The Arizona National Livestock Show paid tribute to one of its longest-serving behind-the-scenes contributors at its 2025 event, dedicating the annual show to John Fowler in recognition of more than 30 years of leadership, generosity, and commitment to Arizona agriculture.
The Arizona National Livestock Show proudly dedicated the 2025 show to 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.
“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.”
Fowler's roots in agriculture run deep. Raised on a farm in Illinois, Fowler showed cattle through 4-H and FFA before moving west to attend Arizona State University, where he joined the ASU rodeo team and competed in calf roping. That early grounding in both agriculture and competitive livestock culture would prove foundational to his later contributions to the show.
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.
Fowler's involvement with the Arizona National Livestock Show began almost by chance. His connection to 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. That spontaneous act of assistance marked the start of what would become an indispensable partnership spanning more than three decades.
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. That arena remains a central feature of the annual event, which draws exhibitors and their families from more than 39 states, bringing over 4,200 head of the nation's best cattle, sheep, goats, swine, and horses for competition.
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.
His contributions were not limited to logistics. 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. His tenure as board president is confirmed by the show's own records, which list John Fowler among the men and women who served as presidents, representing the agricultural and business communities of Arizona, and who selflessly gave their time, talent, and financial resources to carry out the Arizona National's mission of educating youth and promoting the livestock and agriculture industries.
In 2023, Fowler was honored as Pioneer Stockman of the Year by the Pioneer Stockman Association, sponsored by Arizona National. Established in 1976 with the primary purpose of preserving and recording history, the Arizona Pioneer Stockmen Association recognizes men and women in the livestock industry who played a vital role in developing the State of Arizona, with membership open to living Arizona residents aged 65 or older who have been involved in the livestock industry.
The Arizona National Livestock Show annually dedicates the show to individuals who have been instrumental in its success over the years, a tradition that reflects the organization's emphasis on honoring the volunteers and contributors who sustain the event beyond the show ring. The show has been an annual Phoenix tradition since 1948 and, according to its official YouTube channel, is a non-profit dedicated to promoting Arizona agriculture and preserving Western heritage.
The Arizona National Livestock Show is held annually December 27–31 at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix.
