NEIGHBORS
Representing the Breed
Rae-Kin-Pey Dairy Goats breeds for high-quality, high-performance animals MIAMI, OKLA. - Aaron and Courtney Alsbaugh believe their first responsibility with Rae-Kin-Pey Dairy Goats is to create a happy and healthy environment for the animals in their care. Aaron and Courtney Alsbaugh named the family farm, Rae-Kin-Pey Dairy Goats Farm, after their children, Reagan, Kinley and Peyton. “We began raising and showing dairy...
A Dream Come True
After more than 20 years in the dairy goat industry, Jen Ruyter is building her dream operation OZARK, ARK. - Raised on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania, Jen Ruyter began venturing into dairy goats more than 20 years ago. “I’ve been passionate about the goats since I was little,” Jen said. “I used to show them throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland and...
The Making of Goatroper Farms
Katie Rose started her love for goats with the chance purchase of a billy ROLAND, ARK. - Katie Rose wasn’t looking to get into the goat business. Being a native of Little Rock, Ark., owning a goat farm wasn’t even on her mind the day she came across Jack the Billy Goat. It was back in 2007, just after Rose and...
Growing in Agriculture
From RoKaJo Farms to the Conway FFA, Mary Ann Keck is devoted to agriculture MARSHFIELD, MO. - Mary Anne Keck has been an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor for 21 and a half years. The last eight of those years have been spent at Conway High School, in Conway, Mo. She also taught in Carthage and Pleasant Hope. She was...
Doing the Research
A desire to raise sheep leads teen to find a breed that works for his family’s farm GROVESPRING, MO. - Before Jeremiah Ponds delves into a project, he does his research. The 16-year-old from Grovespring, Mo., spent more than 300 hours researching sheep breeds to determine which was the right for him and his family’s farm. “I have always enjoyed reading about...
NEIGHBORS
A Place to Gather
The Gathering Place is the largest private gift to a community park in U.S. History TULSA, OKLA. - Tulsa’s Gathering Place is a nearly 100-acre park along the Arkansas River in Tulsa, Okla. The primary access to the park is South John William’s Way which is just south of 26th Place. The park joins the River Parks East Trail and...
Wood’s Feed Store
• Location: Cabot, Ark. • Owners: The Wood Family • Manager: Jackie Mahoney History: Wood’s Feed Store is likely the oldest continually operating business in Cabot, Ark., manager Jackie Mahoney said. The store was started in 1937 by Frank Wood, and is still in the same location today. Products and Services: Wood’s Feed Store caters to farmers, ranchers, hunters and pet owners in the...
Charlie Wright
• Hometown: Steprock, Ark. • Family: Parents, Rickey and Sandra Wright; and girlfriend Sarah Steeley In Town: Charlie Wright is an associate professor of pharmacy practice at Harding University in Searcy, Ark., which is also where he received is undergraduate and pharmacy degrees. Charlie said he teaches pharmacy students about what medications are used to treat, what the side effects could be, drug guidelines and other...
Charlotte Koller
• Age: 15 • Hometown: Alma, Ark. • Parent: Melissa Koller • 4-H Club: Alma 4-H Club • Club leader: Melissa Koller What is your involvement in agriculture? “I have been raising various livestock on my grandparents’ hobby farm since I was 6 years old. I have been an active member of 4-H since I was 5 and began the 4-H Poultry Chain project when...
Spreading the Word
Barry County, Mo., is home to a unique, local museum CASSVILLE, MO. - The Barry County Museum is nestled among the hills and streams of Southwest Missouri in Cassville, not far from Roaring River State Park along Highway 76. The drive to this part of the state is enjoyably picturesque. The museum hosts the yearly District 7 Public School Art Show...
Colley Feed and Farm Supply
• Location: Sarcoxie, Mo. • Owners: Lance and Andrea Colley History: Lance Colley and his grandfather, Champ Colley, started Colley Feed and Farm Supply in 2004. Lance said the idea came after seeing the variation in feed prices. “I could buy bagged feed off a pallet for one price, then five or six days later, the same feed off the same pallet, and it would be...
Things to Think About
As the economy changes producers are encouraged to keep a few things in mind There’s more to know when considering rates and money costs in...
Team Work in an Uncertain Economy
Communication is critical during these tough times As we have passed the mid-point of 2022, uncertainty is the only thing that is certain when it...
Combating a Bear Market
A bear market can be stressful, so seek expert help As Sir Isaac Newton said, “What goes up must come down” and unfortunately that also...
Future Hay Markets
Price, supply and potential pitfalls The lack of rain coupled with an increasing cost in fertilizer and fuel continues to put the price of hay...
Current and Future Cattle Prices
The impact of drought and economic pressures The cattle market tends to be a bit of a roller coaster these days. And this market is one...
Preparing Fall and Winter Pastures
Planting and stockpiling during a drought Drought conditions this summer have producers analyzing what steps they should take to prepare their pastures for fall and...
