Earl Wayne Spence
2026
Ranch Name | Hawai'i
Earl is a third-generation paniolo raised on Kuka’iau Ranch. He attended South Plains Junior College in Levelland, Texas, then transferred to the University of Hawaiʻi, earning his bachelor’s degree in education in 1970. He joined Parker Ranch in 1973 as a cowboy with the Second Gate Section, where he participated in the everyday ranch production of branding, weaning, preconditioning, fence care, and pasture management. Parker offered leadership training to Earl through the Dale Carnegie School and Holistic Management Resource School, preparing him for a leadership position with Hawaiʻi’s livestock industry. This training and his interest in grasses and legumes prepared him for a move to the position of Parker Ranch Agronomist in 1979.
Earl worked for KM Seed Company in sales from 1986 to 1988. While at KM Seed Company, he conducted two farm tours to New Zealand and Australia. He co-founded and organized the Hawaiʻi Grassland Workshops and contributed to Burt Smith’s book Intensive Grazing Management: Forage, Animals, Men, Profits.
Earl returned to Parker Ranch in 1988 as an agronomist with a commitment to improve and enlarge the intensive grazing units, with a change in the breeding cycle. This entailed the implementation and management of new fences and a progressive water system. Parker, at the time, had 50,000 head of cattle on 225,000 acres of land, 336 miles of waterlines, 700 miles of fence, a rich history, and an innovative market plan to modernize a legendary spread.
Earl started at Kahuku Ranch in 1995 as its Assistant Manager and was promoted to manager in 2000. He held that position until its sale to the National Park Service in 2006. One of his biggest challenges was trying to mitigate the effects of the 1994 through 1999 drought. He believed that people, in their special way of life, touched history, roots, and tradition.
After retiring, Earl served as Projects Coordinator for the West Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization, with an emphasis on wildfire mitigation through fuel load reduction utilizing grazing animals.
At the same time, Earl spent two years working as a United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Services Technical Service Provider in their Prescribed Grazing Management Program through a grant administered by the Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council. He also was an Earth Team Assistant, evaluating grazers conditions and recommending opportunities to use improved grazing management methods to solve resource problems. He was a steady partner and helped countless staff members of the NRCS and SWCS.
Earl’s talent and passion for grass and land management had him active in several volunteer industry affiliate organizations, where he served in various positions. For Example: In 1998, Earl was named Cattleman of the Year. He participated for 30 years in programs with the Mauna Kea Soil and Water Conservation District. He was president of the Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council from 1990-1992. And finally, Earl was also director of the Hawaiʻi Cattle Producers Cooperative Association from 2004-2007.
Earl had a tireless dedication to Hawaiʻi’s range and pasture management. He often said, “The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, you’ve given it your best effort.” Earl was also heard to say, “Ranching would not make you rich, but it was a rewarding lifestyle.” Earl’s joy was sharing his passion with his wife, Betty, and children, Sarah and Scott.