NEIGHBORS
Making a Transition
Ponker Farm is moving to Dutch Spotted Sheep
HARDIN, ARK. - When Kelli Otting first moved to Arkansas, she quickly detected a problem. When she and her fellow property owners surveyed their new 16 acres of land in Hardy, they realized they were going to have to be responsible for keeping the grass cut.
“It was some nice pastures, but it...
Lower Maintenance, Higher Returns
The Bahrs run a closed flock of 2,800 ewes
ROLLA, MO. - Travis Bahr has been involved in agriculture in some form for his whole life. It wasn’t until six years ago, when he purchased a 250-acre property, however, that sheep began to be appealing.
“I bought a farm full of weeds, and I didn’t have the time to manage it...
Real World Livestock
Dreyer Show Stock strives for productive, show-quality animals
REPUBLIC, MO. - For the Dreyer family, agriculture is a way of life.
Dan and Patty Dreyer and their son Brian came to Republic, Mo., from California about three and a half years ago. Having family in the area and roots in the Show-Me State, the move allowed Dan and Patty to “slow...
Finding Their Own Niche with Red Angus
Nieder Livestock Company is working to build its herd and name recognition
AMSTERDAM, MO. - The Nieder Livestock Company in Bates County, just outside Amsterdam, Mo., is proudly operated by Josh and Brittany Nieder.
Josh grew up on his parents’ dairy farm, where he helped milk 80 to 100 Holsteins for “much of his life.” Brittany also grew up on a...
A Lifelong Passion
Pine Road Farm was founded in 1976 and came to the Ozarks 2 years ago
BILLINGS, MO. - Jim and Robin Sappington chose to embark on a new journey two years ago when they moved from Queen City, Mo., to rural Billings, Mo.
They bought a beautiful 80-acre farm nestled in the Missouri Ozarks that was perfect for Jim’s purebred Suffolk,...
NEIGHBORS
Maysen Doing
Age: 18
Hometown: Conway, Mo.
Siblings: Lane Doing, Kaleb Doing, Charlie Doing, Kaylee Keen, Kelsey Keen, and Kyler Keen
Parents: Travis and Jessica Doing, Kristen and Brian Keen
FFA Chapter: Conway FFA
Advisors: Mary Anne Keck and William Jemes
What is your involvement in agriculture? “I raise beef cattle on my fifth-generation farm, and I show cattle also. I was involved in FFA all throughout...
William Jemes
Hometown: Grovespring, Mo.
Family: Wife Kaylee Jemes, daughters Clara and Emiry Jemes
In Town: After attending Ozarks Technical College for the first two years of college, William Jemes transferred to Missouri Southern State University, and after one semester, transferred again to Missouri State University.
“The original plan was to become an ag loan officer, but I wasn’t willing to move away from the family farm.” William...
Tri-County Seed & Fertilizer
Location: Crocker, Mo.
Owner: Chris Black
Manager: Brandon Overshon
History: Owner Chris Black started in the fertilizer business by purchasing Richland Plant Food, located in Richland, Mo., in 2014.
The opportunity arose to expand in January 2019, when the building that was formerly MFA in Crocker, Mo., went up for sale. Chris took the opportunity and purchased the building, converting it into the...
A Downtown Staple
The Old Glass Place has stood in Springfield since 1914
SPRINGFIELD, MO. - On a stifling June summer morning, a table full of patrons, each with a vested interest in the past, present, and future of The Old Glass Place, located in downtown Springfield, Mo., came together to discuss the building’s unique history.
This popular historic downtown treasure, located at 521...
Halle Delk
Age: 11
Parents: Kirk and Shannon Delk
4-H Club: Adventurers 4-H
Club Leader: Amber Thomason
What is your involvement in agriculture? “I serve as vice president of Agventurers 4-H group. I am also a junior board member of the Arkansas Junior Cattlemen’s Association. I help my parents on our farm where we run some stocker calves and raise and sell butcher beef. My...
Amanda Rychtarik
Hometown: Norfork, Ark.
Family: Husband Jason, son Tanner and daughter Maggie
In Town: “I am the Baxter County Extension 4-H agent. My job is to get kids of all abilities, ages 5 to 19, involved in community service, leadership and agriculture. Then I support them in their endeavors while helping them have new experiences they may not have had before.”
In the...
Is Farm Liability Enough?
Key differences between Farm and Business coverage
My entire career has been spent in community banking while my husbands has been in insurance.
We often joke...
What Your Credit Report Tells
Your credit score is like a grade card
As a farmer or rancher, you know the importance of good record keeping and using it to...
Making Gains Despite the Heat
Management practices to keep cattle putting on weight
Sweltering heat and soaring humidity create a challenging environment for putting weight on calves. Heat stress negatively...
Vaccinations for Sheep and Goats
Prevention of illnesses and disease can improve returns
The adage “the best defense is a good offense” holds particularly true in the livestock industry. Preventing...
Heat and Small Ruminants
Heat stress can impact overall health and performance of sheep and goats
The blanket of summer’s heat and humidity is beginning to cover the Ozarks....
Preparing for Breeding Season
Management strategies to make the season successful
Breeding season is fast approaching for some sheep and goat operations. However, regardless of the timing of an...
