Working Ranch Magazine March/April 2025

(LEFT) Dr. Marvin Selke judging a live stock show in the early 80s.

profoundly shaped his life and career. With deep roots in some of Arizona’s prime cattle country, Dean seamlessly transitioned back to the ranch, bring ing renewed energy to both its com mercial operations and educational initiatives. His leadership expanded opportunities for young people to visit the ranch, gaining hands-on experience in agriculture and natural resource management. While Dean’s familiarity with the ranch was valu able, it was his passion for the oper ation and commitment to preserving its resources and advancing its pro grams that truly set him apart. The Santa Fe Ranch still runs a herd of commercial cows, which Dean manages, along with a small club calf program he owns and operates. The club calf entity started because Dean’s son began showing livestock. He wanted to create good animals for his son to learn about and enjoy. After his son graduated from show ing cattle, the sale started annually at the Santa Cruz County fairgrounds to keep the playing field level for all kids who wanted to buy a decent calf locally. Often, the sale doesn’t pen cil out on the accounting ledger, but

on a field day during the first weekend of December. A large part of the event was a livestock judging contest. 4-H students would attend the contest and tour the farm and campus, allowing them to learn about the UA, connect with professors, and what the campus could offer them. Knowing he didn’t have a ranch to return to, Dean focused his goals on specializing in cattle, where his main interests lay. He chose the University of Arizona, after completing his com munity college coursework, leverag ing his high school and 4-H connec tions and existing relationships with professors dedicated to his success. Dean credits Dr. Marvin Selke, an animal science professor and live stock judging coach, as a key figure in his success, praising his support in securing scholarships and, even more importantly, his invaluable guidance. Ultimately, Dean graduated with his bachelor’s in animal sci

As Dean was finishing his master’s degree, a county extension agent position opened in his hometown of Santa Cruz County. Despite the role being highly competitive, because Arizona offered top-pay for exten sion agents, attracting candidates with significant experience, Dean decided to apply. To his surprise, he was selected for the job. During his tenure, he pursued and earned a PhD in reproductive physiology under the guidance of Dr. Roy Ax, which even tually led to his promotion as an area livestock specialist. MOVING HOME In 2013, Dean’s father retired from his role at the Santa Fe Ranch, creating an ideal opportunity for Dean to return to the place that had

ence, continuing on to receive a master’s degree. Dr. Mark Wise, Dean’s advisor, became another pivotal mentor in Dean’s journey, emphasiz ing practical approaches to heifer development, repro duction, and synchroniza tion, providing Dean with a strong foundation in cattle reproduction. (RIGHT) HBT PNROSE DOM SS 252, Ron Fish’s first herd bull purchased in 1963 for $1250 from Harold B. Thurber in Sonoita, Arizona.

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