At the age of 74, Juan Reyes, who arrived in the United States as part of the child exodus known as Operation Peter Pan, has been honored by being inducted into the Wyoming Agricultural Hall of Fame. This accolade is one of the most prestigious in the state's rural sector. Having transformed his life from an exile to a cowboy, Reyes has spent decades shaping one of the region's most prominent ranches, the MR Angus Ranch, which specializes in breeding Angus bulls suited for high-altitude environments.
"I used to say I lived the American dream. Now I say I'm living the Wyoming dream," Reyes shared with the local publication, Cowboy State Daily.
From Refugee Child to Agricultural Legend
The journey of Juan Reyes did not begin amid herds or mountains, but in Covadonga, a rural area in Cuba close to the Bay of Pigs. His father worked at a sugar mill and raised cattle, while his mother came from a communist family, creating a household divided by the Revolution.
When the Bay of Pigs invasion shook the island in 1961, Reyes' father decided to send his children out of Cuba. A year later, Juan and his two siblings were secretly flown to Miami by the Catholic Church, carrying nothing but a cardboard suitcase and some clothes. They initially stayed in refugee camps in Florida before moving to a boarding school in Washington state. For Reyes, this marked one of the toughest periods of his life.
In Washington, Reyes met his future wife, Joni, who introduced him to a passion for Angus cattle. The couple later moved to Wyoming, where they battled harsh winters, cattle diseases, and financial struggles that nearly broke them. However, they persevered.
With support from universities, genetic research, and years of trial and error, Juan and Joni developed a breeding system capable of raising healthy bulls at elevations above 8,000 feet. Today, their ranch in Wheatland is home to 1,000 registered cows and 7,000 head of cattle.
Reyes has also gained fame for training border collie dogs that manage herds with just a command or a whistle, a method so effective that it reduces the need for multiple cowboys and minimizes animal stress. "It's like reading their minds," he says.
A Family Legacy with Cuban Roots
Juan and Joni raised their children in the midst of the ranch's daily grind. Now, their children, Jason, Jennifer, and son-in-law Mick, lead the operations. "I tried to steer them away from this hard work, but I couldn’t. They love it," Reyes admits.
Despite the accomplishments, Reyes considers his greatest pride to be building something for his children from nothing. "When we started, we had absolutely nothing. We lived like that for years," his wife recalls.
Today, the boy who fled communism and spoke no English has friends and connections throughout the United States and Canada, thanks to his cattle, dogs, and inspiring journey.
"This recognition isn't just mine. It's for my family and everyone who helped me not give up," he concluded.
Insights into Juan Reyes' Journey and Achievements
What is Operation Peter Pan?
Operation Peter Pan was a mass exodus of Cuban children to the United States between 1960 and 1962. It was facilitated by the Catholic Church to help children escape the communist regime in Cuba.
How did Juan Reyes contribute to the ranching industry?
Juan Reyes developed a successful breeding system for Angus cattle suited to high-altitude environments, and trained border collies to manage herds, enhancing efficiency and reducing stress on animals.
What challenges did Juan and Joni Reyes face in Wyoming?
They faced severe winters, cattle diseases, and financial challenges that nearly led to bankruptcy. Despite these obstacles, they persevered and succeeded.