On the Ranch

On the Ranch K e e p i t A u t h e n t i c

Written by Jeff Homack, President of Bonita Ranch Inc.

Hello, my name is Jeff Homack. I am President of Bonita Ranch Inc., a commercial black Angus cattle ranch located on Mt. Graham near Willcox, AZ.

I am a third-generation rancher, as my grandfather bought the ranch in 1972. I am happily married to my wife, Meaghan and we have an amazing son, Blake, who just turned five. My parents, Jeff and Carolyn Homack, raised me and my three younger siblings while managing the ranch. During my childhood, I spent time working with them, but actually went to school in Tucson.

After high school, I went on to get my degree in political science at the University of Arizona. After graduation, I took a job in Newport Beach, CA. After about 10 years, I moved home to help out on the ranch. Within a couple years, I was named President in 2008. In 2015, I was selected to be a member of Project CENTRL, Arizona’s premier rural leadership organization. Through Project CENTRL, I was able to refine my leadership skills. This has helped tremendously, as I am currently Vice President of Cochise Graham Cattle Growers’.

Regarding ranch management, I have helped improve the land, corrals, and quality of our cattle. I learned very early that being authentic in my approach to managing the ranch is critical to its success. In this business, reputation is everything. If you set the standard to raise the highest quality of beef in every aspect of you r operation, that will shine through.

I have worked with many agencies such as the Natural Resources Conversation Service, Arizona Game and Fish, U.S. Forest Service, the Farm Service Agency and the Arizona Antelope Foundation. Working with these agencies has given us an opportunity to improve and conserve the land we are responsible for. We have improved fence lines, put in solar wells, and have clea red thousands of acres of mesquite. Clearing the land allows for native grasses to flourish that increases our ability to raise high quality cattle.

One of the most important lessons I learned early on is that this business is always evolving. Being a member of the Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association is critical to having access to experts as the industry changes. If I could give any advice to young r anchers, it would be to be a part of this organization, continue to expand your education by taking advantage of workshops and partnerships, and always be genuine in your business dealings and honest with your word.