Diane Hayes

Professional Title: Operations & Research Analyst, Cobalt Cattle Company
Age: 27
Home: Orchard, Colorado

"I grew up in southeastern Colorado and have been involved in the Western industry for as long as I can remember. My dad raised Corriente cattle and made a living providing roping stock and putting on team ropings. In addition to rodeoing as a kid, I quickly learned how to run the office at team ropings and often found myself announcing or taking entries instead of backing into the box. I received my Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Agricultural Literacy from Colorado State University and am currently finishing my master’s degree in Beef Cattle Production from University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

"My husband and I live on our family ranch in Orchard, CO, where I help manage the family’s ranch and cutting horse operation. In addition to the family ranching business, I am also extremely passionate about the beef industry. I recently started with Cobalt Cattle Company as their Operations and Research Analyst and work in a variety of facets, focusing mainly on driving compliance and consistency at our feedyards, providing training for our Spanish speaking employees, and analyzing cattle performance data. Whether at home or work, I feel lucky to be a part of such an amazing industry."

Vision for the future of women in the Western industry: My vision for the future of women in the Western industry is to see women continue to push the boundaries of being supportive and involved members of family ranching operations while continuing to develop our own professional goals. I am extremely proud and honored to be a part of my husband’s family ranch and cutting horse operation; however, I am equally motivated to further my career in the cattle feeding industry. Balancing a family business and job off the ranch is not easy; and time working off the ranch can sometimes make you feel uninvolved. I hope to inspire women to challenge the image of a what being a “good ranching woman” looks like and continue to make our own versions of what it means to be successful both on, and off the ranch.

Wrangler‘s COWGIRL 30 Under 30 is sponsored by Cavender’s the Official Retailer, Charlie 1 Horse Hats the Official Hat, and Durango Boots the Official Boot, for COWGIRL 30 Under 30, with Corral Boots, Montana Silversmiths, Old Gringo Boots, and Double D Ranch.

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