Family Effort Drives Growth at Wild Rose Cattle Co.
MIAMI, OKLA. – Wild Rose Cattle Co. is a family-owned cattle operation deeply rooted in the show cattle industry and dedicated to producing high-quality livestock with strong genetics. The brand was started by Luke Warrington in 1998 while he was still in high school in West Bend, Iowa, before he owned cattle of his own. After relocating to Miami, Okla., Warrington joined his wife Sheila Warrington’s herd of Limousin cattle, a breed she grew up showing. Together, they began building what would eventually become their own Simmental-based program.
As their daughters Brooke, Bailey and Laney became involved in showing livestock, the family expanded and diversified their herd to better meet the demands of the show ring. The Warringtons added Simmental cattle to complement their existing genetics and create cattle capable of competing at multiple levels of competition. The operation has continued to evolve through careful selection and a commitment to producing structurally sound cattle that perform well both in the ring and in production settings.
Over time, the Warringtons incorporated Angus genetics into the herd to improve carcass merit and maternal strength while maintaining the performance traits necessary for competitive show cattle. The family has also recently introduced Fleckvieh genetics into their breeding program in an effort to further enhance growth, muscle expression and longevity within their cattle.
The Warringtons now raise registered and commercial Simmental cattle, focusing on seedstock that can meet the needs of both junior exhibitors and commercial producers. Their program emphasizes phenotype, soundness and disposition, while maintaining the maternal traits essential for long-term herd productivity. Through selective breeding practices, the family works to produce cattle that are not only competitive in the show ring but also functional in real-world production environments.
Family involvement has remained a central component of the operation since its beginning. Each member of the Warrington family contributes to daily responsibilities, including feeding, breeding decisions and show preparation. Their daughters have each played a role in the growth of the program through their participation in youth livestock exhibitions and involvement in agricultural organizations.
In addition to managing their own herd, the Warringtons are committed to supporting youth involved in agriculture by assisting junior exhibitors with their show cattle projects. The family often provides guidance related to animal care, fitting and daily management practices to help young producers gain experience and confidence within the livestock industry.
The operation continues to focus on producing cattle that balance visual appeal with structural integrity and performance traits. By maintaining an emphasis on genetics and sound management practices, the Warringtons strive to ensure their cattle remain competitive in both exhibition and commercial settings.
Looking ahead, the family plans to continue expanding their Simmental-based program while integrating new genetics that support growth and maternal longevity. Their long-term goals include maintaining a sustainable operation capable of producing cattle that meet the evolving demands of the beef industry.
For the Warringtons, raising cattle is more than a business – it is a way of life. Through their involvement in the show cattle industry, the family has developed lasting relationships and gained valuable experience that continues to shape the direction of their operation.
