W.T. Gladden, a longtime farmer and president of the Buckeye Water and Conservation District, is among seven individuals set to be inducted into the 2025 Arizona Farm and Ranch Hall of Fame.
The induction ceremony, which recognizes significant contributions to the state’s agricultural community, will be held March 22, 2025, at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass.
Gladden has spent decades advocating for water rights and agricultural sustainability in the West Valley and beyond. His efforts in water policy, including the recent passage of Senate Bill 1081 in June 2024, have been noted as instrumental in supporting Arizona’s farming community.
Other honorees include the Orme Family, founders of the Quarter Circle V Bar Ranch and the Orme Ranch School in Yavapai County, and Ernest W. McFarland, a former U.S. senator and Arizona's 10th governor known for his expertise in water law and his role in the Central Arizona Project. The Ak Chin Farms Board nominated Leona Carlyle-Kakar for her leadership in farming and advocacy for water resources.
The Hall of Fame honors excellence in innovation, leadership, community service and lifetime achievement in agriculture. It seeks to inspire future generations by highlighting those who have advanced the industry.
Tickets for the ceremony are available through the Arizona Farm and Ranch Hall of Fame website. The event will celebrate Arizona’s agricultural legacy and the individuals whose contributions have shaped the industry.
