Dooley records first calf born into Future Cattle Producers program

Shell – Bree Dooley of Shell welcomed the first progeny resulting from the Future Cattle Producers of Wyoming program into the world on Feb. 16 when her Black Angus heifer Clara gave birth to twins. 

“It was really surprising and really exciting to have twins,” says Dooley. 

Dooley got involved in the Future Cattle Producers of Wyoming program after her ag teacher encouraged her to apply for the program. 

“After I interviewed, I was accepted into the program and received a heifer,” she says.

Martin and Kellie Mercer of Paintrock Angus in Hyattville donated a heifer to Dooley, who was responsible for showing, breeding and raising the animal to maturity. 

“As soon as I got my heifer, I started to halter break her,” Dooley explains. “I showed her at the Big Horn County and Wyoming State Fairs.”

While preparing for the shows, Dooley also mentions that she had to select a bull to breed her heifer. 

“There were two bulls on my family’s ranch that I had to choose from,” Dooley says. “They were low birth weight bulls, and I was looking for one that would complement Clara’s genetics.”

“Clara fits into our herd really well, and she has proven to be a productive cow so far,” she adds.

After a successful show season at both the county and state fairs, Dooley notes that Clara was turned onto pasture for the fall and winter grazing seasons. 

“She was scheduled to calve at the beginning of February when my family calves all of our heifers,” she says. “I’ve been keeping an eye on her.”
“Clara was the first from our herd to calve this year,” Dooley adds. 

After a full year in the program, Dooley mentions that the Future Cattle Producers of Wyoming has been a really rewarding program that has helped her connect with great mentors. 

“Martin and Kelly have been absolutely fantastic,” she says. “They have helped me all the way through the process, and they are great mentors.”

She continues that the program is one she would recommend to all young people who qualify. 

“This is a great program that can really help young people get started,” Dooley remarks. “We have to start somewhere, and the Future Cattle Producers of Wyoming program is a great way to jump in.”

Dooley’s experience in the program will continue through August 2015, as she completes her record book and creates a presentation of the overall experience. The winners after the two-year program will be selected at the 2015 Wyoming State Fair.

“I’ve had an amazing learning experience over the past year,” she continues. “I’m really excited to see where this experience takes me.”

Learn more about the Future Cattle Producers of Wyoming by visiting wylga.com/futurecattleproducers.html. Applications for this year will be available the second week of April and are due May 15.

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr.net.