of canyons, the rays of the sun kissing the tops of their backs as they move at a brisk pace to the sound of a siren, then you won’t quite understand. My hope is that one day you do; that one day you get the privilege to feel as fulfilled with something or someone as I have been blessed to do not just once, but a few times in my life. My hope is for everyone to find where their heart feels full. And for now, I’ve found mine; for there isn’t much better than sunrise in a sook wagon.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kate Sanchez is a freelance journalist based out of Matador, TX. She writes for several publications, most of which are equinerelated. She and her husband, Ben, have lived on the Matador Ranch for almost 4 years, where he holds a camp man position.

The couple has one daughter, Haven, who is one year old.

Kate graduated from Eastern NM University with a degree in Journalism and minor in Agriculture in 2009.

SITTING AT THE TABLE WITH THE KING PRAYER WRITTEN BY PASTOR BILLY VANCAMP HEART CRY COWBOY CHURCH QUEEN CREEK, ARIZONA

D

ear Lord, I may be surrounded by pressures, circumstances, and enemies, but You have taken care of them all.

The King is at my table and the King has my back. I choose to quit talking to the enemy who wants to defeat me.

I choose to stop looking over my shoulder and stop trying to manage all my outcomes. I want to stop worrying about what others are doing and realize that the King of the Universe is sitting at the table with me.

I proclaim to the enemy that you can’t sit down at my table. I choose not to listen to the lies the enemy has fed me. I have authority in Jesus’ name to claim what Jesus has provided to those who believe.

I desire to be a reflection of the face of my Savior, not my enemy’s face.

Lord, help me to live a life wholly pleasing to you, reflecting who You are. Thank you for sitting at the table with me.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 31

Continued from page 26...One inch of food waste is added to one side of the wedge. The worms follow the food trail and eventually end up mostly on one side of the wedge. What’s left are worm castings, which are slightly dried and screened. This chocolate cake looking soil matter is, “As close to pure worm poop as you can get!” It looks like dirt, feels like dirt, but it is simply food compost digested by worms. These castings are full of good microbes and fungi which eat organic matter, like compost, and convert it to nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace minerals for plants to use. Which is also why Zach recommends that you put only 1 – 2 cups of castings around your vegetables and trees and then use as much of your own homemade compost to feed the microbes in your soil. This is a great example of the “garbage to food cycle” the entire farm is based on.

You might be thinking that worms are the only thing the Arizona Worm Farm grows, but that would be false. Also, at the farm, you’ll find a complete breeding facility and system for Black Solider Flies.

Why? The farm has chickens and they can’t grow enough worms to feed their 110 laying hens. The answer to this was an alternative source of protein in the form of fly larvae. These flies live only 3 days.

They breed, lay eggs, and die. They don’t have mouths and can’t handle our Arizona heat. They lay approximately 500-700 eggs per fly and in just one week go from larvae to worm. These growing larvae eat almost anything and thanks to contracts with local hotels, the Arizona Worm Farm feeds them a delightful mixture of leftover breakfast buffets. These worms, which provide the much-needed protein source for the hens, become breakfast for the hens who then of course lay eggs. The farm takes the eggs they need and gives the rest to St. Mary’s Food Bank, which amounts to about 35 dozen per week or 420 eggs. Impressive right? Food waste to high quality protein!

If you’re interested in learning more, the Arizona Worm Farm offers classes about worms and worm composting.

They teach why you should consider vermicomposting, where you can set up worm bins, how to setup and care for worm bins, and how to utilize worm castings as a cheap and easy garden amendment PG. 32 :: FALL 2019

to improve garden and landscaping success. In the class, participants make their very own worm bin complete with worms. Participants also get a tour of the commercial worm farm, see how to screen castings, and the see evolution towards sustainability.

Classes are also offered in basic gardening and basic composting (hot composting). They created the classes to help people succeed with worms. While

the farm is a commercial operation trying to make money be selling worms, they are much more interested in teaching people to reduce waste and turn their own garbage into food. By taking their classes, you are almost certain to have a successful worm farm.

There’s certainly not a shortage of things to do and learn on this farm. From it’s worm cycle, egg cycle, garden, water systems, bee hives, and off the grid setup

you will be left with more questions than when you came. Luckily, Zach and his team are very welcoming and happy to educate and help the public understand that, “An off-the-grid lifestyle can be every bit as comfortable as a wasteful lifestyle and have a positive impact on the environment.”

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WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 33

Beyond the Fields and Open Range “I believe in the future of agriculture,” E.M. Tiffany, a phrase recognized by many agriculturalists but one that all of us can understand and support. While this simple phrase focuses on a future for tomorrow, please do not mistake our industry for a scene like “American Gothic” or one out of a Tim Cox painting, because agriculture is nothing short of a sophisticated business.

Many famers and ranchers may reminisce about a simple lifestyle, but it is one the industry has outgrown.

Arizona is blessed with great weather year-round and water on-demand, allowing farmers and ranchers to grow crops that produce maximum yields to help meet the demand of markets that stretch from Arizona to Japan. The challenge the industry faces, and has for decades, is continuing to push for higher yields with less inputs including water, fertilizer and even land. It is hard to predict what we can expect in the future, but we know that everyone from the farmer to the seed and crop protection companies and equipment manufacturers are racing to make the job for the farmer even more efficient. Whether it is mechanizing a labor-intensive crop, eliminating manual labor or creating a more productive and resilient plant through the use of science, we know that the consumer will continue to push us to responsibly do more with less.

On the livestock side of the coin, genetics are a major focus to help create the most productive and desirable animals.

Compared to 1977, today’s beef farmers and ranchers produce the same amount of beef with 33% fewer cattle. That is incredible when you stop to think about it and it is because ranchers have focused on genetics and producing highyielding, quality beef. Just like farming, PG. 34 :: FALL 2019

the livestock community is constantly striving to improve including raising more productive cattle and continuing to implement best practices for land stewardship.

