Salvetti D’Ascoli
Graduate Student – Class of 2027
D’Ascoli was raised in Arvada, Colorado and attended Colorado State University (CSU) where he pursued a dual major in animal science, with a focus on beef and feedlot production systems, and agricultural business. During his time at CSU he became involved in various clubs and organizations such as Alpha Gamma Rho, Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association, and Ag Council which further fueled his desire to pursue a career in ranching. D’Ascoli worked throughout his collegiate career to gain additional experience. He consistently worked for Leachman Cattle of Colorado gaining valuable seedstock experience in addition to completing multiple internships with Walter Angus and the Rex Ranch. “This was a very formative experience for me,” reflects D’Ascoli, “I gained invaluable livestock and horsemanship experience while learning from very knowledgeable, experienced people.”
Upon graduation in December of 2021, he began working for Five Rivers Cattle Feeding at the Kuner yard, a 100,000 head feedlot east of Greeley, Colorado and eventually settled into the role of assistant yard department manager. In January of 2023, he transitioned to working for the Wilson Flying Diamond ranch, a commercial cow calf operation in Nebraska.
D’Ascoli was introduced to the KRIRM program through multiple professors at CSU as well as during his time at Leachman Cattle of Colorado. He further began considering the program after working for alumnus Austin Anderson [’09] at the Rex Ranch. He began networking with other KRIRM alumni and attended a lectureship in 2022. “I am a firm believer in being a lifelong learner and surrounding yourself with people better than you,” says D’Ascoli. “There is no place like the Institute where you can continue your education surrounded by some of the best minds in the industry, whether it be faculty or the network around the program.”
A core component of the KRIRM program is implementing a systems thinking approach to management, a skill D’Ascoli is looking forward to learning and exercising over the next two years, “I’m looking forward to applying this approach to many aspects of my life both professional and personal.” In addition, he notes the desire to hone his business and technical skills around accounting and finance and looks forward to the extensive networking opportunities.
D’Ascoli has relocated to Kingsville, Texas with his wife, Grace and their daughter, Lyndie Joy, who he describes as “the light of our lives.” It is their long-term goal to raise their family in this industry and lifestyle with the ultimate goal of being a ranch manager. “I am very passionate about the beef industry and horsemanship,” he says, “I hope to be lucky enough to continue to chase those passions throughout my career.”