NEIGHBORS
Hatching Quality
Josh Stephans focuses his poultry and waterfowl operation on breeding- and show-quality birds
ELKLAND, MO. - In certain livestock circles around the Ozarks, Josh Stephans is a “goat guy.”
He has shown and judged meat goats across the country and has ventured to Canada to sort classes.
Today, Josh and his family still have goats and a few head of cattle, but...
Taking Ag to the Classroom
Springfield, Mo., school adds agriculture experience for urban students
SPRINGFIELD, MO. - On the south side of Springfield, Mo., is an elementary school ranked number one in math, reading and growth within the Springfield Public School system, a school that ties science class to agriculture.
School staff works to provide top-tier education to students. From dancing on tables to hosting a...
Born to Farm
Wyatt Cox and his family have raised corn, soybeans and wheat for generations
BUTLER, MO. - Wyatt Cox is just 20 years old, but he has known since he was a young boy that his destiny was to follow in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, grandfather, father and uncle. Wyatt wanted to be a farmer.
“I’ve been farming pretty much since...
All in the Family
Boyce-Dill Cattle began with Limousin and added Angus
MARSHFIELD, MO. - Boyce-Dill Cattle is a family-run operation in Webster County, near Marshfield, Mo. Brent Boyce operates the farm. His sister, Lisa, and her husband, Jake Dill, and their family work together and show cattle.
Brent has 70 females. He said about a third of the herd is Limousin, a third is...
A New Project
Teen opts to start her own dairy goat operation
LINCOLN, ARK. - The possibilities are endless when it comes to starting something new. In the agriculture world, starting a new project could be intimidating or seem impossible, but with new technologies, hundreds of guides and resources, learning how to begin is easier than you’d think.
When it comes to making a...
NEIGHBORS
Kendrick Raybuck
Age: 16
Hometown: Fordland, Mo.
Parents: Jared and Brittany Raybuck
Sibling: Kyndal Raybuck
FFA Chapter: Fordland FFA
Advisor: Clayton Tunnell and Melissa Porter
What is your involvement in agriculture?
“I am in the poultry business. I have Cochin, Polish, Rhode Island Red and Production Red. I have hens and I sell their eggs, and some hatching eggs.”
What is your favorite part of being involved in agriculture/living...
Stacey Ramsey
Hometown: Bolivar, Mo.
Family: Children, Kiley Ramsey and Blake Ramsey and Blake’s fiancée Jacey Alexander; parents: Frankie and Paula Phillips; brothers Paul Phillips and Brad Phillips (deceased); nieces and nephews, Rileigh and Noah Phillips, and Allen and Cole Phillips.
In Town: Stacey Ramsey recently retired after a 26-year career in the Bolivar, Mo., School District, serving as the district’s children’s services...
Ray’s Farrier Services
Owner: Peyton Ray
Location: Cassville, Mo.
History: Peyton Ray originally hails from Southcentral Missouri, but has spent the last 12 years serving in the National Guard, both overseas and on the southern border.
Hoping to build a business of his own, he decided to become a farrier and attended Texas Horseshoeing School while still stationed in Texas.
“I came out realizing I didn’t...
Generations of Entertainment
Downtown Springfield, Mo., theatre continues to draw lovers of the arts
SPRINGFIELD, MO. - The historic Landers Theatre is a treasured gem in the heart of the Ozarks. Built on what is now historic Walnut Street in downtown Springfield, Mo., this unique and eclectic theatre offers much more than meets the eye from the beautiful stone façade street-side. Shannon Sherrow,...
Hannah Baker
Age: 15
Hometown: Mountain Home, Ark.
Parents: Josh and Laura Beth Baker
Siblings: Hadleigh and Harrison Baker
FFA Chapter: Mountain Home FFA
Advisor: Josh Baker
What is your involvement in agriculture?
“Growing up on a cattle and turkey farm, I have learned from an early age about the importance of the agricultural industry. My personal agricultural involvement includes raising market sheep and showing at livestock shows, developing agricultural science research projects that I...
Hitchcock-Campbell, Inc.
Location: Tahlequah, Okla.
Owners: Ray and Sandy Campbell
History: Hitchcock-Campbell, Inc., began in the early 1970s when partners Jimmy Dale “Jim” Campbell and Raymond Hitchcock started a custom wheat harvesting business.
“They eventually started dealing in used tractors; little 8Ns and 9Ns,” co-owner Sandy Campbell said. “It evolved into some farm equipment, but they would always close up the business from May...
Preparing Spring Pastures
Tasks to take on now to get fields ready for warmer weather
The first signs of spring have arrived. Warmer days and sprigs of green...
Starting a Flock
Considerations and plans needed prior to buying chicks
‘Tis the season for adorable, fluffy chicks to be for sale at farm supply stores. The current...
Pecking and Cannibalism in Poultry
Diet and light can deter the costly behavior
Pecking and cannibalism among chicken and turkey flocks could be an expensive problem for farmers without the...
Cleaning Up Feeding Areas
The benefits to removing old hay and manure
As the season edges closer to spring, the time spent feeding winter hay will come to an...
Replacing Tall Fescue
Advantages and disadvantages of fescue pasture renovation
In the Ozarks, tall fescue thrives as a hardy, insect resistant and drought tolerant grass. However, the type...
Selecting Maternal Traits
The importance of utilizing maternal traits for herd improvement
At times it may be difficult to determine which indicators to place the most importance on when...