We are no different than any other business in Arizona. We work to create a safe, desirable product that the customer will continue to enjoy. The agriculture industry was and still is an integral part of this state. The livestock industry tamed the wild west, establishing ranches that have been in the same families for over 100 years, stewarding these lands to feed people and continuing to create a productive landscape that we all enjoy.

Farmers have fought harsh conditions and leveraged their land to create intricate water systems that have fostered major metropolitan areas, including Phoenix.

Arizona agriculture is more than sustainable – it is resilient and will no doubt meet the challenges of tomorrow to feed and clothe the growing population.

It is rare that agriculture seeks intervention from our government partners and, in

fact, we do not want them solving our problems! The industry has worked to solve its own challenges and when the need for government arises, the industry brings forward the solution. After decades of working through issues with federal land management agencies and state government, we know that when left to our own devices we can solve our problems amongst the industry. We do from time to time ask for assistance from the government and we are thankful, when necessary.

We have created some great self-funded programs that benefit many commodities ranging from beef and dairy to wheat and citrus, fruit and vegetables, funding research and promotion for these important products. We are also grateful for programs that allow us to ship products across the United States and globally and, at the same time, protect our precious crops here at home.

We continue to push government to become more efficient in their practices to move at the speed of business while allowing for flexibility. We appreciate the charge from Governor Doug Ducey to participate in and encourage “LEAN” environments amongst agencies who work with agriculture. While many of our inspections are critical, we know that government can do them more quickly and efficiently for everyone. Agriculture is always a fan of efficiency and less regulation, where appropriate.

Agriculture relies on the sun, soil and water to create food in the forms of plants and animals. Mother Nature is our fickle partner, coupled with some of the freest markets in the world, creating a scenario more intense than a high stakes roulette game in Las Vegas. Wherever all branches of government can create certainties in statute and in the regulatory arena, it will

only help agriculture continue to produce for a growing population and set Arizona on a course to be a future powerhouse. The agriculture industry is primed and ready to meet the challenges of the future. We are incredibly thankful for our customers past, present and future that continue to enjoy safe, quality and wholesome products that farmers and ranchers enjoy providing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (Pictured left): Patrick Bray, Executive Vice President is an Arizona native born and raised in an agricultural family and has spent the last decade representing the interest of farm and ranch families in Arizona.

For more information about Arizona Farm & Ranch Group visit: www.azfarmranch. org, follow them on Facebook (Arizona Farm and Ranch Group), or Twitter @ AZFarmRanch.

CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Steve Pierce, President/Chairman Stephen Brophy, Vice President Bill Sawyer, 2nd Vice President Cindy Shelton, Treasurer Steve Todd, Board Member Paul Orme, Board Member Tim Robinson, Board Member Bob Prosser, Board Member Tim Cooley, Board Member Les Heiden, Board Member Jim Webb, Board Member David Feenstra, Board Member Dan Thelander, Board Member Will Rousseau, Board Member Glenn Hickman, Board Member

Willcox 200 W. Rex Allen Dr. 520-766-3521

Lordsburg 140 E. Motel Dr. 575-542-3521

Bisbee 1 Main Street 520-432-3522

Silver City 380 Hwy 180 W 575-388-3521

WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 35

HISTORY: NAVAJO-CHURRO, NORTH AMERICA’S FIRST DOMESTIC SHEEP The Navajo-Churro endured, and, along the way, became a symbol of the endurance of the Navajo people and the spirit of the Southwest.

ARTICLE BY JOEL JOHNSON WITH

I

DR. LYLE MCNEAL AND DR. DON BIXBY

n the middle of the 16th century, as Spanish soldiers pressed north from Sonora, they were accompanied by the clank of armor, the pounding of horse hooves, and the bleating of sheep. The Spanish actually introduced cattle, pigs, and goats at this time as well, but it is the Navajo-Churro sheep breed that is recognized by the Livestock Conservancy and nominated to SlowFoodUSA’s Ark of Taste as “North America’s earliest domesticated livestock breed-type.”

As is often the case in Southwestern history, the story of the Navajo-Churro begins an ocean away. Spain’s Queen Isabella used money obtained from the wool industry to finance Columbus’ journey to the New World, and quite fittingly, he brought sheep along for the ride, some of which he left in the Caribbean isles of Cuba and Santa Domingo. Several decades later, it is believed that the sheep that accompanied Cortez in his journeys throughout Mexico and the Southwestern United States were descendants of the Columbus sheep: an ancient Iberian breed, the Churra. Twenty years after that, the Churra were on the move once again; this time with Francisco Coronado in 1540.

In each case, the sheep provided a mobile supply of meat for the ever-moving Spanish conquistadores, which Andrew Gulliford, author of The Wooly West, describes as “moveable mutton meals.” Over long distances, these sheep, “rough, half-wild Churros . . . well adapted to the deserts and mountains of the Southwest,” Gulliford writes, outperformed cattle, as their flocking instincts allowed them to eat on the move and obtain much of the hydration they needed from dew and the water content of their forage.

Though Coronado would soon abandon New Mexico without the gold of Cíbola in hand—cut him some slack; he was thoroughly concussed after several falls from his horse and he missed his wife terribly—some of the Churras that accompanied him remained behind. “42 sheep and their progeny were left with three friars near what is now Albuquerque, New Mexico, when he and his army returned to Mexico in 1543,” explains Dr. Lyle McNeal, founder of the Navajo Sheep Project. “The friars were killed and history failed to record the fate of the sheep, but most historians assumed they were PG. 36 :: FALL 2019

consumed for food, and not bred.”

Since Coronado’s sheep likely ended their time in the “New World” on a dinner plate, “The sheep that were to help build the Southwestern sheep and wool industries were those of Spanish Basque explorer, Don Juan de Oñate,” Dr. McNeal clears up.

“Oñate’s sheep numbers were close to 5,000 head of Churras.

