Starting over now, from where he was 17 years ago would probably not work for Rick Scott of Purdy, Mo. He said with expenses being double or triple what they were then, it just wouldn’t work. The freedom he has as his own boss makes him glad that he did start then. Rick bought an old dairy farm and started with 20 head of beef cows. Today, he has 200 Brangus and crossbred cows.
“I always knew I wanted beef cows,” Rick said, “I had livestock in school.”
Rick bales all the hay he needs. “I do rotational grazing,” Rick laughed, “when there is grass. Right now I am feeding some hay to keep them going.” There is 185 acres on the original farm in Barry County. He bought an additional 62 acres across the road.
The calves are sold mostly through the Joplin Regional Stockyards. Rick goes to east Texas for replacements. He likes to have about a quarter Brahma in his cattle for heat tolerance. He also said they have less pinkeye and they adapt well to the severe weather.
Brahma are not really known for their gentleness. “They are smart,” according to Rick, “You can’t hardly drive them, but you can pretty much lead them where you want them to be. Unless you’re planning to vaccinate, somehow they can sense that.”
In 1994 Rick built four houses to raise chickens for George’s. He has done a lot of upgrading since then. “I am just a couple of steps away from having tunnel houses,” Rick said. “I don’t know if it would pay so I’m not going to do it yet.” He went on to explain that it was somewhat like having a job in town because of the lack of control a grower has. The utilities are so high and unpredictable that it is hard to plan. Also being on natural gas, he doesn’t have the option to contract for propane. “Still, I wouldn’t have what I have without them,” Rick said.
Rick’s wife, Lisa, works off-the-farm at White’s Insurance Agency and at Hairport. They have two children, Tyler and Shelby. Tyler planted soybeans last year and wheat this year. Rick firmly believes they, “got to grow up and learn how to work.” Shelby helps at White’s Insurance Agency and with the housework.
All in all, it is a good way of life. Rick is encouraging his children to get good jobs with benefits, that way they can farm as a second job. Rick hopes to be able to help with that part.
