- FOUNDED 1968 -
About us
A Family owned working cattle ranch
Family-owned and operated since 1968, the Vera Earl Ranch is nestled in the heart of the Sonoita Valley. Over the years, the ranch has grown in acreage by acquiring land leases and entering into partnerships with other ranches, including both the historic Empire and Sands Ranches. Now, spanning from the base of Santa Rita Mountains in the west, across the valley and over the Whetstones to the San Pedro River in the east, each part of the ranch is managed by sustainable grazing and ranching, with the goal of enhancing the entire ecosystem.
Following the family dream
The original Vera Earl Ranch was founded by our grandfather Burton Beck in 1968. It was run, and still is, as a cow calf operation comprised of rolling grasslands and mountains. In 1977 Burton Beck unfortunately passed away and the ranch continued to be run by his wife Bettie Ann Beck until her passing in 2000. Mrs. Beck continued her husband’s dream remaining on the ranch and continued to run the ranch as a cow calf operation and furthered his quarter horse operation.
Stewardship
At Vera Earl Ranch, we take pride in being stewards of the land—caring for the ecosystems, grasslands, and riparian areas that sustain both our cattle and local wildlife. Our management practices are guided by science, working closely with the BLM, NRCS, and conservation partners to monitor grass health, restore native habitats, and support endangered species like the Chiricahua Leopard Frog. Through sustainable grazing rotations and collaborative restoration projects, we’ve improved grass diversity, water filtration, and habitat quality across thousands of acres. Beyond the land, we actively engage the public in biological planning and conservation education, fostering understanding and appreciation for the deep connection between ranching, wildlife, and healthy ecosystems.
Philanthropy
At Vera Earl Ranch, supporting the next generation of agriculture is at the heart of what we do. We’re deeply committed to our local community—sponsoring youth sports, investing in 4-H and FFA programs, and proudly supporting local fairs, scholarships, and enrichment centers. One of our proudest partnerships is with the Los Charros Foundation, co-founded by Ian Tomlinson in 2015, which provides between $50,000 to $100,000 in annual scholarships to students across Southern Arizona. We believe our rural youth are one of our greatest assets, and by investing in their education, training, and opportunities, we’re helping them grow into the leaders and stewards who will carry agriculture—and our community—forward.