True Grit

TRUE GRIT

ARTICLE BY DEAN FISH PHOTOS BY GUY ATCHLEY

Eddie McClure

© Guy Atchley

Many times when we talk about agriculture, we talk about multi-generational families and operations. It takes a certain type of character to persevere through the tough times that inevitably fall upon families that depend on Mother Nature to provide our bounty and livelihood. Dr. Susan Wilson Sanders, DVM, MS, of the Lazy S Ranch in Cochise and Graham Counties, Arizona is a fine example of the grit and work ethic that make up the multi-faceted fabric of farmers and ranchers in the arid West.

Susan grew up on Riverdale Farms in Robertson County, Texas. Her great-grandfather came from Tennessee to Texas in 1830 and obtained a Spanish Land Grant. Part of this land grant was passed on to Susan’s grandfather and later her father. Growing up, Susan loved the Brahman cross and Hereford cattle, horses and dogs. In fact, an early experience treating a calf for tetanus set her on the path to becoming a veterinarian. During high school, Susan began a life-long love for Angus cattle and convinced her father to add some commercial Angus to the herd. While in veterinary school at Texas A&M, Susan bought a Charolais bull and was given half of the ensuing silver offspring, often selling for 20 cents per pound more than their black baldy contemporaries!

© Guy Atchley

Shortly before Susan graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine, her father suffered a massive stroke and became incapacitated. After a year of trying to manage the farm and ranch, the decision was made to lease the land and sell the cattle and equipment. This put Susan’s cattle raising on hold for a bit. After Texas A&M graduate school (it was 3+ years, not one year), Susan accepted a position at the University of Arizona as part of the Animal Care Program. While at the U of A, Susan worked in the laboratory animal facility as well as with the registered cattle and horse programs. Later, Susan became the Director of Animal Care and Use Program and served in this role for over 20 years.

In 1995, Susan and her first husband Mark Sanders sold the Texas farm and purchased deeded land and grazing leases in Cochise and Graham counties, establishing the Lazy S Ranch. The ranch started with a mix of Herefords, Beefmasters and Brahman cross cows. Brangus and composite bulls were used on these cows. In 2002, Mark passed away as a result of an accident on the ranch and Susan took over the management while still a U of A employee. Later that year, Susan purchased her first registered Angus cows, four heifers and two pairs from the U of A. She also sought out top Angus bloodlines and this formed the start of the Angus herd. Dunn ranch females were added, and this was the only source of outside female genetics until 2016.

© Guy Atchley

Susan has long sought out top level genetics and utilized bulls from Leachman, Peterson Angus of South Dakota and Express Ranches. The addition of artificial insemination has also helped to infuse top genetics into the herd. In fact, it is hard to find a producer that is more committed to using genomic data to enhance their cattle operation. Full genomic profiles are performed on every registered Angus calf and this information is utilized in concert with observation of structure and behavior for all breeding and retention decisions. A state-of-the-art immunization, biosecurity and worming program has been established for all of ranch animal populations. Since 2008, Lazy S has been run as a family operation with her husband Jim McClure, son and daughter-in-law Eddie and Natalie McClure and son James McClure. Currently they run about 100 registered Angus cows and maintain about 150-175 commercial Angus/ Brangus cows. Bull buyers in Arizona will often see Lazy S bulls at the top of the grading lists at consignment bull sales as well as being high sellers. Their commitment to quality and genetics is without compare.

In addition to the focus on animal husbandry, much work has been done for natural resource conservation on the ranch. In cooperation with NRCS and others, water and range improvement projects have been implemented. Increased water developments and pipelines have helped to improve wildlife habitat as well as grazing distribution. Ripping and grubbing projects have enhanced the vegetative composition of the land as well as increasing habitat for wildlife species. As a result of this work, the ranch was recognized as the Conservation Ranch of the Year by the Willcox/San Simon Conservation District.

© Guy Atchley

Susan spent 44 years of her life focused on serving the research community of the U of A, teaching and mentoring students and serving as the primary advocate for animal use in biomedical, biological and agricultural research and education. She has continued that service to the beef industry in Arizona by producing top quality genetics as well as providing an example of conservation and innovation with the Lazy S Ranch. Susan’s roots do run deep and she is helping to provide for future generations. The generations before her would sure be proud of what she has grown!