Marvin and the late Ella Meek were in the Hereford business for more than 60 years. For 20 of those years, the pair managed the 26 Bar Ranch in Arizona.

“The 26 Bar Ranch will be remembered as one of the most prominent and successful Hereford operations in our lifetime,” says Glynn Debter, Debter Hereford Farm. “The leadership, talents and dedication Marvin and Ella contributed to the many achievements for the ranch and the promotion of the Hereford breed.”

Debter adds, because of Marvin’s knowledge of mating selection, the 26 Bar Ranch herd was unmatched for its environment. Supplying quality Hereford bulls to top, large-scale commercial herds kept commercial cattlemen confident in the 26 Bar program and the Hereford breed.

Hereford breeder Cliff Copeland of Nara Visa, N.M., worked for Marvin and Ella and says it was truly a unique opportunity. “Marvin was a man of moral character and approached everything with integrity, honesty and fairness. Ella was always by his side through thick and thin and, along with raising a family, helped Marvin tremendously. They were totally devoted to each other. I cannot think of a better tribute to the Hereford breed than Marvin and Ella Meek.”