2006 Pioneer of the Year

Alex Dees

Alex Dees is a third generation agriculturalist with an established reputation for integrity and quality as a livestock breeder, consultant, and judge. He currently maintains 500 head of Brangus on his ranch in Yuma, Arizona.

Alex U. Dees is the oldest of sixteen children born to John and Allily Dees in Yuma, Arizona. His father was a row crop farmer on land near the Colorado River (Southwestern Arizona), settled by African American farmers in the 1920’s. He was raised on the family farm, which included; corn, cotton, a few commercial cows, dairy cattle and pigs. Dees spent his youth working on the family farm.

After graduating from high school Dees attended Arizona State University for 2.5 years. Due to financial restraints Dees returned to Yuma, and worked at a local dairy. In 1960 Dees was hired as a herdsman, for Yuma area cattle breeder Floyd Newcomer who owned the Yuma Valley Cattle Company. As herdsman Dees showed Newcomer’s cattle at every major show for over seven years. He also attended A.I. and palpation school in 1962, and became more involved in breeding decisions, and was instrumental in developing the famous “Yuvalle Black Duke Bloodline”. Dees credits Newcomer with launching his successful career.

Dees returned to the family farm and began his own business. Since 1962 Dees had been putting together a few cows for himself. His business centered on fitting, showing, and raising registered Brangus. His herd was small, but great quality as it was built on the Black Duke bloodline he had developed at Yuma Valley.

In 1974 AD Miss Maybelle, was named grand champion female in Kerrville, Texas at the 25th anniversary celebration of Brangus. This champion female put Dees on the map, and the moment still reigns as one of his proudest achievements.

In 1986, Dees was inducted into the Heart of America Brangus Breeders Hall of Fame. In the late eighties as 29 year veteran in the cattle business, Dees gained stature as a professional judge and is rumored to be the first black judge to receive recognition in the professional judging world

In the 1990’s Dees continued to show, judge and consult. In 1991 he was inducted into the Arizona Hall of Fame, and in 1992 the Yuma Sun published a profile on Dees acknowledging his reputation as one of the most respected Brangus breeders in the country. The article notes the Dees’ name is synonymous with the Brangus Breed.

In 2004 Dees is still going strong, breeding livestock, judging and consulting. Dees wants to continue to raise the best seed stock he possibly can.

Dees has five children, numerous grandchildren, and a lot of extended family who are very proud of what he has built and stood for in the cattle industry for over 43 years.