Harold Harper

Harold grew up in Indiana, working on the family farm. He was a 4-H member, where his interest in sheep and cattle developed. Harold was a champion sheep shearer, and that skill paid his way through Purdue University.

Harold served the livestock industry in Iowa and Nebraska before finding his home in Colorado. It was there that he fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning and operating a lamb feedlot. Together with his wife and three children, Harold built a reputation as one of the largest lamb feeders in the nation.

Before achieving that accomplishment, Harper worked at Rath Packing Co. in Waterloo, Iowa. He then worked for Wilson Packing in Omaha, Nebraska, before he was transferred to Denver. He and his family moved to Eaton, Colorado in 1974, and he co-owned Mile High Sheep Co. with Don Godby and Ivan Collins until 1977. Harper and Godby both worked at Wilson Packing, but managers within the company thought owning another sheep-related business was a conflict of interest, so they let the pair go.

After he was let go, Harper sold his share of Mile High Sheep and purchased land that is now Harper Feeders.

Harold was an active member of the Colorado Wool Growers Association, National Lamb Feeders, and several other organizations.

Harold received numerous awards throughout his career including ASI’s McClure Silver Ram, Colorado State University Livestock Leader Award-and was always a reputable industry leader.