Greg Cheshier
In Town: “I left the banking industry in 2003 to pursue full-time residential and commercial real estate sales and appraisals. I am a certified appraiser for Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana and Oklahoma, and have a real estate license for Arkansas and Oklahoma. Last March I opened a new office called Team Ag and Appraisals in Lincoln, Ark., having previously worked out of my home. I am also a board member of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. My wife, Kelly, is a case manager for Blue Cross/Blue Shield in Fayetteville.”
In the Country: “In 2006 we purchased 28 acres outside of Lincoln for a commercial cattle operation and lease an additional 50 acres. In El Dorado, Ark., I have a 95-acre operation I work with my dad. Because I had been raised in the country and grew up with horses and hay, I knew I didn’t want to live in a subdivision and decided to raise cattle like my grandfather. I learned the cattle industry from business contacts and other people around me. Probably the best advice I ever got was to make sure I always shut the gates. I like options and believe diversity in any venture promotes financial success. Consequently I have 30 momma cows which are a Charolais/Angus/Brangus cross with a Gelbvieh bull because the Gelbvieh breed is thick muscled, black and docile. The bull is with the cows July through October, and the calves are weaned at 6 to 8 months. While I sell calves, I also sell bred heifers but keep one or two for replacement and have nine bred heifers in my current herd. I spread turkey litter every spring on my land which is made up of clover, Fescue and Bermuda.”
Blending Town and Country: “I like both of my lifestyles. Hobby farming is relaxing and more solitary which makes a nice contrast to my busy office life with computers and people. Making money with a hobby instead of just spending it is an added benefit because not many hobbies offer that opportunity. The biggest issue is time management because you can’t put the needs of the cows on hold. My goal is to be able to retire with the land and equipment paid for and with good health so I will have many productive retirement years with my cattle.”
