Middleswarth Family

John Middleswarth had dreams of a long-lasting family operation when he started ranching in 1916 near Cheyenne, Wyoming. For the next 3 generations, the Middleswarth ranching operation then resided in Goshen County, Wyoming. In 2016 The National Western Stock Show even honored Middleswarth Ranch for its 100 years of “Riding for the Brand” and for 50 years of participation at the stock show. 

The Middleswarth’s started in the registered side of the cattle business in 1942. Ed, John’s son, traveled to Brazil in 1954 as a student and came back with a name and idea that put the registered side of the operation to the forefront. The “Cruzerio” line became a true trademark for Middleswarth Ranch, a line of cattle that were known for their high performance. The growing popularity of the Cruzeiros was made evident throughout the 1960’s by large turnouts of buyers and high averages set. The ranches annual bull sale and high placings in the carload show at the NWSS became known. 

In the early 1970’s, Ed purchased RC Mischief D4, a bull, though never shown, that landed as one of the top sires in the Hereford breed. His sons out-gained all breeds, even cross-breeds, at one of the most recognized test stations at Billings, Montana. Both college professors and ranchers recognized D4 for producing a heritability factor in which each succeeding generation performed better than the previous. Throughout the 70’s, sons and grandsons of D4 dominated the carload show at NWSS winning numerous divisions and even taking the grand champion in 1975 for the Middleswarth Ranch. Ed’s son, Jay, also became competitive and successful in the showring with D4 calves. 

Family tradition and achieving excellence has continued throughout the next generations. Jay took over the operation in the early 1990’s, and has continued to promote the Hereford breed. Being active in the association and hosting different Wyoming junior Hereford events has always been a priority for the Middleswarth family. Jay and his wife Marsha raised their daughters Ashely and Jessica both in the state and national junior Hereford associations. As fifth generation ranching sisters, both have shared a deep passion for all thing’s cattle. Throughout the years, the girls have had much success in the local, state, and national showrings. Outside, both girls also participated in most contests and many scholarship opportunities that the junior nationals provided. Ashely and Jessica both served terms on the state, and National Junior Hereford Association board of directors. There Hereford breed has been an influential part in the Middleswarth family’s lives, and continues to play a role for the future generations.