In July 1598, Oñate, as ordered, established the headquarters of the New Mexico colony in what is now Santa Fe, NM.” “He ruled as Governor over not only the Spanish settlers, but also the Pueblos, and other Native American communities and tribes of the region,” says McNeal. “Because of the many sheep he had with his initial exploration army, many of the sheep were distributed to not only the Catholic missions and friars, but also the Pueblos. It was Oñate’s actions with the large Churra numbers he had initially, and [the ensuing] dispersal, that led eventually to the Navajo people getting access to them and [their] eventual notable wool weaving skills and artisan work in the 20th century and beyond.”

The legacy of these sheep would eventually become far richer than the gold Coronado once sought. “Trapper, soldier, miner and cowboy may claim title to the romance of the West, but its economic success was made certain by the great sheep trails,” write Charles Towne and Edward Wentworth in Shepherd’s Empire. Indeed, the hardy breed took well to life in the Southwest. Enslaved Native Americans learned sheep husbandry and textile skills at the Spanish missions from the earliest days of conquest, and many Navajo people and neighboring tribes adopted the livestock into their life rhythms and cultures. By 1779, Gulliford relays, there were over 15,000 sheep recorded at the Zuni Pueblo.

Though the sheep promised security in an often-withering landscape, wherever they went the Navajo-Churro seemed to be followed by the violence and conquest in which they were introduced to the continent.

In 1850, a military inspector reported the Navajo people had stolen 47,300 head of Churros from Pueblo Indians in a year-anda-half’s time.

In 1863, exactly ten years after he delivered 6,500 Churros to Sacramento for a $30,000 payday (the most lucrative adventure of his career), mountain man and recently commissioned lieutenant colonel Kit Carson was

Pictured left: Elmer Yazzie N-C Saddle Blanket. Pictured above: Agarita Creek -Churros shearing day. Below: Mary Begay at Hesperus, CO before first summer grazing on Mt. Hesperus, CO sacred peak in 135 years.

tasked with rounding up the Navajo people as if they were sheep themselves.

When the Navajos resisted being imprisoned on reservations, Carson and his men employed the army’s scorched-earth practice. They burned Navajo crops, peach orchards, and their hogan family communities, slaughtering their livestock (which included thousands of Churro sheep) before forcing 8,000 Navajo men, women, and children to take the “Long Walk”—an over 300-mile journey to the prison camp of the Bosque Redondo Reservation. Less than half of the Navajos survived the walk and the three-year internment that followed before being allowed to return to their ancestral lands.

Some Navajo families escaped by living and hiding in remote areas of the region, and with them, some Churro sheep survived the extermination as well. Later, government agents sought to “improve” the breed in typical save-the-sheep-killthe-Churro fashion by crossing Churros with rams of Rambouillet, Merino, and dozens of other breeds. The introduced breeds were supposed to produce larger carcasses and better fleece, but as Dr. Don Bixby, former Executive Director of the Livestock Conservancy notes, “neither of these things

happened. The smaller Navajo-Churro ewes had difficulty delivering and raising the larger lambs on the available forage, and the crossbred fleece still did not conform to commercial needs” of the Eastern US woolen mills. The “improvements” rendered the Churro crossbreeds decidedly less adapted to the desert landscape.

The Churro faced another threat of nearextinction when the federal government ordered dramatic “livestock reductions” during the Great Depression years to increase market prices. This mandate was applied with extra vigor to the NavajoChurro sheep—a movement Dr. McNeal describes as a “Navajo Holocaust” of the sheep and goats that sustained the Navajo people.

In fact, it was the very sustainability of the Navajos that prompted such action, McNeal explains. Navajo independence (not needing government assistance) in the early 1900s was viewed as a threat. “The federal government wanted more control, thus the overgrazing and premature siltation of the new Hoover Dam was used as an excuse to reduce their self-empowerment,” says McNeal. “As studies showed, the [majority] of the silt deposits in the Colorado River came long before it [reached] the Navajo Reservation. The terrible ‘Stock Reduction’ era WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 37

Lyle McNeal searching for sheep on the Navajo Reservation in 1977

imposed on the Navajo People, starting in 1933, continued into the mid 1940’s, and the sheep numbers went from over 2 million head owned by the Navajos, to 57% of them terminated, and numbers less than 860,000 head, and no reimbursements paid. The focus of the federal government policies during the ‘Stock Reduction’ was to terminate first, those scrubby, unimproved Churro sheep.”

Yet, through all the tribulations, the NavajoChurro endured, and, along the way, they became a symbol of the endurance of the Navajo people themselves, and the spirit of the Southwest.

“By 1972, a Navajo Tribal Census found that less than 435 head of the ‘original oldtype Navajo sheep’ were alive,” Dr. McNeal recalls, “and the majority of sheep on the Reservation were white-man’s so-called ‘improved’ sheep breeds.” When Dr. McNeal, then a professor of Animal Science at Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo found this out, he felt it was time to locate the remnants and breed them back from the brink of extinction (“Remember, extinction is forever!” McNeal reminds).

In 1977, Dr. McNeal established the Navajo Sheep Project, a non-profit to, in small ways, pay back the Navajo People for the “wrong doings of previous PG. 38 :: FALL 2019

generations, and especially the federal government’s imposition of the 1863-1868 Long Walk and the 1933-1948 Stock Reduction Era.” In July 1979, Dr. McNeal relocated the Navajo Sheep Project ‘nucleus flock’ of 37 head to Logan, UT after being requested to serve as a professor of Animal Science at Utah State University.

Roughly a decade later, after years of working with Navajo shepherds and artisan weavers, as well as the Hispanic shepherds and artisan weavers of New Mexico, Dr. McNeal with the support of other breeders, founded the National Navajo-Churro Sheep Association (N-CSA) in Los Ojos, NM in June of 1986. Since then, numbers of Navajo-Churro sheep have been making a comeback via the Navajo Sheep Project and the Navajo-Churro Sheep Association.

