NEIGHBORS
Retired with Goats
Susan Clark has her own line of soaps and lotions
FORDLAND, MO. - After working in a hospital for 40 years, Susan Clark retired and began a new adventure raising goats.
Susan and her husband, Dennis, live on their 50-acre farm near Fordland, Mo., in Webster County. They have lived there for 17 years. For the past 10 years they have...
Surrounded by Agriculture
Dylan Kildow has a diverse background
WEST FORK, ARK. - Dylan Kildow is 18 years old and a senior at West Fork (Ark.) High School. He is the eldest of five sons of Matt and Jeanie Kildow. The farm is named 7K after the number of people in the family and is home to a cattle and a substantial hay...
Advocating for Ag and Youth
Ayden Jowers says farming and 4-H are shaping his future
GRAVETTE, ARK. - There are two things Ayden Jowers considers a part of his family heritage – farming and 4-H.
The 17-year-old from Gravette, Ark., is proud to be a fourth-generation 4-H member and a multi-generation farmer. Thanks to 4-H, he has become an advocate for youth and agriculture as first...
Getting into Goats
The Powers siblings have added goats to their family farm
BENTONVILLE, ARK. - The COVID-19 pandemic was a time of change. As the Powers family of Bentonville, Ark., stepped back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, they decided it was time to pour themselves into something productive.
It all started with a floppy-eared Nubian goat. The oldest child, Belvia,...
Cattle Shows and Rodeos
The Day siblings moved from showing sheep to cattle, and compete in the Missouri Family Rodeo Association
MARSHFIELD, MO. - It takes a youngster, or four, to appreciate a chunk of ice taken from the water trough after the first really cold snap of the year.
On their Webster County farm near Marshfield, Mo., Jeremy and Joni Day are raising their...
NEIGHBORS
Clayton Corner Farm
Location: Afton, Okla.
Owners: Jeremy and Kim Clayton
History: When Jeremy and Kim Clayton moved to their property in Afton, Okla., in 2016, it had a chute and working system. However, that system didn’t work well for their horned Scottish Highland cattle.
“It was very difficult,” Kim said. “The alleyway that was there, we couldn’t use it or the chute. That put us on the...
Drake Slate
Age: 14
Hometown: Greenwood, Ark.
Parents: Brittany and Dwayne Slate
Sibling: Laney Slate
4-H Club: Dayton 4-H
Club leader: Brittany Slate
What is your involvement in agriculture?
“I show animals with 4-H and do woodworking. I’m also the vice president of the Dayton 4-H club.”
What is your favorite part of being involved in agriculture/living on a farm?
“I like seeing all the different places you can travel...
Networth Feeds & Feeding
Location: Rolla, Mo.
Owner: Frank Barnitz
History: For years, longtime cattleman Frank Barnitz sent his cattle out to be backgrounded. Over time, he thought he would keep the calves on his farm.
“I figured we could do just as good a job as anyone, so we started backgrounding in 2001 at our smaller yard,” Frank said. They soon began developing and backgrounding...
Free Range Music
Musical duo who hail from the Ozarks travel the world to bring a little joy to audiences
The musical duo Trout Fishing in America has lived in Northwest Arkansas since 1992. As a youngster, Ezra Idlet was not a good student and often in trouble and in his room. Coming from a family with diverse musical tastes of classical, folk and...
Daisy Fields
Parents: Tammy and Travis Fields
Siblings: Sisters Casa and Breelyn, and brother Wyatt
Hometown: Nevada, Mo.
FFA Chapter: Northeast Vernon County FFA
Advisor: Brett Neil
How have you been involved in agriculture over the years?
“I have been in FFA for four years. I’ve been on a horse judging team, and also on a landscaping and nursing judging team. Last year, the nursery and landscaping...
Paula Van Aken
Hometown: Mountain Grove, Mo.
In Town: Paula works at Country Mart in Mountain Grove, Mo. She worked her way up from cashier to a job with regular business hours.
“I am the office manager at Country Mart,” she said. “ I like it. It’s never a dull moment, taking care of the customers.”
Back in Iowa, Paula had a different career.
“I taught elementary...
Developing Bulls
Proper nutrition and care after weaning is key
The development of herd bulls is a crucial part of having a successful cow herd. The...
Hot and Cold
Extremes in temperatures require special attention
Agriculture producers face harsh temperatures and weather year-round. These conditions can create devastating impacts on livestock operations, leading to...
Increasing Value
Tactics for producers to market their product
With the increase in the availability of marketing programs for large producers in the cattle industry, there are...
Replacement Factors
Deciding when to replace farm vehicles and equipment
Agricultural economists advise producers to closely evaluate their goals, cash flow and income tax implications when determining whether...
Saving on Fuel Costs
Following a few steps can reduce fuel consumption
The financial pressure placed on farmers due to increased input costs has forced producers to look at...
Keeping Records
Maintaining farm equipment and machinery records has advantages
Record keeping likely falls to the bottom of most producers’ favorite things to do list. Tending the...
