Howard Phillips has always been involved in agriculture. He began as an AI technician in Kansas in 1959. In 1967 he became the District Manager of American Breeder Service in Missouri. In 1975 he became a distributor for Select Sires in Missouri. Howard retired in 2000, but still does AI for individuals and for breeding programs.
Howard and his wife, Verlane, had lived in Springfield, Mo., but were excited to move to the country and establish their own cattle herd.
When they bought their farm near Conway, Mo., in Webster County, Howard said they could buy a really nice house and a few acres, or a livable house and more acreage. They opted for more acreage. Howard and Verlane have lived on their 200-acre farm for the past 18 years. They also rent another 40 acres.
The Phillips own around 100 Black Angus cows and calves, and one bull. The cows number around 60. Verlane said they prefer the Black Angus because “they sell better.” Howard added, “They bring more per pound than any other breed.”
Even though their cattle are not registered, Howard said, “We’ve developed such a demand for replacement heifers that we’re having trouble keeping enough heifers.” They have also sold some bulls.
In Howard’s opinion, the most common mistake made by farmers is “not being careful enough about the genetics they’re using. You need to use good, quality bulls and calving-ease bulls. Even if you’re cross-breeding, you need quality bulls.”
He explained, the same kind of bull that sires good bulls for growth is not necessarily the same bull that sires good replacement heifers.
The Phillips try to grow all their hay. “We also do custom baling. We bale on shares,” Howard explained.
When it comes to the hay, Howard said, “We like to have clover in it; not just fescue.” Howard also believes to have really good hay, you ought to be done by the end of May, if possible. “The longer it goes past mid-May, the less protein it has,” he said.
Ideally, Howard likes to have around 500 four by five bales to get through the winter, and he explained, “The better the quality of the hay, the less you need.”
Verlane helps with the farm. She said, “We’ve always been partners in everything we’ve done.”
To move and work their cattle, Howard and Verlane use horses. One story the couple shared with pride was of when two of their granddaughters represented Missouri with the Stars and Steeds Drill Team from Willard, Mo., in the second Inaugural Parade for George W. Bush. They rode Dakota and Buddy, two of the Phillips’ horses.
After 52 years of marriage, Howard and Verlane are enjoying their green acres and country life.