The 23rd “Sheep is Life Celebration,” held on the Navajo Nation in June was a reminder of the spiritual and sacred importance of the Navajo-Churro in particular. Clan Head Goldtooth Begay captured this importance when she told Dr. McNeal, “I am over ninety years old now and I was worried about my children and grandchildren, the livestock and the land, but now I see my children and grandchildren working together with the

livestock and the land...I am happy when I hear my children and grandchildren talk about the sheep and I am happy when I see and hear the sheep in the corral and know my children and grandchild love the sheep.�

Navajo-Churros are now numbered at 5,000 head in the U.S. and counting. Visit NavajoSheepProject.org, NavajoLifeway. org, and LivestockConservancy.org to further connect with the sacred story of North America’s first domesticated sheep.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Joel Johnson is the Trades and Agriculture Interpreter at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. His work and writing can be viewed at NarrativesofPlace.com

Dr. McNeal & Nancy at former HQ in North Logan UT, 1986

Sarah Natani with her sheep & sheep crook in her corral

WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 39

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: THEN & NOW

Things used to be much simpler. My grandpa worked cows with a few basic tools. With his horse, hat, saddle, rope, chaps, pocket knife, wild rag and a hand-full of strike anywhere Diamond stick matches he was set for the day.

ARTICLE BY TAMRA KELLY

H

Detail of cowboy's saddle. Roundup near Marfa, Texas ©Russell Lee Circa May 1939

e most likely had stuck an extra horseshoe and handful of nails along with set of fencing pliers in the pocket of his chaps. Tacking on a shoe to limp back to the ranch was often necessary in the rough, rocky country of Central Arizona. Leaving before daybreak – he got back home when he got back home. No time. No deadlines. No hurry.

Work the cows, ride his country, and come back home when he was ready.

Spring works were less complicated.

Drag calves to the fire, brand, give them an ear-mark, give a shot of black leg and turn them back out. In the fall, gather, wean the calves, fill out your self-inspect papers, load them on the trucks and ship

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to the sale barn. Simple – few laws, little regulation, no cell phones, no computers.

Times have changed.

Although the basic tools of the trade remain the same, producing and managing a cattle herd has become much more complicated. With extremely narrow profit margins a constant concern, paying close attention to everything aspect of the business is required. Breeding programs, genetics, birthing weights, average weight gains, feed supplements, fuel prices, maintenance costs, minerals and vaccinations require careful and consistent planning in an effort to maximize profit.

Continued on page 46...

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PG. 40 :: FALL 2019

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All calves will be offered for sale with no games or gimmicks.

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A

merican agriculture is a great success story, mostly because of the families involved in it!

As proof, 98% of farms and ranches in the United States are family-owned and operated producing food and fiber so abundantly that most Americans don’t worry about where their next meal is going to come from. Women in agriculture are a large part of that success! Without these women who take on the roles of volunteers, career professionals, accountants, business partners and in some cases the independent business owners of farms and ranches themselves, while also prioritizing other family responsibilities, agriculture would not have the strong foundation and family roots that it has today which has helped make it resilient. Recently at the 23rd Annual Women in Ag Conference, themed Resilience in the Desert, Gertie Hickman was awarded the Resilient Women of the Year Award, the first recipient to receive the recognition.

Gertie was born and raised in Glendale, Arizona. Gertie’s father had a retail clothing store and her mother played mini-farmer to different animals they raised throughout Gerties’ childhood.

Though she was never raised on a farm she had some experience through time she spent on other farms including her

grandmother’s farm in Ohio where she would help collect eggs from her chickens and sell to the local grocer.

After Gertie Attended Arizona State University, she married Bill Hickman. Bill had a full-time job managing a Glendale service station, while Gertie had a bit of time on her hands, and experience working in her father’s local dry goods stores. Bill bought Gertie 500 baby chicks to match her mothers-in-law’s flock, and the two women were 50-50 partners in the new business venture. Soon, egg production exceeded the back-porch sales, so Gertie started selling eggs out of the back seat of Bill’s ‘55 Ford coupe to local cafés and grocery stores.

Business was so good that in two years, the flock had grown to 3,500 hens. Their first son, Matt, was born in 1959, so as soon as the insurance company paid the hospital off (yes, medical coverage was a big deal even back then), Bill left the service station to run the egg business full time.

In the next 10 years, from 1959 to 1969, Hickman’s Egg Ranch grew to 100,000 laying hens on 10 acres on 67th and Missouri avenues. With the growth of Maryvale and the Metro Phoenix area Bill Hickman had the foresight to purchase 40 acres way-way-way out on 91st and Orangewood avenues in 1968. Bill and Gertie first built their family home there in 1970, and then they built hen houses to expand and eventually relocated the 67th Avenue farm. Expansion over the years led to additional barns, a processing plant and the they expanded over the years, adding barns and a processing plant. By 1997, they had a processing plant capable of grading 72,000 eggs per hour and a feed mill running around the clock, supplying not only their feed for their hens but feed

stores around the state — and 350,000 laying hens. Eventually, they ran out of room. In 1997 the Hickman’s purchased land in Arlington, AZ west of Buckeye, and continued heir expansion. Today they have facilities in Tonopah and Maricopa as well and more than 10 million laying hens.

With the business doing so well, Gertie was also busy raising her family! With five children, multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren Gertie is very involved in everything that they do.

Gertie’s biggest impact on the ag industry is her commitment to working for specific politicians that are ag friendly. Gertie likes to make sure that she develops a relationship with the politician that will continue to grow while they are in office.

She relays the correct information from a farmer’s point of view to the politicians and makes sure that they are up-to-date on the issues affecting the agriculture industry.

Gertie is definitely one of a kind and has been a staple in the agricultural industry here in Arizona. We salute her achievement as the Resilient Women of the Year recipient.

ARTICLE BY: Christy Davis, Arizona Farm Bureau, Outreach Manager and Program Coordinator

Gertie leading the Pledge of Allegiance at the County Supervisors’ meeting WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 41

FROM THE AUCTION BLOCK : THE AUCTIONEER

I was sitting at a restaurant table with a small group of friends when a group began to gather in our section for a casual corporate meeting. A man walked in among the crowd and immediately thought I recognized him. He was obviously part of the event, but was standing or sitting alone for most of the time. Eventually, after about an hour, I walked over to him…

Me: “Excuse me, I don’t mean to be weird, but I think I know you. I thought I recognized you when you walked in. Is your name Paul?”

