Southwest Wyoming Seedstock: Micheli Ranch has been developing cattle since 1901
The Micheli Ranch, a historic Centennial Ranch nestled in the picturesque landscape of southwest Wyoming, has been dedicated to the legacy of producing purebred Hereford and Angus cattle for numerous generations.
Situated in the charming town of Fort Bridger, the ranch is operated by brothers Dale and Ron Micheli, who work alongside their sons Kyle and Tony Micheli, proudly representing the fifth generation.
“We’ve been here for six generations now. Ron and I are the fourth generation,” remarks Dale.
The Micheli family’s connection to southwest Wyoming dates back to 1901, and in 1917, Joseph Micheli made a pivotal investment by acquiring the family’s first Hereford cattle.
Since this time, the Micheli family has meticulously cultivated a renowned purebred herd of Hereford and Angus cattle, which includes the distinguished two-time national champion bull Gold Rush.
Through a dedicated generational breeding program, the focus has been on cultivating resilient and durable cattle that can thrive in the harshest of weather conditions at high altitudes.
As a result of their efforts, the Micheli brothers and their sons have achieved a successful annual sale of up to 50 Hereford bulls each year.
Building the herd
The Micheli family takes great pride in the cattle they produce, and selling quality seedstock allows them to help other ranchers positively influence their herds.
Dale says, “Herefords have been part of the Micheli operation since the beginning, although we didn’t sell seedstock until much later.”
Dale studied pedigrees and worked on adding dynamic females to the herd, investing in prominent sires and implementing artificial insemination.
The breeding program focuses on utilizing the best bulls in the Hereford and Angus breeds, leveraging expected progeny differences, carcass data and genomic information to ensure superior genetic traits in their herds.
In 1989, the ranch held its first production sale, marking a significant milestone.
Today, they continue the tradition by hosting an annual bull sale every October, which has become a cherished family celebration.
Multiple generations of the Micheli family remain actively involved in the ranch, demonstrating their enduring commitment to the operations and the livestock they raise.
“It’s a family celebration, and multiple generations of the Micheli family continue to have a presence on the ranch,” Dale adds.
Ag achievements
Dale has served as a board member of the National Hereford Association, was the Certified Hereford Beef Board president and has been passionately building the purebred herd for 35 years.
He was also inducted into the Hereford Hall of Fame in 2021 during the American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Meeting and Conference.
A major highlight in Dale’s life was serving on the AHA Board of Directors and for three years, he served as chairman of Certified Hereford Beef, using his leadership to impact the future.
He has been instrumental in hosting Hereford Field Days at his ranch, building the Hereford show at the Wyoming State Fair and finding ways to be active in all aspects of the Wyoming Hereford Association.
“It was an honor and privilege to visit ranches across the country and see the diversity and ingenuity of many great Hereford breeders,” Dale states.
Dale and his wife Terry are the proud parents of six children and 13 grandchildren.
Ron served in the Wyoming legislature for 19 years and as director of agriculture for eight years.
He was also a former regional vice president of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) and received the highest honor, the Guardian of the Grasslands Award.
Ron also received the Outstanding Agriculturalist Award from Gamma Sigma Delta, the Presidential Award from the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts and the Compadre Award from the Wyoming Wool Growers Association.
Ron and his wife Patricia are the proud parents of eight children and the grandparents of 32 grandchildren.
Both brothers are active in the livestock and meat industries, including the Wyoming Livestock Board and WSGA and are passionate about all agricultural causes.
For more information, visit micheliranch.com or contact them directly at dmicheli@bvea.net regarding their annual bull sale this year on Oct. 23 at the ranch.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
