Sheridan

How I got started in agriculture

Our ranch was started by my great grandfather in 1914. My siblings and I grew up helping out and when my brother, Kellen, and I were about junior high age we started working in the summertime and spending every holiday on the ranch. Both of us got our degrees in ag business at the University of Wyoming before coming back full-time.

Improving our efficiency

Since returning to the ranch we’ve increased our efficiency. We started shed lambing and trying new things to increase our lamb crop, and we’re preg-testing our cows. We’ve also increased our hay production by putting in more sprinkler systems, pivots and side roll irrigation.

Farm Credit and their financial expertise

Farm Credit brings us a lot of expertise on the financial side. We try to keep up on interest rates and the whole lending world but some of it is way over our heads. It’s nice to have someone give you a call or send you a reminder if rates drop or look like they’re going up because when we’re out in the field or working we don’t always catch on to that kind of stuff.

What I enjoy most about ranching

I enjoy ranching because there is always something new to look forward to. You’re not just drudging along in the same job. It’s a lot of hard work and long hours but you have a new challenge every day. It’s fun to see what each day brings when you wake up.

Taking over the ranch

The young and beginning farmer program through Farm Credit basically made it possible for us to start out. Without it, we wouldn’t have been able to go off on our own, do our own lease and ultimately take over the ranch.