James O'Haco
Rancho James O’Hare
Winslow - Navajo County
Inducted in 2017
The O'Haco family has been in the sheep and ranching business in Arizona for three generations so it is only natural that James Ohaco would carry on the family tradition. James was born and raised in Winslow on the Chevelon Butte Ranch, a property that has been in the family for over 100 years. He attended the University Arizona, graduating with a degree in Animal Science and a minor in Range Management. He was accepted into veterinary school but returned home at his father’s request to handle the daily operation of the family’s four ranches and small farm. In 1973 James and Jeanne were married and the next year they built a farm on the Little Colorado River to supply alfalfa and permanent pasture for sick, lame and lazy cattle. That farm was flooded three different times. The last time they decided to let the land goes back to its natural state.
In 1978 he went into partnership with his father MJ and his brother Michael to buy a cow/calf operation known as the Hutchison Ranch south of Holbrook, calling it the 4-C’s: Chevelon Canyon Cattle Company.
They kept that ranch for 30 years before selling it in 2007. James continues to operate the Chevelon and North Ranches, running mainly Angus and Black Baldy cattle. Through conservation practices with the Arizona State Land Dept, U.S. Forest service, Arizona Game and Fish Department and the National Resources Conservation Service, he has implemented vast improvements to the ranch over the past 25 years. Water is provided for the cattle and wildlife on the range. He restored approximately 14,000 acres of grassland through mechanical mastication of invasive Juniper to enhance grassland and restore habitat by at least 30%.
In her letter of support for James’ nomination to the Hall of Fame Cindy Tidwell Shelton wrote, “Jim’s accomplishments are many. He is an honorable and distinguished man who is well respected by all who have come to know him. I can think of no one more deserving to receive this award. He has spent his life preserving his ranching heritage and family tradition. He has been, and continues to be, devoted to the Agricultural Industry.” The Arizona Lottery has done a television documentary on him and his story was written up in Range Magazine.
Affiliations
Arizona Cattle Grower Association, president
Arizona Farm Bureau, member
Arizona Game & Fish Landowner-Lessee/Sportsman Relations Committee, chairman
Arizona Hereford Association, board member, past president
Arizona Livestock Loss Board, member (governor appointment)
Arizona National Livestock Show, member
Elk Habitat Partnership Committee, member
Farm Service Association, past state committeeman, (presidential apt)
Little Colorado River Levee Committee, 35 years
Natural Resource Conservation District Supervisor 25+ years
Navajo County Cattle Growers Association, past president, member
Navajo County Farm Bureau, member
United States Fish & Wildlife Partners for Conservation, member
University of Arizona, CALS, member
Awards
Arizona Game & Fish State Wildlife Habitat Stewardship Award 2009
Arizona Farm Bureau State Stewardship Award 2010
Arizona Outdoors Hall of Fame 2015
Hereford Association Cattleman of the Year 2016
Navajo County Farm Bureau Stewardship Award 2010
Prestigious National Wildlife Federation Private Land Stewardship Award 2012, Hilton Head, SC.
United States Fish & Wildlife Service, recognition for Partners for Conservation,
Private Lands Partnership Day, Mississippi 2014
