2025 Missouri Commercial Angus Producer of the Year
EL DORADO SPRINGS, MO. – Adam and Angela Arnold run a cow-calf operation in Cedar and Vernon Counties. They also run a busy household with 4 children: Gracie (17), Trooper (15), Copan (6), and Kipton (4). Gracie, Copan, and Kipton have a variety of lesser-known genetic disorders that require a great deal of care and specialized medical attention. The family-run operation offers Adam and Angela the flexibility and the means to provide the necessary care for their family.
Adam’s parents farmed while he was growing up. In junior high, Adam purchased his first set of heifers. After high school, he drove a truck as he continued to build his herd and grow his operation. Currently, the couple run 425 head of Angus-based cattle.
The Arnold’s use a natural breeding program, and the herd is split with about half calving in the spring and half calving in the fall. Bulls run with the cows for 60 days. Splitting the herd and using two different calving seasons means they are able to utilize their bulls more effectively.
“Genetics play a big role,” Adam stated, referring to the use of Clearwater Angus bulls. Bulls purchased from Jim and Joann Pipkin of Clearwater Angus have improved the gains, weaning, and yearling weight of their calves. “Even when we have had to be away at the hospital, Jim picked bulls for us,” Adam noted, speaking highly of the Clearwater owners’ customer-centered business practice. The overall herd genetics and feeding program have allowed the Arnolds to stay profitable, even in the most challenging seasons.
“We feed roughly 2000 tons of silage a year,” Adam said. Adam partners with his father, Clayton Arnold, in a row-cropping operation. They grow 1000 acres of corn, soy beans, and wheat, along with some forage sorghum.While much of the crop goes to market, about 125-150 acres of the crop is used for silage. Silage has been more cost-effective than hay due to the ground being fertilized with manure from Clayton’s hog operation, which means less money spent on outside fertilizer. Further, silage has provided a quality feed source during drought seasons allowing them to retain better herd health when grass was scarce. “During the drought of 2023, we fed silage for 280 days. When you are chopping it and feeding it at the same time, it’s not a lot of fun,” said Adam.
Throughout the winter months, Adam is out every 3 or so hours checking cows and calves. “Some nights you come home frustrated after chasing a cow half the night; other nights you wonder why you bothered to go,” Adam remarked. “We have several with frosted-off ears; some that don’t seem to be walking quite right,” Adam said, speaking to the extreme temperatures that impacted the area and the effects on calves born in severe temps. “There are just things that can’t be avoided,” said Adam.
“Being profitable is great, but we really do this so we can raise a family,” said Adam, referencing the ultimate goal of their operation. As with producing calves and crops, family life requires special attention. Turner syndrome, Juvenile Parkinson’s Disease, Stickler syndrome, CSID, and IGG are some of the rare genetic disorders the family lives with each day. Adam and Angela both spoke to the importance of working as a team in order to keep the operation and the homefront running smoothly. Adam tries to get out early so he can be home and present as early in the evenings as possible to help and spend time with the kids.“She keeps things moving in the right direction,” Adam remarked.
“I would never be able to do what I do without his hard work,” Angela said, noting how fortunate she is to be able to care for their family without the constraints of working off the farm. Because Adam has built his operation over the years, they both can be involved in the care of their children. Although Angela is not in the field, she keeps the operation’s books and organizes the family’s calendar. Angela also provides the special care their children require, flexibility a typical job might not offer.
