The Wilson Family is producing the “Essentials” in Southwest Missouri
ANDERSON, MO. – From a young age, Garrett Wilson knew that farming was his destiny. He grew up watching his father, grandfather, and great uncle work the land, so it’s no surprise that the vocation channeled into every fiber of his being. Now 32, the fourth-generation poultry and cattle producer is turning his focus to the next generation.
Wilson and his wife, Shaye, have two children aged 9 and 5.
“I love working with cattle, and I want to give my kids the same opportunity that I had,” Wilson said. Wilson Farms is a partnership between him, his wife, and his parents, Heather and Bill Wilson Jr. The 83-year-old patriarch of the family, Bill Wilson Sr., also participates in the day-to-day operations of the farm.
The Wilsons raise Beefmaster Cattle – a robust, resilient breed developed by Tom Lasater in the 1930s. Lasater created this breed according to a six-pronged philosophy, including the “essentials” of disposition, fertility, weight, conformation, milk production, and hardiness.
As with any part of the country, agriculture in Southwestern Missouri has its challenges. The hills, rocky soil, and surplus of fescue here in the Ozarks may present a challenge to some farmers, but Wilson asserted that the Beefmaster is uniquely equipped to handle such obstacles.
“I feel the Beefmaster cattle adapt and thrive in any situation they’re put in,” Wilson said. He also pointed out the breed’s strong motherly instincts.
“There’s no better maternal breed out there.”
A primary goal of Wilson Farms is to produce hardy, adaptable genetics; bulls that are capable of fulfilling their purpose. Wilson stated that, when breeding, his operation keeps foundation traits in mind.
“We strive to produce low-input cattle – our cattle aren’t pampered, we don’t creep feed,” he said.
This low-maintenance approach works quite well. Perhaps a glowing indicator of Wilson Farms’ success is the repeat customers, of which Wilson said there are plenty. He stated that his program is focused on pleasing customers; relationship-building with fellow Beefmaster breeders from across the country is a bonus. The Wilsons have connected with peers from Minnesota to Texas, and right here in the Ozarks, through the Beefmaster Breed.
“It has opened doors to so many friendships that we otherwise might have missed out on,” Wilson said.
These ever-expanding connections are thanks, in part, to the power of social media. These days, many farmers are turning to the internet to establish marketing connections, and the Wilsons are no exception.
“We have customers from all over the country,” Wilson stated, “and the only way they’re going to see our cattle – or find out about us – is if we take good pictures and post them for all to see.”
He added that Wilson Farms participates in various performance sales (primarily to showcase genetics) and has bulls available for purchase year-round; a select group of replacement females is offered in winter. These sales have allowed Wilson Farms to establish its cattle among competitors and broaden its marketing scope. Currently, the operation participates in the Midwest Beefmaster Sale in Exeter, Mo., on the first Saturday in April each year.
Of course, with great success comes a series of obstacles. But as any good farmer knows, the most efficient way to deal with a problem is to face it head-on. And that’s precisely what Wilson does.
“One of the biggest challenges [of working in agriculture] is my age,” he said. “People think our cattle surely can’t be good because I’m young, but I enjoy proving them wrong.”
Wilson added that great effort is placed into culling his cattle to ensure only the best genetics progress down the line. In the meantime, the operation remains diligent and continually seeks ways to improve.
“We will continue to listen to our customers and their feedback,” he said. “In the next 5-10 years, we want to be able to have our own production sale.”
At the end of the day, Wilson said, his favorite part of being in the industry is being able to work with family.
“Day in and day out, I get to work with my dad and my grandpa – and now my kids,” he said. “It’s a special thing we don’t take for granted. The Lord has blessed us in more ways than we can count, but getting to be with our family every day tops the cake.”
