In Town: “We lived in town twice, once in California and once in Canada. Now we own JR’s Western Store on the outskirts of Diamond, Mo., where we sell everything for the horse and rider including clothing, tack, jewelry and some furniture. In the back we have a museum of small electrical appliances from 1895 to the present. The 8,500 square-foot museum houses about 6,000 appliances and is free for public viewing. The store opened about 26 years ago and the museum about five years ago.”
In the Country: “When we left Canada, we sold our store and ranch there and bought 225 acres in Pierce City, Mo., with the intent of being full-time ranchers. However, returning to both the ranch and a business proved wiser. We have always raised Arabians and most of the time Santa Gertrudis. Then we decided to give up the cattle but recently we decided to raise cattle again. We chose the same breed, mostly because of their gentle temperament. We run a small herd, which calves in the spring. We also have 10 purebred mares and three foals. We find using AI with the mares is more economical and practical than keeping a stud on the ranch, though we have done so in the past.”
How do they work together?
“We really love people, so we have the business in Diamond to meet our need to stay in touch with town life and people, but the ranch is where we want to live.”
Story and Photo by Terry Ropp
