Randy Campbell seemed to be born to be a sheepman, growing up in a sheep ranching family and working alongside his father Ervin and grandfather Avery on the Campbell Brothers Ranch near Loma, Colorado. When he was in middle school, Randy was already responsible for trailing thousands of sheep down the highway from Redvale to Ophir. His father was managing a ranch that ran 10,000 head of sheep, and Randy grew up running the docking crew, lambing, herding sheep and tending the high-country sheep camps. He was a hard worker and managed sheep herds for several Colorado ranches.

Julie and Randy turned out to form a great partnership, marrying in 1983, soon to begin their own business. They leased property from another large sheepman, bought some ewes and eventually acquired their own grazing permits. In 1989, they expanded their ranch holdings north of Cisco, Utah, which became the winter home base for both the livestock and their family.

Julie has carried on with their family, the operation, and the traditions of Campbell Hansmire Sheep, after Randy passed in 2010. She wants to continue the good range practices that Randy was famous for, and for which she studied in her own right. But Julie also wants others to know about the numerous other things ranchers contribute to the economy, the industry and the community as a whole. She believes it’s important today to be a good employer and a solid business owner bringing important contributions to our communities. She’s very proud of the genetic improvements and increased quality of ewes they are producing today, and knows it is important to the future.

Today, Julie Hansmire manages all aspects of the Campbell Hansmire Sheep Company. The operation was hard won through years of dedicated work and tending to the details of the various facets of their operation. Herded range bands of sheep are a traditional style of sheep operation in Western Colorado. Most range operations like Campbell Hansmire Sheep migrate from the lower elevation winter country to higher elevation mountain pastures for the summer. Their sheep spend the winter and spring on the ranges of Eastern Utah and its border with Colorado, and migrate to the high lush mountain country above Eagle, Colorado for the summer and fall. Colorado ranks among the top five states in wool production in the U.S. Campbell Hansmire Sheep is determined to raise the best balance of lamb and wool possible, and their Merino ewes are the foundation of their operation.

Julie recognizes the valuable contributions that her ranch foreman and the herders make. “They are indispensable assets to our operation and family.” Sheep operations like Campbell Hansmire Sheep are helping change the face of wool. Julie is a tireless spokesperson for the industry and their operation is an outstanding example of American sheep ranching – land stewardship and animal husbandry.