Dale Redd
In Town: Dale and Deborah Redd are the owners of Redd’s Inc, near Halfway, Mo. Dale said, “We are a distributor of building materials. We are a vinyl siding and windows distributor. We started the business in 1992 and also have a branch in Jefferson City, Mo. Deborah is a very important part of the business.”
In the Country: “We’ve got Angus cattle. We’ve got a few other breeds, but mostly Angus. I have 180 acres and rent 100. My dad owns 20. I have 33 cows, two bulls and 30 calves.” The 100 acres that Dale and Deborah live on was purchased by his grandfather in the 1930s. His grandfather sold two foxhounds to buy the 100 acres. The dogs went to England. Dale said, “Dad inherited it and I bought it from him and built a house on it.”
What is the most challenging part of trying to balance the farm and the business?
“When my business is busy here, is when I need to be putting up hay. When the weather is bad, both are slow. When the weather is good, I need to be in both places.”
Which takes more of your time, the farm or the business?
“The business. It has to be our main priority. The farming is more of a hobby. We do it because we’ve always farmed. It’s a way of life we don’t want to give up.”
Story and Photo by Brenda Brinkley
