LIMOUSIN TODAY | Page 48

want anything with a bad disposition or can’t produce milk to take care of a calf. We are trying to get the best genetic traits we can get in our herd to have a quality product to sell.” In 1996, the fifth generation of Wilder Family Limousin and J&J Cattle Company, Jayce and twin brother Spencer were born. As the twins got older, they too began showing Limousin cattle like their dad had. Busy with the twin’s playing baseball and football, and their other extracurricular activities, Jay knew he needed some help. And the help he found ended up being one of the best things for Wilder Family Limousin. one of the founding members of the Limousin breed and had a Limousin bull sale for 40 years. “I went out there the first time, clipped some steers and Jay said, ‘man, you’ve shown Limi cattle before,’” Levi recalled. “I told him, that is what I grew up with, and anytime he ever needed anything or wanted to talk about anything to give me a shout.” That was nearly 10 years ago now, and Levi is still working with Jay to help grow Wilder Family Limousin, all while advancing the Limousin breed. Both Jay and Levi consider themselves lucky to have found one another to work with. From helping Jayce and Spencer in the show ring to making buying decisions for Wilder Family Limousin, they have done a lot together. “I put him right there on the line with the Peterson Family for all he has done for us,” Jay said. “We couldn’t have done it without him helping us, and he still continues to help us in so many ways today.” Working with the Wilder’s wasn’t a hard sale for Levi. He has enjoyed working with the Wilder Family just as much as they have. The Wilder Family has impacted Levi’s life, and he is grateful to have learned from them along the way, while working alongside them. “The boys were in everything they could be in,” Jay said. “It got to the point where I couldn’t do it all. I called a professor friend of mine at Texas A&M University – Dr. David Forrest – and asked him if he knew of anybody to help me with the boys’ show heifers.” While working on his master’s degree at Texas A&M University, Levi Douglas agreed to help the Wilder’s out and ended up signing up for more than he imagined. Limousin cattle is also what Levi grew up showing and raising in Miami, Oklahoma. His grandfather was Donald O’Brien, who was 46 | JUNE/JULY 2019 “I am just blessed they ever came into my life,” Levi said. “They are amazing people and are committed to whatever they are a part of. Whether it is the breed, farming, showing cattle, or raising money for the local 4H and FFA chapters.” Another chapter of the Wilder Family Limousin is just beginning. Jayce and Spencer will soon be graduating from Texas A&M University – just like their parents did – and will then be working full-time with Wilder Family Limousin and J&J Cattle Company. The boys have always been a part of the operation. While in college,