Stranger: “Yes.” Me: “Are you an Auctioneer?”

Stranger: “Yes…” ARTICLE BY NIK KLUTCH

E

Nik & Melissa

very once in a while, your life is touched by strangers.

Sometimes they can be positive and brighten our day or week… sometimes they can create special moments that you remember for the rest of your life.

Auction day is always a big day in 4-H and FFA livestock projects. The 4-H kids have an opportunity to auction off their livestock they have raised and worked with all year if they have met certain criteria. In the auction ring, the 4-H’er walks around a small fenced pen with wood chips on the ground and displays the animals to the bidders seated in the stands on three sides of the pen. The auctioneer is on Nik Klutch & Paul Ramirez the fourth side and tries to get potential buyers involved to support the kids and have a good price on the auction. An auctioneer can make or break the price for a year’s worth of work in a 4-H livestock project.

My youngest sister Melissa was born with Down’s Syndrome. In April of 2004, she was auctioning at the county fair for the first time… a chicken. The main auctioneer who had been handing the bidding for most of the morning swapped out a few kids before Melissa was set to enter the ring. He had heckled the bidding audience and enticed higher bids for the livestock all morning, and livestock was selling for great prices. The new auctioneer who took over, seemed new at the trade and didn’t have the consistent flow and banter that Ringmen Dean Fish

PG. 42 :: FALL 2019

experienced auctioneers… like the one who was now on break, usually have. The bid prices that had been holding all morning began to drop as the new seller tried to find his groove. Looks of disappointment were seen on some faces as bids were not solicited as enthusiastically, and sales were finalized much more quickly. A bit of dread began to settle as Melissa’s turn came for her to enter the ring.

The inexperience that the new auctioneer may have had and the possibility of lower bid numbers was not a concern for Melissa. She entered the ring with a beaming smile on her face and began to circle the edge of the ring waving the chicken’s wing for display. The bidding began, but as feared, soon began to slow down. The new auctioneer began his ending routine for Melissa and was about to close the sale when something happened.

The auctioneer who had stopped to take a break, stepped in and took the microphone from the hand of his replacement. His unexpected interruption into the situation brought a shot of adrenaline into the atmosphere that was unmistakable. He encouraged bidders to drive up the price, and they began to follow. An auction that had nearly been ended, quickly became a frenzied competition for the audience who was now outbidding each other almost as quickly as the previous bids could be placed.

Nearly everyone in the stands were on their

Pima County Fair Auction

feet, clapping to the spectacle and cheering for Melissa. The bid takers were climbing the fence to the auction pen and waving their arms frantically with each new bid.

In years since, the only way that can do any sense of justice to what happened, is to describe that auction as a “Rocky” moment. At the end of the first Rocky movie, the celebration of an event so unlikely and unexpected, but yet so collectively emotional and moving to a crowd of strangers was surpassed by the electric atmosphere that surrounded the auction pen that day. Melissa was beaming, and the audience was cheering… with tearing eyes.

Melissa makes a point to talk to that auctioneer at the fair every year since that day, even though it has been several years since she has been young enough to compete. That same auctioneer still goes back to the fair every year to sell the livestock of 4-H and FFA kids. I saw him during the auction from a distance this year during my first visit to the fair in around 12 years.

The auctioneer didn’t have to twist the lid back onto his bottle of water and take over the auction. The bidders didn’t have to drive up the price of Melissa’s chicken to nearly double any other price that had been seen that day. The winning buyer didn’t have to give Melissa her chicken back, after they had fought so hard to have the highest bid.

We all have the ability to make a difference in the lives of those around us. The people at work, other customers at the store, kids at the fair, or strangers we meet by chance in restaurant. Every once in a while, your life is touched by strangers… sometimes they can create special moments that you remember for the rest of your life. Today I met Paul. The Auctioneer.

WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 43

CONSERVATION: THE ALTAR VALLEY The Alliance’s work over the last few decades has focused on conceptual planning efforts, as well as on-the-ground projects.

ARTICLE BY SARAH

B

KING

ack in 1995, when ranchers talked about the future of the Altar Valley (located southwest of Tucson, Arizona), the chances of keeping the valley open for agriculture in the next generation seemed slim. Development pressures loomed as Tucson sprawled outward. Ranchers wanted to improve brush management and engage in on-theground erosion control work, but resource management within the valley was often paralyzed by conflict.

Neighbors talked amongst themselves about their hopes for the Altar Valley, and knew that they had to take action.

Folks had heard about the recently formed Malpai Borderlands Group in the Douglas, Arizona area. The Malpai ranchers, driven by similar concerns about the health and open space future of the landscape, had begun regularly meeting, along with scientists and environmentalists. They felt that the “dig in your heels” approach seemed doomed to fail, and decided to reach out to their critics and find common ground.

The Altar Valley ranchers invited their Malpai friends over for a visit, and asked them to share more about what they were doing to move beyond conflict and toward action. The Malpai vision was inspiring, and their methods of pursing common ground were convincing. It seemed that the concept of a collaborative conservation group could be adapted to the Altar Valley needs.

These conversations provided the rich soil from which the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance sprouted. From the beginning, the newly formed alliance of agricultural neighbors reached out to land and resource agencies with responsibilities in the watershed. People gradually became acquainted, found common ground, and worked to respect differences. Finally, PG. 44 :: FALL 2019

these concerned parties agreed to take on collaborative watershed projects to protect the land and lifestyles they loved.

The Alliance’s work over the last few decades has focused on conceptual planning efforts, as well as on-the-ground projects. The ambitious Altar Valley Watershed Resource Assessment, one of the first projects, was completed in 2000. The project, which was funded by an Arizona Water Protection Fund grant, laid the foundation for the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance's conservation programs. The premise of the assessment was to recommend future activities based on an integrated evaluation of land use history and watershed resource condition.

