GCCGA 2022 Rancher of the Year Bill Dunn has a long history of advocating for the ranching community and conserving our lands for future generations.

Most recently he took on a leadership role when the Telegraph wildfire raged through 200K+ acres of precious range land, consuming homes, outbuildings and basic infrastructure, as the vital natural range resources that sustain cattle.

Bill’s dedication to conservation of natural resources locally and regionally includes spearheading to hold the two 500 Kilowatt powerline Sunzia Southwest Transmission Project accountable in the federal NEPA process. As president of the Arizona Association of Conservation Districts, Bill is working to provide districts across Arizona the capacity to get conservation projects on the ground. As chairman of the Winkelman Natural Resource Conservation District, he has led many local conservation efforts for the management of natural resources. Bill’s leadership led the charge to force the Fish and Wildlife Service to delist the Sonoran desert tortoise.

Bill’s philosophy: To make a difference we have to show up and participate.

Thank you, Bill, for excellence in cooperative range management, land stewardship and service to the community.

Morty Van Haren, GCCGA 2022 Wrangler of the Year, was a well-respected cowboy, rancher, a man of his word and a fantastic roper.

With his humble nature, he ran the Slash S Ranch for the Webb family for close to 35 years. About the only time he’s seen by most GCCGA is during his hard work at the cattle sale, where for many years the man in charge of getting the sale gate closed on a bunch of stirred-up yearlings was Morty Van Haren! Thank you, Morty, for your continued efforts and support of the ranching industry of Gila County. May you ride tall in that saddle in heaven as you did here on Earth. Happy Trails!

Gila County Cattle Growers Association