John Wayne’s Arizona Ranch: The Untold Story of Hollywood Legend and Agriculture
John Wayne, known affectionately as the Duke, was one of the most beloved and influential figures in Hollywood history. Beyond the silver screen, he left a lasting legacy in the American Southwest, particularly in Arizona, where he owned a vast ranch that also served as a demonstration of his business acumen and commitment to agriculture.
John Wayne’s Early Connection to Arizona
John Wayne ingathered his first 4,000 acres of farmland in the late 1950s, a move that set the stage for a unique collaboration with a cattle rancher named Louis Johnson. Wayne, a powerhouse actor with a keen interest in investing, purchased the land primarily to diversify his business interests. The decision to invest in farmland revealed a strategic vision that extended beyond his famous films.
From Cotton to Cattle: A Changing Landscape
Initially, Wayne financed a cotton crop with Anderson Clayton Company of Phoenix, one of the largest cotton brokers in the world. However, the endeavor did not yield the expected results, and Wayne quickly realized the company lacked the skills required for successful cotton farming. Louis Johnson, a neighboring farmer, showed promise, often outperforming his competitors with a baleage yield of four bales per acre where others were producing around two and a half.
John Wayne and Louis Johnson: An Unlikely Partnership
A key turning point came when Wayne sought the best cotton farmer in the area, reaching out to Johnson. Impressed by his success, Wayne approached Johnson to manage his land for a year with financial incentives. The collaboration proved lucrative for both. Johnson managed to produce 4.22 bales per acre in the first year, earning Wayne more than $1 million. This success fueled a partnership that would transcend the constraints of land management.
Recognizing the potential in farming, the partners decided to merge their operations. Johnson's 6,000 acres joined Wayne's 4,000, and they entered a running bet, with Johnson receiving a new Cadillac every year that he surpassed a four bale per acre target, save for one year. This partnership not only grew their agricultural endeavors but also became a testament to their mutual respect and determination.
From Cotton to Cattle: A New Direction
As federal government cutbacks on water allocations in the 1960s threatened the livelihoods of southwestern cotton farmers, the partners shifted their focus to cattle. Building an 18,000-head feedlot near Maricopa, they soon expanded into cattle breeding, operating on over 50,000 acres in Springerville, Arizona. They prioritized raising the highest quality bulls, hosting annual auctions at their 26 Bar Ranch, which attracted hundreds of potential buyers.
Marketing John Wayne: A Legacy of Agriculture
Local passions and regional pride were invoked to change the name of a town’s main road to John Wayne Parkway. Despite opposition from some community members, the county eventually approved the change. This act symbolized a broader effort to honor and market Wayne's legacy in the region, aligning his image with local pride and economic prosperity.
For residents like Mike Smith, the transformation from farms to urban development represents a poignant reminder of a bygone era. The story of John Wayne’s agricultural endeavors is a fascinating blend of Hollywood glamour and pragmatic business acumen, underscoring how his legacy extends far beyond the silver screen.