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.

Chuck Backus was raised in rural West Virginia, where he gained an early appreciation of farming and dairy. Upon the advice of a high school teacher, he studied engineering at Ohio University, and that led to his future research in photovoltaics. After Sputnik was launched in 1957, Chuck became interested in power systems for space applications and furthered his studies at the University of Arizona-receiving a PhD in Nuclear Engineering. He worked in the space-power industry for a few years before joining the faculty at Arizona State University. The success of solar power satellites in space convinced Chuck that photovoltaic (PV) systems could become practical for terrestrial applications. He decided to become an expert in PV and devote his research efforts to that field. Chuck was one of the first people to receive funding from the US government for new research in this field and went on to become one of the international "Founding Fathers" of solar-electric power for terrestrial use. He has received several international awards and has published over 100 articles, books, and chapters of books. Chuck became the Associate Dean for Research at the ASU Engineering College in 1978. In 1993 he was asked by President Coor to start a new ASU campus at the former Williams Air Force Base in Mesa. As the founding provost of ASU East, he guided the campus's development into a viable college. Chuck served his last 11 years as ASU Vice President and Provost and CEO of ASU East. When he retired in 2004, the campus had several colleges and schools and about 5,000 students. Chuck's Ag roots led him and his wife, Judy, to buy the Quarter Circle U Ranch in the Superstition Mountains in 1977. For 25 years, he raised Brahman Cross cows like most Arizona ranchers. Upon retirement from ASU, Chuck began an extensive study and analysis of the cattle industry. He concluded that future success in ranching would require the use of recent research on bovine genetics and breeding. In 2007 he started to completely convert his cattle herd with the goal of producing certified Angus beef (CAB) carcass-quality cattle. Chuck started using AI to infuse the best Angus genetics in his herd and used AI on about 350 of his 380 mother cows. He retained ownership of the calves through the feedlot and into the packing plant - selling on the grid after they had been graded. He received detailed carcass data back for each calf. All calves were certified for Age and Source, Natural, and NHTC. And all bulls were selected by their EPDs and genetic markers. Replacement heifers were DNA tested and selected for their high quality. Chuck's application of cattle-genetic science to his bulls and cows resulted in improved beef quality and profitability. In 2016, Chuck's calves graded 50% Prime and 94% Prime or CAB. The premiums paid, above the commodity price, were $250 per head. Chuck's progressive ranching methods have resulted in several awards from the Arizona Cattle Growers and the Arizona Beef Council. In addition, Chuck was recognized by the national CAB as "Progressive Partner of the Year" in 2016. In December 2016, he was honored with the "Arizona Pioneering Stockman of the Year Award" at the Arizona National Livestock Show. He is a past president of the Arizona Cattle Industry Research & Education Foundation. In 2022, Chuck and Judy sold their Quarter Circle U Ranch to their daughter Amy Jo and her husband, Mike Doyle, who are continuing the application of genetic science to the cattle operation. In 2024, Chuck wrote his memoir, My Multi-Faceted Life, which describes his and the Backus family history.