Probably the most important and far-reaching programs that the GCCG Association ever created was the Gila County Cattle Grower's annual spring yearling sale. Geographically, Gila County has a chance to have spring annual forage production that has to be seen to be believed in some years. Because of this, the USFS allows a spring yearling carryover, benefiting the country and the cattle as they utilize a bit of this forage, and keep fire dangers less threatening.

As most of the rest of the West sells their calves in the fall, it was always very difficult to get even market prices. The buyers knew that all yearlings had to be removed, by June 1st or a trespass would occur and the rancher's permit would be jeopardized. It would take a book and a large degree of incredibility to describe what a rancher with a big mortgage faced in getting his calves sold, especially in the bad days of the 50's.  Everybody was on their own.

In the early 1960's some forward-thinking members with input from a new County Extension Service Director, Pat Gray, created a marketing committee. They, in turn, established a yearling listing service to let buyers know what livestock was available. They worked very hard, bought ads with many ideas of what to describe and advertise. By the middle 1960's it was apparent that the idea was not viable. In fact, somewhat ruefully, the 1964 minutes state "not one reply to our ads was received from prospective buyers".

In spite of this bad scenario, the leadership, Pat Gray, and cattlemen seemed even more determined than ever to help themselves develop a more equitable sales program.

Until 1970 every head sold was a Hereford, but in that year, 6 black white faced heifers were consigned and accepted with lots of reservations and some acrimony. That same year the average weight of the 4,650 (most ever) yearlings was just over 500 pounds and the price under 40 cents per pound equaling a $200 yearling.

2018 By 2018, Gila County ranching was once again crippled by severe drought conditions.  Lack of water and feed, forced many  of our ranchers to sell their herds early to minimize the effects of this severe drought situation.  This time, however, most were able to keep a core herd to help re-build.  During 2019-2020,  re-stocking was going well.  The cattle industry was beginning to look up all over the United States until the COVID-19 outbreak shut down many businesses.  Restaurant and school closures severely slowed beef demand.  Packing plants lost 23% of their production capacity.  Due to current economic concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, prices for beef have tumbled.

Dramatic changes in marketing avenues have also affected the marketing of our cattle in Gila County. More and more GCCGA members are selling their cattle on the internet or directly from their ranch.

Our traditional annual stocker and feeder sale has not occurred for the past three years.  The Gila County Cattle Growers have battled "issues" as long as there has been the concept of multiple use lands designated for grazing in the west.  We have worked hard to maintain the high quality cattle this part of the country has become known for.  The GCCGA looks forward to many years ahead to new challenges and new successes as we continue to navigate the ebbs and flows of managing our association, marketing our Gila County cattle in whatever format best serves the economic interests of our ranchers and ultimately our community.  We always remember the reason we come together to sell our cattle is to "facilitate the will to survive" as Gila County Ranchers wished to do when we first organized in 1934.