Jim Senters
In Town: Jim Senters is the Production Control Analyst of Fasco Industries in Cassville, Mo. Both Jim and his wife, Vickie, who live in Exeter, Mo., have been employed at Fasco for nearly 36 years, “The Fasco plant in Cassville strictly produces blowers used for furnaces and other applications,” explained Jim. Though Jim has been the Production Control Analyst for most of that time, he has seen many changes and transitions, including the opening of plants in Mexico. “I used to only work with production in our plant, but now I schedule the parts to be produced at the plant, that goes to the Mexico facility.” Jim and his wife, who is the Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator, have also seen the changes made as the plant has progressed to computers. Jim said, “It’s a good opportunity to work with good people, get an income and good insurance.” Jim and Vickie’s son, Dale has also worked at Fasco for more than a decade. Dale works in the fabrication department, building models needed for demonstration of their products. They also have a daughter, Kerry, who lives in Exeter along with husband, Rod and daughters, Logan and Jolie.
In the Country: On his farm in Exeter, Jim maintains a commercial herd of Black Angus. “I have about 80 momma cows. I have four bulls right now, Balancers, Angus and Gelbvieh.” Jim enjoys seeing the offspring of his herd, and retains his own heifers for replacement, “Every year I keep about 20 heifers, and I have them all pelvic checked by the vet and AI synchronized.” Jim believes that having his heifers pelvic checked has saved him a lot of grief during heifer calving.
Jim also does custom baling for other local farmers. “I have been custom baling for about 15 years. I bought my equipment to do my own hay, and started doing others to offset my own cost. It buys my fuel, netwrap and parts. I always try to hire a high school boy to help, too, and my son, Dale, also helps.” Since he does work full-time, Jim doesn’t have time necessary to do too much, “Mostly I bale for neighbors, and don’t go too far away.” Jim uses White and Kubota tractors, and Vermeer hay equipment and mentioned, “A good shop is important for maintaining equipment, especially during hay season, and especially if you have a break-down.”
