My Life in Cattle Ranching

Chuck Backus established the first entirely solar (PV) powered ranch in the world next to the Superstition Wilderness in 1979. Over the next 45 years, Chuck used his engineering background and scientific methods to transform the historic Quarter Circle U Ranch into an economically sustainable, research-driven operation. He rotated pastures, installed solar-operated water systems, and converted his traditional Arizona herd of Brahman-cross cattle to a predominately Angus herd that produces Prime and Certified Angus Beef.

Chuck describes how he focused his efforts on the two most crucial factors that cattle ranchers can control - the selection of bulls and replacement calves. Backus details how he used bovine genetics to select bull semen for his artificial insemination protocols and DNA to select replacement calves.