Concurrently, the Alliance worked with the Natural Resource Conservation Service to bring a consortium of cooperating agencies and organizations together to create the Altar Valley Fire Management Plan. This was a landmark plan designed to allow for the re-introduction of fire as a functioning component of the ecosystem within the planning area, after policies in the 20th century had decreased its presence on the landscape.

While large-scale planning is essential, the Alliance has found that engaging partners on relatively small-scale projects on the landscape is critical to success. Over the years, the Alliance has hosted workshops in the Altar Valley dedicated to remedying erosion via dirt road maintenance and low-tech erosion control techniques. In 2010 and 2012, the Alliance received multi-year grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Under those grants, the Alliance and partners created seven conservation action sites in the Altar Valley that have some combination of prescribed fire and erosion control measures.

To date, the Alliance’s largest restoration

effort is the Elkhorn/Las Delicias Watershed Restoration Demonstration Project. It was funded by a generous grant from Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold Foundation, along with support from many Altar Valley Conservation Alliance partners. The 1,500-acre project site sits on the fence line of two ranches and was installed in January 2012. It showcases low-tech watershed restoration practices in ephemeral arroyos, tributaries, and associated uplands in a flash flood dominated landscape of the Altar Valley.

Today, the Alliance is leading an effort to create a valley-wide plan that will facilitate on-the-ground projects in the years to come. This planning effort is funded by a 2-year $100,000 grant from Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART program. The Alliance and partners will develop a watershed management plan focused on two large watershed issues: channel incisement/erosion and mesquite encroachment. The plan is not just conceptual – it will also include project profiles for 15-20 high-priority on-theground projects.

Back in 1995, none of the Altar Valley ranchers foresaw how AVCA would grow over the years. By rallying individuals around the simple vision of conserving the Altar Valley for future generations, Altar Valley ranchers have transcended late 20th century conflict between grazing and environmental protection. Cowboys and conservationists have joined forces to create 21st century history that celebrates and practices the best of the old and new ways of taking care of land, wildlife, and people.

To learn more about the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance, visit www.altarvalleyconservation.org.

© Sarah King

© Sarah King

Next Generation © Sarah King

Spring 2018 Field Visit © Sarah King

WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 45

Horse's head. Notice cowboy gloves. Cattle ranch near Spur, Texas ©Russell Lee Circa May 1939

Continued from page 40...Unfortunately, the computer and the cell phone have become basic tools of the trade. It seems that every cowboy now spends much time on his cell phone. Whether talking cattle, business, calling home or playing on social media the freedom of being horse back in peace with no limits regarding time, location or progress is now almost impossible. If the cell phone in your pocket is not enough, now every headquarters has computers and Internet with wireless modems to assist the rancher in research, buying, communication and marketing. The Internet has increased our ability to research issues and communicate concerns regarding the challenges facing the producer. Reviewing Market Report and cattle futures or purchasing every kind of ranch supply from drinkers and solar pumps to barb wire is conveniently accomplished online. Moreover, internet sales of cattle through websites such as Superior Livestock, Roundup Cattle, Ranch World Ads, etc. are becoming a popular method to sell cattle.

These internet sales with more complex “value added programs” are becoming the norm. As an example, Superior Livestock has no less than six different vaccination programs – VAC 24, VAC34, VAC 34+, VAC 45, VAC 45+ and Vac Precon each with specific vaccines and most requiring double vaccinations of calves. Shots at the time of branding and the second prior to weaning are designed to minimize death

loss in the feedlots increasing the value of your calves. In addition the VAC 45, 45+ and Vac Precon require the calves to be weaned for at least 45 days before shipping to further minimize the possibility of loss in grow yards.

If vaccination options are not complicated enough, Superior Livestock offers additional programs such as Source Verified, Source and Age Verified, Progressive Genetic, Right Slide, Weight Stop, BVD PI Free, NHTC, Gap 1 and Gap 4, Owner Certified Natural, Certified Natural Plus, Verified Natural Beef, Vita Form Raised, Gain Smart and Genetic Merit Programs each designed to enhance the opportunity to obtain a better price for your calves. However, the simplicity of the cattle business is lost and these new programs are sometimes met with great resistance from older producers who prefer the historic practice of one shot at branding and ship on the day of weaning.

The complexity of the business is no longer simply related to a rancher’s ability to producing a calf. Knowledge regarding everything from cattle futures to internet modems is necessary for a profitable cattle operation. Unexpected expenses can cut deep into the profit margin. Anything you can do yourself from simple equipment maintenance, welding, and veterinarian skills to pulling a windmill or properly filing for a water right, avoids the necessity of outside help greatly reducing the cost of doing business.

The weather, the general public and the government can, and often do, create unexpected expenses. Floods, snow storms, or drought cost money. People cutting fences, shooting cattle, or leaving gates open creates expense. Government regulations, laws and restrictions can turn a profitable year into a deficit. Effective written and verbal communications are often the only tools available to minimize these costs.

Ranching on public lands has its own special problems. Knowledge and understanding of policy, regulation and statutes relating to public lands management is critical for proper and effective communication with land managers. Speaking their own language riddled with regulations, departmental titles and acronyms such as NEPA, AOI, EA, EIS and FLMPA federal land managers can obfuscate simple concepts often creating bewilderment to the cattle producer attempting to simply manage the range to produce a calf. The better you understand and can communicate with public land managers, the more effective your cattle operation.

When we work our cattle ranches in Central Arizona everyone in my family still carries the same tools my grandpa carried. Saddle, chaps, rope, pocket knife and matches. Sometimes in areas with no cell service, we still build a smoke to communicate. The joy of taking care of our cattle with a few simple tools in a remote, isolated part of Arizona is priceless. Unfortunately, when we come back to town – the nature of the business and its required tools have become far more complex.

LLC

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tamra Kelly is the broker of Ag Lands Southwest, LLC - a real estate company specializing in the sale of cattle ranches and other agricultural properties in Arizona and New Mexico. To see current listings flip to the back of Western Ag Life Magazine or visit: www.aglandssw.com Buying or Selling a ranch or farm? Contact her today at: 928-830-9127.

