Christi Shaver
Family: Husband, Philip Dale Goodson
Hometown: Salem, Ark.
In Town: “I returned to Arkansas from Florida in 2001 when my brother and I inherited the family business, which we incorporated in 2002 as Shaver Plumbing and Hardware. Because my brother has another business, I’ve run this one. Doing so was a tremendous learning experience even though I grew up with plumbing as my dad and grandpa were both plumbers. My husband (Philip Dale Goodson) is a plumber and a huge help. Everyone, including vendors, was patient while I learned, although my belief in integrity, fitting in with people and having fun was always my business philosophy.”
In the Country: “My husband and I also run a 70 momma cows and two bulls, a Hereford/Angus cross commercial beef herd on 500 acres. The Angus influence is critical, but crossbreeding yields a more muscled, hardier and docile animal. We keep our heifers so the herd is closed and purchase only young, registered and vaccinated bulls, switching between Angus and Hereford to keep both influences balanced and pull the bulls from the cows in order to have spring and fall calves within a 30-day window. The calves are castrated, wormed and given a black leg vaccination within 30 to 90 days. We wait until 8 months (of age) to sell because by that time natural weaning is already taking place and the calves are easy to train for trough feeding. Our pastures are mostly Bermuda and supported by clover, commercial fertilizer and spring spraying for weeds. My nephews are like my children and show both cattle and horses in the county fair for 4-H. The 11-horse herd is actually a hobby, and I am the leader of the Fulton County 4-H Horse Club, a ministry for me. I strive to introduce young people to riding even if they will never own a horse of their own.”
Future: “In 10 years I hope to have expanded the lumber side of our business but am currently limited by space. Our ultimate goal for the farm may not be possible but is to wean 700-pound calves at 8 months. We’re working on refining our genetics and practices in an effort to reach that goal.”
