NEIGHBORS
Advocating for the Future
2023 CattleWoman of the Year Scynthia Schnake advocates for the beef industry
STOTTS CITY, MO. - Scynthia Schnake and her family have a tradition of raising cattle, at their Schnake Ranch in Stotts City, Mo.
The Schnake family operates a 100-head cow/calf operation and run stocker cattle in the spring and fall. They also raise ranch horses. The horses, Scynthia said...
Growing a Legacy
The Alexanders promote locally-grown beef and more
FORDLAND, MO. - Mark and Emma Alexander have lived at their farm near Fordland, Mo., for 10 years. The farm is in Webster County and 11 miles from the nearest town.
When they first moved to the farm, they had 40 acres and most of it is wooded. So they only had a couple of...
Advancing with Angus
Gilbert Cattle Company has increased its herd with selective genetics
OLDFIELD, MO. - Raising cattle is nothing new for Josh and LeAnna Gilbert.
LeAnna grew up on a dairy farm and Josh’s family has a tradition of Brahman and Brangus. There was a time, however, when no cattle roamed the Gilbert family-owned farm in Christian County, Mo.
“In 2001, we sold...
Determined to Succeed
Quinten and Janeé Parker began carving out their farm four years ago
FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. - Ranchers have always been pioneers in finding new ways to improve production agriculture.
Some challenges young farmers and ranchers face today are unique. Young producers are committed to agriculture in traditional and nontraditional ways. Quinten and Janeé Parker grew up in the cattle industry, but started...
Developing a System
Couple decided their retirement goal was organic agriculture
WEST FORK, ARK. - For Gary Tucker and Sue Clemons, the concept of owning a farm began after Sue purchased heritage pork. The rich flavor reminded her of pork before the mass production era — when pigs were raised as omnivores rather than herbivores.
After determining their retirement goal was agricultural and focused...
NEIGHBORS
T&T Farm Supply
Owners: Chance Tucker and Sarah Tucker
Location: Welch, Okla.
History: T&T Farm Supply opened in October 2021.
“In that area, cattle is about all there is,” co-owner Chance Tucker explained. “I have grown up in that area, and my dad had a business that built overhead grain bins. Everything we’ve ever done has been agriculture-related, so we just thought there was a...
Palmer Feed & Vet Supplies
Location: Mack Creek, Mo.
Owner: Jerry Palmer
History:
Palmer Feed & Vet Supplies opened in 1998.
“I had worked at a hospital for 20 years and quit,” owner Jerry Palmer recalled. “I left to be closer to home to take care of my wife, who was ill. There was a feed business that went out, so I got a hold of those people...
Jamie Johansen
Hometown: Lebanon, Mo.
Family: Husband Kevin, and daughters Harper (9) and Ivee (3)
In Town:
Jamie Johansen and her sister Joanna Wiklinson are the owners of Honey Creek Media, a Lebanon-Mo., based marketing company.
After college, Jamie was an agriculture education instructor, but eventually opted to move her career toward a different path.
“My true passion was the communications route,” she said. “After many years of...
Taylor Miller
Hometown: Nixa, Mo.
Age: 16
Parents: Jeff and Tammy Miller
Sibling: Brother, Bailey
FFA Chapter: Nixa FFA
What is your involvement in agriculture?
“My family and I have a cow/calf operation, breeding Scottish Highlands, Brahman, British White and Simmentals. I show each of our breeds and use our operation for my SAE.” Taylor was also the Nixa FFA Vice President (2021-2022).
What is your favorite part...
K&A Ranch
Location: Cane Hill, Ark.
Owners: Keeten and Ashley Jones
History: Keeten and Ashley Jones began offering specialized equine services through K&A Ranch last year after Ashley completed her certification as an equine sports massage therapist. Keeton is a graduate of the farrier program at Northwest Technical Institute and has worked as a certified farrier for five years. In addition to her...
Brittany Coffee Parker
Hometown: Welch, Okla.
Family: Husband, Justin Parker
In Town: Brittany Coffee Parker is the owner of BC Parker Co., which specializes in western weddings and country lifestyle photography.
“I had my first photoshoot in December 2009; I was a sophomore in high school,” Brittany said. “This is all I have ever done. I just photographed my 150th wedding in December.”
Brittany has shot...
Improving Colostrum Quality
Cow condition will impact colostrum production
Colostrum plays a critical role in the health of calves. It sets the stage for a calf’s development and...
Cattle Lice in Winter Months
Producers should be proactive to prevent infestations
Lice most likely ranks toward the top of the list as one of the most annoying pests that...
Medicine Changes on the Way
Antibiotic regulation changes coming this year
The Food and Drug Administration unveiled a directive 10 years ago outlining a gradual transition of animal over-the-counter medicines...
Saving for Your Health
Health savings accounts connect and wealth
Good health is vital to living a happy and successful life. Even more reason to save for it like...
Financial Goals for Your Farm
Now is the time to set goals
Today, I am going to touch on three financial goals for your farming operation in 2023.
Build Capital /...
Interest Rates and More
Understanding types of debt
“I’m making way too much money?” asked no farmer ever. In this economy, we’re all dealing with increasing costs.
With expenses increasing...