Loyal to the Land: The Legendary Parker Ranch, 750-1950

Loyal to the Land is a sweeping history of one of the United States' largest working ranches, the Big Island of Hawaii's Parker Ranch. Dr. Bergin chronicles the ranch from its establishment on two acres purchased for ten dollars by John Palmer Parker to the years following World War II and the beginning of a new era of family ranch management under Parker’s grandson, Richard Smart.

In this wide-ranging and insightful book, illustrated with more than 250 historical photos, Dr. Bergin first discusses the important Hispanic vaquero roots of ranching in Hawaii. He then relates the histories of the five foundation families, providing rich and detailed information on key members who contributed to the Ranch's success. The balance of the book examines every aspect of Parker Ranch development: management, labor, improvements and diversification of livestock, veterinary and animal care programs, and the Ranch’s role and influence on the Big Island and the state.

• Billy Bergin, Author

  Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, Dr. Billy Bergin spent more than five decades working in the ranching industry, first as a ranch hand and later as a veterinarian.

• If you have any connection to the Parker Ranch, or ranching anywhere in Hawaii, you'll find much of interest here.
  —Honolulu Advertiser
• Dr. Billy Bergin is uniquely qualified to combine the story of Hawaii's land and people with the history of the Parker Ranch.
  —J. Gordon Lent, former general manager, Parker Ranch