Clayton was raised on a commercial Angus cow-calf ranch near Ellsworth, Kansas. Upon graduation from Kansas State University, he worked for Reeve Cattle Company, Inc. of Garden City, Kansas. Reeve Cattle Company is a diversified family operation consisting of a feedyard, ethanol plant, and farming operation.
Clayton was also employed by Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB) in the supply development division, where he was responsible for implementing the mechanics of the CAB Feedlot Licensing Program, as well as representing the company at events across the country.
Clayton currently serves as the Executive Director of the Feedyard Division for the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA). He is primarily responsible for serving the feedlot members of the KLA Cattle Feeders Council by expanding feedyard membership, assisting members in dealing with a wide range government regulations and policy, providing educational seminars and bulletins for KLA members, and development and operation of the Kansas Beef Quality Assurance program. He also works closely with the KLA Environmental Services, Inc. staff in Salina and Scott City and KLA Risk Management Services, Inc. on various projects.
Clayton and his wife Sharla have three young children; Tucker (12), Paxton (8), and Hadley (6). They moved back to Ellsworth five years ago to play a more involved role in the family’s ranching operation.