PG. 46 :: FALL 2019

Gordy Alderson (520) 839-9250 Cozy up by the fire this Fall in Elgin, AZ!

Cattle Market Summary - You Tube • Feeder Flash provides real time feeder cattle prices, reports and commentary. Watch on You Tube or if you would like to receiver our daily newsletter, please send an email to RobCookKC@gmail.com with subscribe in the subject line. • Corbitt Wall is the Commercial Cattle Manager and Livestock Market Analyst fir DV Auction. A native of eastern New Mexico and west Texas, he operates a small stocker cattle operation with his three daughters.

champion club calves for sale Dean Fish, (520) 988-8009 anchorf@gmail.com

Serving the Agriculture community since 1995

Crop Insurance Farm & Ranch Insurance PRF (Rainfall Index) Insurance

209.678.5179

Willcox Office: Patina Thompson 105 N. Railview Ave Willcox, Az 85643 Phone: 520-507-2220 Casa Grande Office: 442 W. Kortsen Rd., #204 Casa Grande, AZ 85122 Phone: 520-836-2988

520-241-3333 u can bid .com WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 47

THE BUTTERFIELD OVERLAND MAIL COMPANY

BY PAT SEPULVEDA-MYERS

1848

was a tumultuous and exciting time in the history of the United States. The Mexican-American War was over, resulting in the acquisition of most of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and Colorado.

Gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill in California. And the concept of Manifest Destiny supported American exploration and expansion. The words that became that generation’s motto, “Go west, young man, go west,” resounded through the nation.

All this migration created a need for roads, military protection and, most importantly, mail service. Congress had earlier approved mail service by ship, but that could take months. The transplanted people in California demanded a direct route overland.

In 1857 the government finally put out a request for bids to carry U.S. mail and passengers from St. Louis MO to San Francisco CA. It specified that the service be performed using 4-horse coaches or spring wagons capable of carrying 6 PG. 48 :: FALL 2019

passengers, 3 sacks of letters, and one of newspapers.

It was entrepreneur John Butterfield who won the contract of $600,000 per annum, using a Southern route. Starting in St. Louis MO and going through Springfield, the route veered off to Ft. Smith AR; went south to Sherman TX; turned west through New Mexico and Arizona; between La Mesilla and Tucson, it crossed the San Pedro River 1 mile north of present-day Benson and

went on to Ft. Yuma CA; drove across the Imperial Valley; and finally turned northbound to San Francisco. Politically, this was advantageous as an instrument of settlement and it gained the support of the southern (Confederate) sympathizers.

Butterfield had only one year to establish this route, grade the roads, build and stock 200 stations an average of 15-20 miles apart, hire men to drive the coaches and to man the stations, plus develop water stations. And that’s what he did! Butterfield’s Overland Mail Company inaugurated its first runs in mid-September 1858. Totaling 2,795 miles, the transport took 23 days and 23 hours. Here was the longest stage line in the world and the first truly transcontinental road stitching the United States together.

In the Spring of 1861, the North/South conflict caught up with Butterfield. Texas seceded from the Union and blocked 900 miles of the Butterfield Trail. Shortly afterwards, Congress passed a law requiring the Butterfield Overland Mail line be moved to the Central route used

Go west, young man, go west,” by the Pony Express. Congress added the caveat that, once the transcontinental telegraph line was completed, their services would be terminated. This was realized in October 1861.

Would you like to learn more about the history of Benson? May we suggest you pack up the family and head to Butterfield Stagecoach Days, "A Living History" Where days gone by come to life!

Visitors will be amazed as they walk through Benson's historical timeline.

Watch the Mormon Battalion and Buffalo Soldiers as they re-enact history.

See artifacts from Railroad, Apache Powder, the Benson Museum, Old Farm Equipment, Outdoor Art Gallery of times gone by. Join the The Cameo Ladies of Tombstone on Saturday for Tea and Fashion Show or Enjoy Mariachi, Folkloric Dancers, and miniature train operation for children of all ages including Kids Kove, face painting, kiddie tattoos and Geology digs. Come early and stay late to enjoy live Music, Vendors and Food.

This Event takes place on: Saturday, October 12th 9am-4pm Sunday, October 13th 9am-4pm Apache Park is located at: 150 W. 6th St, Benson AZ 85602 For more information or vending opportunity contact: The Benson San Pedro Valley Chamber of Commerce at (520) 265-8031 or email: info@bensonchamberaz.com

Article Sources: Pony Express: The Great Gamble – Roy Bloss (Howell-North Press, Berkeley CA, 1959) Butterfield’s Byway – Melody Graves (History Press, Charleston SC, 2014) Photos: Pictured top left page: Early 1900s view of 4th St. between San Pedro & Huachuca St (L to R) C. Hoy Mansion Cafe, Fairlee & Jensen Mansion Hotel, Bank of Benson & Post Office, F. Clark Turf Saloon.

Pictured bottom left page: Early 1900s view of 4th St. looking west from Huachuca St. (L to R) C. F. Moss Drug Store, new L. Redfield Post Office, Gerwien's Bank of Benson, old post office, Gerwien's lumberyard.

Pictured top right page: Early 1900s view of 4th Street between Gila & San Pedro St. (L to R) Cosby Cash Store & General Merchandise, Etz/Treu Meat Market, J. Lopnow Store, Maier Brothers General Mercantile.

Pictured bottom right page: Early 1900s view of the Territorial Industrial School near Patagonia & 6th St. It became the Benson HIgh School after the Industrial School moved to Camp Grant in 1913.

WESTERN AG LIFE .COM :: PG 49

LLC Tamra S. Kelly, Broker (928) 830-9127 tamra@aglandssw.com Tad M. Bryant, Associate (928) 460-9127 tad@aglandssw.com Brian Murray, Associate (520) 954-8940 brian@aglandsswcom

NEW LISTING! Gold Trap Ranch - Ashfork, AZ The Gold Trap Ranch is located in the Coconino National Forest just north of Ashfork, Arizona. The headquarters is 12 miles north of I-40 on a well maintained forest road and surrounded by National Forest. 2,122 SF home, livestock barn, equipment barn, working corrals, 15 ton scale, outbuildings and a 500 gallon water storage tank.

