Herring represents Wyoming values

Brenna Herring is a dedicated fifth-generation rancher from Veteran with deep roots in her family’s ranching legacy. 

She grew up raising and selling registered Black Angus bulls alongside her family and proudly continues her agricultural traditions.

“My family has been raising bulls for over 90 years,” she explained. “It all began with my great-great-grandpa George F. Haas, who was the first purebred Black Angus breeder in Wyoming.”

Growing up in this environment has instilled in her a strong work ethic, a sense of responsibility and pride in her work. 

“One of my favorite parts of ranching is branding season. Brandings bring people together in a way that feels both productive and celebratory,” she said. “Friends, neighbors and fellow ranchers gather to help, transforming hard work into a day filled with camaraderie, laughter and shared meals. It’s a tradition highlighting the best aspects of rural life and Wyoming’s strong sense of community.”

In addition to helping on the ranch while growing up, Brenna spent over 10 years in 4-H, showing sheep, pigs and cattle and also making quilts.

Passion for rodeo

Currently, Brenna is a sophomore at Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) studying animal science.

She is also on the rodeo team, where she competes in breakaway roping, team roping and barrel racing.

“All of these events have been passions of mine since I was five years old,” she shared. “My love for rodeo started at our local junior rodeo, and from that moment on, I knew it was something I wanted to dedicate my life to.”

Brenna grew up in the arena, as her entire family ropes, and they have spent countless hours together on the road traveling to jackpots and rodeos.

“Those times gave me more than just experience, they gave me unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships,” she said. “Now, as a college athlete, I’m grateful for teammates and a coach who push me to be better and encourage me every step of the way.”

College rodeo has also introduced Brenna to new people who have already made a lasting impact on her life, and she knows these friendships will endure long after their time in the arena is over.

“I proudly wear the Wyoming patch on my EWC competition vest, which represents Team Wyoming,” she explained. “This program is exceptional – Wyoming is the only state with a rodeo initiative supporting athletes from the high school level all the way to the professional circuit.”

Team Wyoming has made a tangible difference in her life and those of her teammates, providing them with opportunities to grow as athletes and individuals. 

“I’m so grateful to be part of a program which values and invests in the sport of rodeo,” Brenna said.

Recent honors

Brenna was recently selected by the Wyoming Tourism Office to speak at their annual Salute to Team Wyoming Breakfast during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR).

“I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to speak in Las Vegas at the NFR annual breakfast. It was a great time and a fun experience,” she said. “I talked about growing up in Wyoming, ranching and rodeoing, and how important it all is to me. It was great to share it with everyone there.”

Each year, Wyoming Tourism recognizes a Cowboy State resident attending a Wyoming college and competing on its rodeo team. 

According to EWC, Brenna was chosen this year for her outstanding performance in the arena and her dedication to representing Wyoming with pride and integrity outside of it.

Brenna is ranked in the top 10 in the region for team roping, and her success on the rodeo circuit is matched by her academic accomplishments. 

She has earned Academic All-American honors from the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, reflecting her commitment to both her sport and her studies.

Brenna added, “While at EWC, I have become a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and have been on the President’s Honor Roll.”

Brenna will graduate from EWC this May and plans to continue her education at the University of Wyoming. 

There, she intends to pursue a rodeo career while studying animal science, with the goal of attending veterinary school.

Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.