Bill and Reta Wehmeier, of rural Phelps County, have found ways to blend old-fashioned farm family traditions with modern marketing practices to produce a successful 21st Century operation. They are the proud owners of a historic Angus herd. “That’s a herd that’s been going for more than 50 years, according to the American Angus Association,” Bill explained recently on his farm outside St. James, Mo.
“My dad and granddad both raised Angus before me and my great-granddad also had cattle in Phelps County. My mother’s father, Ray Thomas, was in the Angus business as well. Our grandchildren who currently live in Republic, Mo., with our daughter, will be the 5th generation, to register Angus cattle.
“My great-great-great grandfather came from Kentucky to work in the historic iron works, the first one in Missouri, at Maramec Spring, Mo., near St. James. My grandmother was a Phelps, same name as the county. A lot of people came to this area because of those iron works.”
Moving from history to the present, he continued. “We run a 90 percent commercial herd and sell about 30 registered bulls a year by private treaty. This is what I’ve done all my life.” The Wehmeiers have about 300 head on 950 acres, part of that is leased. “We have 150 registered Angus cows, plus feeder calves and stockers. We do it all ourselves, no hired help.”
“I’m the hired hand,” Reta volunteered with her hand in the air. She also works for Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. She grew up on a dairy farm and the first cow she owned when she was seven was a Hereford. “My folks had dairy cattle and then added the Herefords for a little beef. That’s how Bill and I met, showing cattle,” she added.
“She can run about anything we own,” Bill added, “tractors, trucks, all of it.”
“I have to be able to fill in, anytime he’s gone, no matter what. Over the years, we’ve sold to lots of folks to help them start their herds.”
And even today, the Wehmeiers have a family operation.
“My dad retired when we got married. Today he is 89 years old and lives just down the road. He can’t work the cattle anymore but he still drives by and counts calves. I still have coffee and breakfast with my parents every morning before starting to work,” Bill grinned.
Reta continued. “It takes a long time to build up a market in this business. We spent years going to county fairs to build up our market base but now it’s paying off. We’ve made a lot of good friends over the years.”
“It’s like anything else,” Bill stated. “You treat people like you want to be treated. You want to be honest and treat people right and it comes back to you.”
“It’s a good life,” Bill concluded. “I would encourage anyone who is considering it to go into it. It’s not easy but if you are willing to work hard, you can do it. We love this business, the independence and working for ourselves.”
Reta finished with a smile. “In the cattle business, you’ve got to find your niche and then go for it.”