This working cattle ranch carries 267 head CYL and is a combination of 7,947 deeded acres with state and forest leases on over 40,000 continuous acres. Livestock water is provided by numerous dirt tanks filled by Partridge Creek and surrounding drainage. $2,999,000.

NEW LISTING! West Clem Ranch, La Paz County, AZ The West Clem is primarily a seasonal desert ranch with a 5,600 Acres BLM Allotment; 8,500 Acres State Grazing Lease and; 11,000 Acres of Adverse Deeded. The house, range improvements and shipping facilities are in very good condition. The ranch is well watered with 8 permanent waters. The shipping corrals and traps are new along with all water lots. Perimeter fencing has been recently rebuilt.

Shipping corrals are easily accessed by cattle truck and include 5 ton livestock scales. The ranch is perimeter fenced with holding traps at the shipping pens. Most of the livestock waters are within a large trap and have triggers. The adverse grazing and ephemeral increases have allowed up to 250 AUM’s. $575,000.

NEW LISTING! Bar S Ranch - Wikeup, AZ The Bar S Ranch is located in west-central Arizona. With over 3,300 deeded acres and 152,655 total BLM and State Grazing this ranch runs 445 CYL plus large ephemeral increases. With three homes, barn, corrals and equipment this ranch is a large outfit that is well watered and maintained. $5,950,000.

PENDING! The Wild Bunch Ranch, Greenlee County, AZ The Wild Bunch Ranch is located in Eastern Arizona and runs 311 CYL plus 48 head of hold-over yearlings and 8 horses. Offered turnkey: ranch improvements, permit, cattle and horses. $1,299,000.

Bar U Ranch, Deming, NM The Bar U Ranch seven miles west of Deming, New Mexico allows you to run a minimum of 50 CYL on +/- 2,560 NM State Lease acres and farm to your hearts content on +/-1,770 deeded acres.

With shallow water and ownership in the Mimbres Valley Irrigation Company this ranch offers an excellent farming opportunity. A total of three acre feet of water per acre on 1,300 acres irrigates its excellent soil. The beautiful 3,000 sq. foot custom home was built in 2006.

Numerous out buildings and much more! $1,980,000

PENDING! La Cienega Ranch, Yucca, AZ The La Cienega Ranch is located in west-central Arizona in the community of Yucca and has a carrying capacity of 490 CYL. $1,690,000.

9400 W. Middle Place Road - Prescott, Arizona 86305

(928) 830-9127 www.aglandssw.com

The task of buying or selling a ranch, horse property or farm property has a unique set of factors that require the attention of an experienced professional, and that’s where Ag Lands Southwest, LLC is your perfect choice for a Broker. As cattle ranchers, we understand the unique issues facing agricultural producers. Our experience allows us to better assist our clients when buying and selling ranch and farm properties.

Contact us today!

BUYING OR SELLING A RANCH OR FARM?

SOLD! TT Ranch - New River, AZ

SOLD! Indian Springs Ranch - Ashfork, AZ

SOLD! Tom Lockett Ranch - Ashfork, AZ

SOLD! 3C’S Ranch - Ashfork, AZ

SOLD! 3M Ranch - Central AZ

Sold!

Moore Farm, McNeal, AZ The Moore Farm located in McNeal, Arizona consists of 240 deeded acres with 56 acres irrigated by two Zimmatic mini pivots and 20 acres of flood irrigation. Improvements include a 2,023 sq. ft home with a covered porch, a 351 sq. ft bunk house, two detached garages, two livestock barns: 3,920/3,337 sq. ft, and three livestock sheds: 1,632/1,488/144 sq. ft. Call today for more information! $485,000.

Sold!

Deep Creek Ranch, Glenwood, NM The Deep Creek Ranch is nestled in the beautiful Gila Forest with a live year-round creek running through the headquarters of the ranch.

With 106 deeded acres and the 6,288 acre Whiterock Allotment, this is the perfect gentleman’s ranch with a carrying capacity of 45 CYL. Adorable 3 bedroom-2 bath cabin, corrals, barn and three shallow wells on the deeded property. With wildlife in abundance - this ranch would be perfect for an outfitter operation. $1,189,000.

Judd Ranch, Alpine, AZ The historic Judd Ranch located in the beautiful mountain community of Alpine, Arizona consists of 208 +/- gorgeous acres bordering the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Alpine, Arizona is full of clean mountain air and abundant wildlife. There are six cabins nestled into the pines along the historic Coronado Trail. The property includes the unique feature of Judd Lake on the San Francisco River. With 150 acre feet irrigation rights and open meadows surrounded by tall Ponderosa Pines, this property has abundant investment possibilities or just a beautiful mountain home. The ranch has been used by the Judd family since the 1800’s and has historically run 100 head seasonally from May to October. $3,850,000.

REDUCED! White Mountain Ranch, Show Low, AZ The White Mountain Ranch is a working cattle ranch located in beautiful north-eastern Arizona along the Mogollon Rim near Show Low, Arizona. The ranch consists of 42.65 acres of deeded land with BLM and State grazing leases and adverse deeded grazing. The carrying capacity is rated at 200 head in a cow/calf operation. There is a three bedroom, two bath 1,680’ cozy main house. This ranch is outlined with over 75 miles of fencing and includes three sets of working corrals. $775,000.

PENDING! End Of The Road Ranch, Snowflake, AZ End of the Road Ranch includes a 2,844 sq ft single story home on 259 acres of deeded land well watered with three deep wells including one large irrigation well rated at 1,500 gpm. No pumping restriction and no metering to irrigate approximately 200 acres of tillable pasture. With three matched metal-sided barns and a spacious garage/workshop this ranch is a turnkey property ideally suited for a small farm, livestock breeding outfit, personal roping facility or selfsufficient hide-a-way. $429,000.

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