Erica Wells-Kleman: Roots in the cattle industry run deep
“Being involved in these organizations is another way to network, give back to my community and promote the life that I love.”
24 June 2026
2 minute read
By: Growing up on an eighth-generation cow-calf ranch in Glencoe, Oklahoma, Erica Wells-Kleman can sum up the cattle industry in one word: home.
“I was born and raised in this industry,” said Wells-Kleman, a Zoetis Folds of Honor scholarship recipient. “I grew up learning how to gather cattle on horseback, feed them and push them through the chute when it was time to vaccinate, and deliver babies — just like my parents, grandparents and great-grandparents before them did.”
Wells-Kleman is a senior studying Animal Science Production Operations at Oklahoma State University, with an emphasis in livestock, genetics and reproduction. She is an active member of Collegiate Cattlewomen and Block and Bridle.
“I’ve always been a big advocate for the beef industry,” she said. “Being involved in these organizations is another way to network, give back to my community and promote the life that I love.”
After finishing her bachelor’s degree, Wells-Kleman plans to obtain an artificial insemination and embryology technician license.
“I plan to stay in the cattle industry and learn more about the genetics side of things” she said. “I will eventually take over the ranch and hopefully expand into a seedstock business as well.”
The Folds of Honor scholarship helps make Wells-Kleman’s goals more attainable, and support from the scholarship will enable her to graduate from college debt-free. She appreciates the commitment from Zoetis to support dedicated service members through select product sales and was eager to meet the program founder, Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, at a recent National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention.
“I grew up using Zoetis products on our cattle at home, and I’ve been using them in my animal science classes as well. It’s great to see that connection between Zoetis and the Folds of Honor scholarship program,” Wells-Kleman said. “I’m very thankful to be a scholarship recipient, and so proud of my mom for her military service. I’ve looked up to her for as long as I can remember.”
Erica’s mother, Joyce Wells-Kleman, was honorably discharged from the military after 11 years of service. Her father, Dale Kleman, grew up on a dairy farm, has been a volunteer firefighter/first responder for five years, and a rancher for most of his life.
“Growing up in a military and first responder family, and a ranching family in general, instilled a strong work ethic and a huge sense of responsibility in me from a young age,” she said. “My parents have always inspired me to get involved and give back to my local community.”
