Bill and Margaret Davis, owners of Circle D Farms, have a love for farming and raising Angus cattle. Circle D Farms, located near Concord, Ark., in Cleburne County, is approximately 200 acres of pastures, rolling hills and wooded areas. Bill works at clearing acreage and making ponds on the land, mowing hay and building his herd. Margaret had a beautiful garden near the house and works on the farm with Bill. Bill’s son, Asa, lives nearby and also works on the farm helping mow hay, build/repair fences and doing whatever he needs to do.
Bill grew up moving from military base to military base but in 1961 his parents purchased the farm he lives on today. He lived on the farm until he went off to college at University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Ark., then came back after college and has been on the farm ever since. The farm was mainly a dairy from 1981 through 1993, and has been an Angus farm since 2005.
The first foundation stock came from the Northeast Arkansas Angus Association Sale, in Charlotte, Ark. Since then they have been purchased from Carol’s Ranch, Claremore, Okla.; Subiaco Abby Angus, Subiaco, Ark.; and Lakeview Farms in Powhatan, Ark. So far the herd is 37 and growing, with quality stock.
In the last year 47 percent of breeding was done by artificial insemination and produced healthy, quality Angus. The goal is to have 75 percent AI in the future with semen and supplies purchased from Select Sires dealer Wade Hall. A technician, Stacy Kirk, from Clinton, Ark., helps with the embryo transfer program. There is care taken in every breeding and every bull sold is tested for breeding and health soundness. Each one is tested for genetic, growing, longevity and tenderness potential. The sounding exam is basically an ultrasound test.
Records are kept on the computer for all of the Angus and are registered with the American Angus Association online in the first month of their lives. The records include weight, tag and any pertinent information that might be needed. Registering online has the benefit of savings, as the cost is only $7 when registered in the first 3 months. All of the cows are registered as CDF Maggie’s and their name, and all of the bulls are CDF Bill’s and their name.
Both Bill and Margaret were educators; Bill taught for 32 years in public schools and 5 years at the collegiate level. Margaret was a school counselor/teacher and retired after 28 years. It’s farming full time for them now and they have goals they would like to reach. One of the goals is to have good bulls to sell for a reasonable price. The first embryo transfer bull sold in March for $4,700 to an out of state buyer. Other bulls have been sold in Cleburne, Stone, White, Independence and Yell Counties in Arkansas.
The other is to have continued involvement in the development of young people and encouraging them to have a quality life. Some of the FFA students from Concord school show Angus from Circle D Farms. The names are transferred to the students while the Angus are in their care, though Bill takes care of the veterinarian and feed costs. Bill and Margaret feel that showing at fairs and other events produces character, understanding labor and the economics of taking care of a farm. Currently there are six students involved and the Davis’ travel to most of the shows to watch them.
Three of the students are brothers – D.J., Josh and Jacob Wilkes. D.J. shows one of the young bulls, CDF Bill’s Reliable, who has earned some prestigious titles such as Grand Champion, Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Supreme Breeder in the show rings. Bill and Margaret want to help the FFA program as much as they can, and to help get an animal science building at Concord school in order for the students to be able to learn and care for their animals. Bill said, “Animals can make a difference in the lives of these kids.” Colton Bolser, Lane Hiegel and Brandon Hill are the other three students that are part of the team.
What advice would the Davis’ give to Future Farmers of America? A love for farming is most important. And as most farmers will tell you, “You need deep pockets,” said Bill. Farm equipment is expensive, and something always needs repairs. It’s costly to start a herd but with the desire and love for farming and willingness to work hard it can be done.
The Davis’ can’t think of a better place to raise children. The best thing Bill ever raised on the farm was his children. He and Margaret have five children between them and have been married for 15 years, and it’s a great life.
