Gabe Camberos had once envisioned himself becoming a career firefighter in San Diego. Today, his dream is building up his sheep operation for his family.
Camberos grew up in San Diego and after high school joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a firefighter and was with the 163rd Ordnance Company out of Irvine, California.
“During the following years I completed my associate’s degree with every intention of becoming a career firefighter in San Diego,” Gabe said. “In the spring of 2012, my unit brought us to a small base in Richmond, Kentucky, for some training. At that time I was searching for a university to pursue my bachelor’s degree.
“The local school to this small base was Eastern Kentucky University and is renowned for their programs in fire, safety, and arson.”
He moved to Richmond, Kentucky, in August 2012 and became involved with the local fire departments, which he discovered were loaded with cattle farmers. They were great examples of success in the industry and inspired him, he said.
“At the fire department, I worked under and became friends with my current mentor, who is also a prominent beef cattleman in the area,” Gabe said, “I began working with him as a hand and quickly fell in love with the lifestyle and lessons of farming and agriculture. This is what initially kicked off my drive to have land and an operation of my own.”
Gabe said his motivation only grew from there.
“After getting married and us having our son, I knew that my dreams of producing agriculture were going to be an excellent environment to raise children in,” he said. “It would teach all these great lessons and hopefully build an agribusiness that could one day be passed on.”
Gabe and his wife, Stevi, raise commercial hair sheep, primarily Katahdin/Dorper cross breeds for meat lambs. This year they expanded to 61 ewes and a ram on approximately 30 acres. Their son, Everett, is now 3.
The rotating chute/work table purchased with a Fellowship Fund grant enables Gabe Camberos to safely do vaccinations, hoof trimming and other care for his sheep.
Fellowship Fund
He said the Fellowship Fund grant this year from Tractor Supply Company Foundation enabled them to purchase a RM-6000 Roll O’Matic rotating chute/work table, which allows them to care for their flock safely and efficiently.
“Working our flock was something that, prior to this award, my wife and I were doing by hand,” Gabe explained. “This was an extremely long and stressful process to vaccinate, doctor, and trim feet, etc. This was going to be a purchase that would not have come anytime soon as all of our start-up funds were exhausted.”
He said his wife has been crucial to the success of the farm.
“This startup dream would not have been possible without the support and hard work of my wife as we endeavor through growing this family business together,” he said, adding that the support of his mentor and his belief in their ability is another reason for their success.
“The thing I most enjoy about my operation is being able to work outside with our animals and know that I am producing something and creating a positive impact through pasture-raised meat.” Gabe said. “I enjoy that I am building something that hopefully someday my son will be proud to call his own on this land.”
