The Siegismund family has a rich agricultural heritage dating back to 1903 when George “Craig” Siegismund’s great-grandfather, Otto Richard Siegismund, moved to the United States from Germany and settled on an 80-acre tract of land near Rockville, Mo.
The original farm is within a mile of where Craig and his family live today.
Craig and his wife Debbie are both fourth-generation farmers. Their diversified row crop and cattle operation consists of 1,400 total acres with 1,000 of those in corn, soybeans and wheat production. A portion of their farm will be recognized as a Missouri Century Farm in 2017.
“We use a corn and beans and wheat double crop beans rotation.” Debbie explained.
“A benefit to double crop rotation is you don’t plant the same crop in the field year after year. It helps the ground and the soil fertility,” Craig added.
They incorporate minimum-till and no-till planting practices to reduce soil erosion in the fields. No-till systems are advantageous to soil health, according to the University of Missouri Extension. This practice helps maintain soil moisture, increases soil organic matter, and reduces soil temperatures.
Aside from the row crops, Craig operates a successful beef cattle operation. He attributes his knowledge of Hereford cattle to his grandfather, George Edward Siegismund, and his father, George Andrew Siegismund.
In 1982, Craig entered the beef industry when his father, Andrew, gave him two Hereford cows. Over the years, Craig retained the heifer calves out of these cows and continued to build his herd. He kept the Hereford influence and eventually purchased a Charolais bull. He felt the Charolais breed would add value to his herd.
Now, Craig and Debbie own 180 head of Hereford and Charolais crossbred cattle.
“We use Charolais bulls. Most of our cattle are white, a few are yellow,” Craig said.
Their herd primarily calves in the spring, with a few calving in the fall. They keep several bulls in the pasture year-round and maintain a natural approach to breeding.
Craig and Debbie have five children, Brooklyn, Rebecca, George, Breanne and Ella Lou Ann. They hope their children will continue the farming legacy.
“Our kids have always been involved as early as they could help, usually around 8 to 10 years old,” Debbie explained. She noted the kids are involved from helping with field work, disking, raking and moving hay to feeding calves and checking cows.
“What we probably enjoy most about farming is living in the country and raising our family in the country. We feel thankful and blessed to have our family and farm and many close friends,” Debbie remarked.
“Before our kids were born, I helped in the fields with disking and raking,” Debbie said. “Farming is all my husband knows.”
Neither Craig nor Debbie work off the farm, but both are active in the community. Craig is a volunteer firefighter for the Rockville Fire Department, a member of the Rockville Lions Club and has previously served on the St. Clair County Extension Council. Debbie currently serves on the St. Clair County Extension Council and she volunteers her time teaching embroidery and foods to the Osage River 4-H members.
“We both try to volunteer with our community activities whenever we are needed,” Debbie said.
