Bernie Boers enjoys the freedom and sustainability the Boer Goat breed brings to their operation
GRANBY, MO. – Bernie Boers is a family affair, owned and operated by Tena Bernett, her husband John, and their son Jacob. The Bernett’s are passionate about fostering a love of agriculture in local youth and hiring young farmers-to-be to help on their farm in rural Granby, Missouri.
While goats have become Tena’s passion, they aren’t the foundation of her agriculture roots. Her family on her mother’s side owned and operated a large dairy farm in central Oklahoma and Tena grew up on property adjacent to that farm. They raised pigs, turkey, sheep and her favorite, horses. From an early age, Tena showed and judged horses and was even the president of her FFA chapter. Following her passions, she attended college and studied animal science and genetics.
As life progressed, Tena was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune conditions and was forced to quit riding horses. In 2013, when her family lived in Collinsville, Ok., Tena brought home a sickly Boer goat that she bought for cheap at a local auction. At the time, the family simply needed something to eat the brush down on their property. Their interest in goats blossomed from there.
The Bernett’s eventually made the move to Southwestern Missouri where they purchased five acres of fixer-upper land and have continued their family business.
As many rural folks understand, farmers have to love what they do, and Tena is no exception. She sincerely enjoys her Boer goats, they are smart, inquisitive, silly and have fantastic floppy ears! Boer goats are active, prancing and bouncing around from a young age. It’s typically their fun personalities that attract people.
On the practical side, Tena said these goats grow quickly and have phenomenal feed conversion rates, which makes them profitable if an operation is run right.
The farm’s Boers are hauled to shows around the country and it is Tena that typically does the traveling.
“Showing horses made the transition to showing goats easy,” Tena said, “and being able to show them filled a giant void in my life.”
Her husband and son keep the farm running while she’s away and help where they can when she’s present, unloading hay by hand and taking on the tasks Tena can’t do alone.
“They are definitely the backbone of our farm. It would be impossible to run without them,” Tena said.
Bernie Boers is active in goat breeding and meat sales but focuses heavily on their show goats. They currently have three bucks and fifteen breeding does, all of which normally kid in the winter.
Tena is proud of how they can help the next generation of farmers get started, which is important to them.
“We are able to give discounts to the youth buyers, which can really help them out as they get started with their own herds,” Tena said.
The Bernett’s build close relationships with the youth they hire and often bring them along to shows. This helps kids earn credit towards goats or breeding should they need it. They learn about animal husbandry, production, medical procedures, artificial insemination (AI) and basic goat care.
Tena said they’ve given away over $20,000 in livestock or services to youth since they started their apprenticeship program in 2017.
“Most of our youth kids stay in touch long-term and become extended parts of our farm family,” Tena said.
Her hope for the next generation of farmers is that our current economic challenges decrease. With supplies and equipment running so expensive, a farm can often become too much to maintain, especially for someone just starting out.
“Hard work and research are necessary,” Tena said, “along with self-discipline and long hours. If you are willing to put in the time and research, it will help you succeed.”
That’s proven true for several of the youth the Bernett’s have worked with. Just recently, their intern, Austin Pope, won the Overall Reserve Grand Breeding Doe at the Missouri State Fair. He also won fourth place at the American Boer Goat Association National Show.
The Bernett’s believe in quality over quantity. While their operation might be on the smaller size, they average only 20-30 kids per year, their goats go on to have great show careers.
Quality transfers to their meat as well.
“Our farm means freedom and sustainability to us,” Tena said. “We believe putting well-cared for livestock in the freezer is more humane and more nutritious than buying meat at the store.”
Tena said she believes agriculture plays a major role in our economy.
“Food security is unfortunately a real issue; there are a lot of people who don’t have access or money to buy fresh meat or produce. I think this is an area where real change is needed,” Tena emphasized.
So, what makes it worth it?
“There are a lot of reasons why it’s all worth it,” Tena said. “We love kidding season and all the baby goats. Winning at big shows with home-raised goats is another reason. That type of pride can’t be bought.”
