Working Ranch Magazine March/April 2025

A Dr. Dean Fish is leading the cattle industry with vision and integrity.

THE EARLY YEARS Dean was born in Tucson, Arizona, and shortly after, adopted by Ron and Guadalupe Fish, moving him to the Singing Valley Ranch in Sonoita, Arizona. Dean’s father, Ron, a true cat tleman, has worked at several ranches across Arizona, leaving a lasting impres sion on the cattle industry. Ron’s true love was registered Herefords. He devel oped that passion while working with HB Thurber, who owned Thurber Registered Herefords in Sonoita. The well-known and respected cattlemen and women Ron worked for included Bill and Penny Porter and then Pruett Wray Cattle Co. At seven, Dean and his family moved to the ranch that most impacted his future: the Santa Fe Ranch. A parent-led 4-H registration was formative for Dean, who started showing steers at the age of nine and, later on, joined livestock judg ing and began raising hogs. Livestock judging proved most beneficial for future success because of the connection it gave him to the University of Arizona campus. At this time, the UA would put

t stockmanship and stewardship events across cattle country, Dr. Dean Fish has become a famil iar name, standing alongside industry icons like Curt Pate, Ron Gill, Bud Williams, and Temple Grandin. With his sig

nature handlebar mustache and a calm, confident demeanor, Fish’s approach to low-stress cattle handling aligns per fectly with the legacy of those who came before him while still maintaining his own approachable, down-to-earth style. The man you see leading these demon strations — full of wisdom, insight, and just the right amount of humor — is the same man you’ll encounter in a one on-one conversation. If you know Dean Fish, an interview with him is exactly as you’d expect: thoughtful, professional, and often infused with humor. While his wit certainly leaves an impression, it’s his integrity and honesty that truly resonate. As Dean remarked at the start of our conversation, “Like most stories, it should begin at the beginning, right?” So, let’s start there.

A WAY HOME BY TIFFANY SELCHOW

62 I MARCH 2025 WORKING RANCH audited readers run 21 million head of beef cattle.