W D Farr: Cowboy in the Boardroom

WD was a third-generation descendant of western farming pioneers, who specialized in sheep feeding. While learning all he could from his father and grandfather, WD developed a new vision: to make cattle profitable. He sought out experienced livestock experts to help him devise ways to produce beef year-round. When World War II ended, and the troops came home tired of wartime mutton, the beef industry took off. With his new innovations in place, WD was ready.

Tyler also reveals WD's influence in securing water supplies for farmers and ranchers and in establishing water conservation policies. Early in his career, WD helped sell the Colorado-Big Thompson Project to skeptical, debt-ridden farmers. In 1955, he became a board member for the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, a post he held for forty years.

Tyler bases his portrait of WD Farr on extensive archival research and dozens of interviews with people who knew him personally or by reputation. In the end, Tyler shows that although not everybody agreed, or will agree, with Farr's stands on particular issues, this "cowboy in the boardroom" led by his own example. By embracing change and seeking consensus rather than forcing his will on others, his greatest legacy--as revealed in this book--may be the model of leadership he provided.

Daniel Tyler is Professor Emeritus of History at Colorado State University, Fort Collins. He is the author of The Last Water Hole in the West and Silver Fox of the Rockies: Delphus E. Carpenter and Western Water Compacts.