A future in the agricultural field has been a life long dream, or better stated, a desire for Ted Koontz. Upon retirement from a career in the banking business, Ted, along with his wife Becky, now is enjoying the good life of farming. Entrepreneurs are the best way to describe the couple's diversified cattle and haying operation and the way the Koontz's approach their livelihood.
On the scenic hillside along the Finley River near Sparta, Mo., one will spot the busy farming operation of the Koontz's. The hillsides are dotted with quality Black Angus selected based on well-kept records. What started out to be four estimated progeny has evolved into 20 indices including a docility index. Also easily found is the essential John Deere haying equipment that Ted is equally proud of.
The haying business started out as a small venture and quickly blossomed into a viable source of work and revenue for Ted and Becky. However, at times the hay business can be a worry, too. “This hay barn was empty at this time last year,” he noted. The dry and drought-like conditions we experienced last year made everyone nervous. Ted pointed to a large stack of small square bales neatly stacked in the corner of the metal shed and stated, “A good growing season and increased production will relax the minds everyone in the area and may even lead to a decreased demand.”
The Koontz's premium cattle business is outlined by their genetic line up and their progressive program, however thoughts of the future are always on their minds. With only a handful of major Black Angus in their lineages, Ted and Becky are always looking at their options to broaden the scope of the bloodlines for their commercial herd. The Red Angus breed appeals to both of them, although they haven't expanded in that direction.
What started out as sideline business developed quickly into a thriving business. Starting out with only 60 acres of hay fields the Koontz's farm has expanded into a flourishing 1,100-acre agribusiness. The past two years have been good ones. Prices have been good and demand high. Our biggest hurdle to overcome has had been delivery to our long distance clients some as far away as St. Louis, Mo., Memphis, Tenn., and Florida.
Another avenue of the Koontz enterprise is the sale of locally processed Black Angus beef that originated from their farm. “All of our cattle are raised totally free of hormones and antibiotics.”
When asked about the major challenge to agriculture today Ted was quick to cite, “Land. Family farms are being lost everyday.” He went on to explain with concern, “Every time a family farm is sold off and divided up into smaller tracts for construction or development, more and more farming property is lost.”
