A herd of their own

Tymber Billman and her younger siblings have developed a sizeable herd of registered Hereford and Angus cattle with superior genetics, starting with animals raised through University of Idaho Extension 4‑H Youth Development projects.

Billman, 17, her sister Chyloh, 14, and her brother, Cache, 11, own 50 head together, which they keep separate from their parents’ livestock at their family’s Blackfoot farm and ranch, Wooden Shoe Farms.

Their project has evolved beyond a hobby herd. The siblings travel to big livestock shows throughout the country showcasing their elite animals, winning awards and selling heifer calves and bulls to commercial cattle breeders seeking an edge. At the National Western Stock Show in Denver, for example, a Tennessee breeder bought one of their calves, which he’s been using as an embryo donor. The siblings also consigned two award-winning bulls at the Red Bluff Bull and Gelding Sale in California.

“I’m a fifth-generation seedstock producer,” Tymber Billman said as she groomed Iceman, a calm and well-composed Angus steer she raised through 4‑H, ahead of showing him at the fall Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot. “I’ve been in this thing since before I could even walk.”

The herd originated as gifts the children received upon turning 7 from their late grandfather, Neal Ward. What began with just a few calves has grown into a thriving, professional cattle operation known for its sophistication and potential.

“The nice thing about 4‑H is they can showcase steers and make a little money that they put back into the purebred programs they’re involved in, and that helps them grow their herd,” said their mother, Alicia Ward Billman. “It’s been good because they kind of had a plan from the time they were 8 years old and eligible to be in the 4‑H animal program, and they’ve been able to generate money and set it aside for their future endeavors — college, missions, whatever they want to pursue — and also they have a little bit they can invest to enhance their herds and outsource some genetics.”

By seventh grade, Tymber Billman was already thinking like a seasoned rancher, conducting scientific research to guide her business decisions. For an FFA Supervised Agricultural Experiences project, she compared economic results of fertilizing embryos naturally versus invitro fertilization prior to transferring them from an elite donor cow to a recipient animal. Now a high school senior, Billman holds industry leadership positions, serving as president of the Idaho Junior Hereford Association and secretary of the Idaho Junior Angus Association. During Billman’s presidential term, Idaho youth placed first among small states in this summer’s Junior National Hereford Expo in Louisville, Kentucky. Participants, including Billman and her siblings, scored points toward the championship finish through their performances in a wide variety of competitions, ranging from photography to cattle showmanship.

Knowledge passed on from family — especially her mother and grandfather — has played a vital role in Billman’s success, helping her stay ahead of industry trends, connect with commercial breeders and develop an eye for traits to incorporate into her herd. Billman also credits the 4‑H program with instilling essential skills, such as leadership and a strong work ethic, while providing a platform for her and her siblings to learn the fundamentals of raising cattle.

“4‑H is what started my interest in show cattle,” Billman said. “4‑H has given me the foundation to be able to get a start in the beef industry."