Across the Ozarks, many producers are working hard studying the newest technology and the latest trends, doing whatever they can to get the most out of their herds, and they reap the benefits. However, there are also producers pursuing a different path, and they are also richly rewarded for their efforts. Ron and Shirley Peckman of Prairie Creek Ranch fall into this category.
The Peckmans run 45 head of purebred Limousin cattle on their farm in Richards, Mo. Both Ron and Shirley grew up around cattle and were high school sweethearts – “part of the time,” they said, with a shared laugh. They both went to college: he was going to be an ag instructor, she planned to be a veterinarian, but as is often the case, plans changed. Ron has been Sheriff of Vernon County since 2001, and Shirley works at the USDA/NRCS office in Nevada, Mo.
Ron and Shirley are striving for the best in their herd and have sought advice from the best. They continue to purchase bulls from established breeders. “In the end, we want good quality meat,” Ron said.
Ron says he breeds towards calving ease, maternal abilities, milk production and he really pushes for docility. He also wants fast-growing, good-yielding calves, and he tries to put “just a little bit of marbling” in the stereotypically lean Limousin carcass. The Peckman’s believe their purebred Limousins “have lots to offer” in a crossbreeding program and sell quite a few animals to Angus producers looking to add more muscle. Limousin cattle are usually one of the best in feed efficiency. They closely evaluate EPD’s, have sent bulls to Green Springs Bull Test Station and are starting to collect carcass data.
Ron and Shirley would like to increase their acreage and their cattle production, but the economy and the competitiveness for land make that growth difficult. It is clear that Ron and Shirley are working towards better cattle and that they believe in having “higher quality” animals, rather than larger herd numbers. They cull heavily and only keep or sell the very best. As Ron said, “Sometimes we only keep a few calves, but they are good calves.”
The couple enjoy the lush prairie grasses that made Shirley’s parents fall in love with the area 60 years ago, and though it may be a little old fashioned, there is something rewarding about watching their herd of Limousins out on the prairie. Ron said, “We work hard. This is a business – not a hobby, but it’s also a stress reliever. We have a great passion for Limousins.”
