There have been some changes around our Ozarks Farm & Neighbor office, staff changes that is. After seven wonderful years with OFN our production manager, Melissa Fuller, has said goodbye to our family and started a new journey. It is a little bittersweet. Although, we will all miss Melissa there are great things in store for her.
Since the last issue Melissa married the love of her life and moved to be with him in Virginia. If any of you know Melissa, you know that she hates change so this was a big decision for Melissa. In the weeks prior to the wedding and her big move she was filled with both joy and anxiety. As if planning a wedding isn’t stressful enough mix in planning a move and top it off with nerves of someone who resists change. Poor Melissa had her hands full. But I know that God has a beautiful life planned for the two of them and all that change will be well worth it in the end.
I would like to introduce to you Melissa’s replacement, Amanda Newell. Amanda was born and raised in Lebanon, Mo., right here in the hometown of OFN. Amanda earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Commercial Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo. Prior to joining our staff she worked in graphic design in the Osage Beach, Mo., area. She enjoys spending time with her family, attends the First Freewill Baptist Church in Lebanon and is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first niece (due any day now).
With roots in the Ozarks Amanda is going to fit in quite nicely with our little family. I’m looking forward to working with Amanda and the new ideas and fresh perspective she brings to the table. We hope you’ll help us welcome her to OFN the next time you see her out and about at a farm show, conference or perhaps at the local feed store.
I hope you enjoy our first ever Sheep and Goat issue. There is a lot in this issue for the small ruminant producer including tips for marketing your product to the ethnic population, the value of 300-Days of Grazing program as seen by producer Garry Clements on page 8 and nutrition and parasite management advice.
Best wishes,
Lynzee
