Personnel
Dr. Joseph "Joe" Vaillancourt, President
Joe received two degrees, a B.S. from the University of New Hampshire and his doctorate from the University of Wyoming both in chemical engineering. He was an outreach engineer, which allowed him to travel the state of Wyoming assisting coal companies. This eventually led him and his wife to form their own engineering company.
In 1995, Moe and Joe formed Thorbardin Limited Liability Company to own and grow their new cattle and ranch business. Since that time, the company has substantially grown both in acreage and in cattle numbers. He brings a very disciplined approach to the cattle business to benchmark cattle productivity.
He firmly believes in improving both the cattle and the range to make it sustainable agriculture along with targeted cattle improvements to make management easier and more enjoyable.
Maureen "Moe" Vaillancourt, Treasurer
Moe received her B.S. degree in chemical engineering from the University of New Hampshire prior to moving to Wyoming in the mid-1980's. Moe has worked for a number of small chemical companies and research companies before joining with her husband to operate their own engineering company.
Moe is responsible for managing Thorbardin's books along with managing the large cattle database and inventory that the company owns.
Moe provides the company with a conservative and a deeply pragmatic management style. She primarily manages the Highland cattle herd. It is her decisions on bulls and show stock that usually carry the day including all cattle sales.
Moe and Joe work closely as a team at all aspects of the company. They both enjoy seeing cattle on green pastures, golf and fine dining with their friends.
Cody Talbott, Laramie Plains Manager
Cody was born and raised on a family ranch in Laramie, Wyoming. He was active in both 4-H and FFA and served as a Wyoming's State FFA Officer. He was very active in livestock judging and participated in numerous National Judging Contests. Cody exhibits livestock in many local, state and national shows including the National Western Stock Show, Arizona National, and the American Royal in Kansas City, MO.
Cody has two degrees from the University of Wyoming; Agriculture Business and Agriculture Education. Upon graduation, Cody was employed with the Laramie Community College as a teacher of Production Agriculture, Livestock Judging Coach and Coach of the Livestock Fitting and Show Team. He had numerous champion teams. He then moved to the University of Wyoming as Superintendent of the Beef Unit. At the University of Wyoming, he managed the 300 plus cowherd both as an education tool and for the use of research by the University professors.
In October of 1999, Cody became the manager of the Thorbardin Ranch Laramie Plains Division. He has been instrumental in the development and continued success with the Highland cattle through artificial insemination, embryo transfer, the co-creation of the Thorbardin Highland Bull test and feedlot performance.
Cody is also active in many community events including; Beef Superintendent for the Albany County Fair, Vice President of the Albany County Fair Board, Advisor for the University of Wyoming Block and Bridle Clubs and continues to assist with 4-H livestock judging teams and helping the family ranch.
Cody and Katie enjoy fishing, golf and the great outdoors.
Brandon Clay, Laramie Plains Ranch Foreman
Brandon started working for Thorbardin Ranch in September of 2003. He is the ranch foreman for the Laramie Plains operation. Brandon, after spending the past 5-years in commercial construction in Colorado has moved back to his roots in Wyoming. Brandon has received his Associates Degree from Wyoming Technical Institute specializing in diesel technology.
Brandon grew up on the historic XH Ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming. He has experience in 4H and FFA projects as a kid. Brandon’s family has a long history of owning and managing some outstanding ranches in southern Wyoming.
He has previous experience as a Ranch Manager for the Eagle’ Nest Ranch in Kersey, Colorado. He implemented an intensive grazing program for that particular ranch which substantially improved the overall productivity of the ranch. The Eagle’ Nest Ranch was a 2000 cow operation and his experience in managing a large cattle program will be invaluable to our program.
Brandon has been happily married for over 5-years to Deb. They have a 3-year old son named, Colby. Colby is a bit of a pistol and we look forward to when he can start showing cattle at the county fairs.