FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phoenix, Arizona – April 1, 2026 – The Arizona National Livestock Show proudly dedicated the 2025 Arizona National Livestock Show to John Fowler, recognizing more than three decades of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Arizona agriculture and the success of the Show.
For more than 30 years, Fowler provided equipment, operators, materials, and expertise essential to the operation of Arizona National. His generosity, practical wisdom, and behind-the-scenes leadership strengthened the Show and the agricultural community it represented.
Raised on a farm in Illinois, Fowler showed cattle through 4H and FFA before moving west to attend Arizona State University, where he joined the ASU rodeo team and competed in calf roping. After graduation, he built a successful career with Tanner Companies before founding Arizona Materials. In 1989, he returned to ranching, purchasing ranches with longtime friend Bill Brake. He operated the J Bar B and Rafter Cross Cattle Companies near Globe and Heber. In 2023, he was honored as Pioneer Stockman of the Year by the Pioneer Stockman Association, sponsored by Arizona
National.
Fowler’s involvement with Arizona National began when his daughter Julie showed horses. One rainy year, when the outdoor arena became unusable, Fowler stepped in with equipment and manpower to restore the showgrounds. From that point forward, he became indispensable, coordinating the delivery, storage, and placement of more than 1,300 tons of dirt each year for cattle barns, the Farm Experience ring, and the outdoor cattle arena, now known as the Bud Webb Memorial Show Ring. Even after selling Arizona Materials in 2023, Fowler ensured continued support for Arizona
National by securing the storage and transportation of materials critical to the Show.
Fowler also served on the Arizona National board and as president from 1992 to 1993, supported the Junior Livestock Auction, served on the Ranch Replacement Heifer Show Committee, and oversaw the addition of the Junior Dairy Division and Supreme Bull and Female Champions.
“John’s influence on Arizona National could not be overstated,” said Tyler Grandil, Executive Director of the Arizona National Livestock Show. “His steady leadership, generosity, and commitment to agriculture shaped this organization for decades, and we were honored to dedicate the 2025 Show to him.”
About the Arizona National Livestock Show
The Arizona National Livestock Show, held December 27-31 each year at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix, brings together farmers, ranchers, and families from across the country to celebrate agriculture through livestock competitions, rodeo events, and youth programs. Highlights include the Ranch Rodeo, Stockdog Trials, livestock judging contests, and the new Welding Competition.
For more information about contests and entry details, visit www.aznational.org or contact the Arizona National Livestock Show office at (602) 258-8568 or information@aznational.org.
Media Contact:
Tyler Grandil
Executive Director
Arizona National Livestock Show
1826 West McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85007-1696
Phone: (602) 258-8568
Email: information@aznational.org
Website: www.aznational.org
###
