Prier Farms has been raising cattle since 1908
EAGLE ROCK, MO. – Established in 1908 by Joseph and Mary Prier, Prier Farms has weathered the evolving landscape of agriculture through generations of adaptation.
Today, the farm in Southern Missouri continues to thrive under the care of the third and fourth generations – Ken Prier and his daughter Aimee’ Prier – who have preserved its legacy with a grass-fed cattle operation.
“The fifth generation is currently being groomed to assume the next generation, raising bottle calves and taking agriculture classes at the local high school. The passion is to keep it in the family,” Aimee said.
The farm’s commitment to grass-fed cattle is rooted in its choice of the Beefmaster breed.
“We have found the benefits of Beefmaster to include handling a wide-range of temperatures, from extreme heat to cold. Beefmaster cattle are known for their high fertility rates and longevity. They are also recognized for their maternal attributes and ease of calving,” Aimee said.
She highlighted the breed’s intelligence, docility, and variety of colors, noting.
“We find them beautiful,” she added.
Heifer and bull development are priorities at Prier Farms, with strict selection criteria for young stock.
“The bulls are vet-checked every spring prior to joining the herd for breeding season. We evaluate the calves with the best genetics, and also consider the heifer’s history of disposition and maternal instincts,” Aimee explained.
The farm rotates bulls and collaborates with local breeders for additional stock.
Sustainability plays a vital role in the farm’s feeding practices.
“We harvest our own hay for seasonal feeding and pride ourselves on being prepared and having enough hay every winter. Our successful hay production has enabled us to provide for our neighboring farmers over the past few years,” Aimee said.
Along with homegrown hay, the cattle have constant access to salt and mineral blocks, molasses, and various nutritious pastures.
“Our pastures provide red clover and fescue, and we are currently drilling wheat. To protect the soil and land, we practice field rotation,” she added.
“The farm operates a website that includes product information and pricing,” Aimee said.
With its proximity to a state park and Table Rock Lake, Prier Farms is a popular stop for campers and RV travelers seeking fresh, local meat.
Record-keeping and data tracking play an essential role in maintaining herd performance and genetics at Prier Farms.
“We keep a detailed list of each cow and its history, which is updated multiple times a year when the cattle are worked and assessed for health status, pregnancy status, age, and weight. Our records document heifers with good maternal attributes and high calf survivability,” Aimee said.
This detailed record-keeping system is essential to maintaining the farm’s American Grass-fed Association certification.
“The grass-fed certification has attracted a whole new clientele of buyers looking for healthy alternatives to wholesale supermarket meats and products,” Aimee said.
With the addition of Aimee relocating to her personal property on the farm and farming with her father full-time, Prier Farms is growing the herd and expanding operations and sales. The farm is also preparing the next generation, with young family members raising bottle calves year-round.
