David and Danise Cummings began their Angus operation in 2014
SARCOXIE, MO. – Show Me Prime Angus is a family-run cattle operation in Southwest Missouri owned by David and Danise Cummings.
With deep roots in the region, the couple’s passion for farming is evident in every aspect of their work.
David spent his summers on his grandparents’ farm in Fairview while Danise developed her love for cattle through FFA and high school livestock judging.
After high school, David joined the military, and Danise ended up living and working in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. After years spent working elsewhere, the couple realized their dream of returning to Southwest Missouri in 2014, and purchased what is now Show Me Prime Angus Farm in Sarcoxie, Mo.
At the core of Show Me Prime Angus is a dedication to the Angus breed.
“The Angus breed offers superior carcass traits, maternal excellence, and ease of handling,” Danise explained. The farm also crossbreeds a select number of Simmental and Brangus cows to produce SimAngus and Ultrablack seedstock. Using the American Angus Association’s genetic database, they continually improve their herd.
Their breeding program is largely driven by artificial insemination, a tool that has allowed the Cummings to enhance their herd’s genetics.
“We have been utilizing AI as our primary breeding tool since we began our herd,” Danise said. They also employ embryo transfer, which enables them to produce multiple calves from high-value donor dams. Their emphasis on carcass traits has positioned their herd to meet the high standards of the Certified Angus Beef brand.
Heifer and bull development starts early, with genomic-enhanced DNA testing and careful monitoring of traits like docility and structure.
“At 12 to 13 months, the heifers are pelvic measured to ensure adequate size for successful calving, and reproductive tract scored to ensure maturity,” Danise said. Potential herd bulls undergo breeding soundness exams at 13 to 15 months to ensure their suitability.
The Cummings’ operation, which spans 165 acres and manages a rotational grazing system across 13 paddocks, hosts a herd that varies in size based on market and weather conditions. Their goal is to produce high-quality Angus cattle with superior genetics. They market their cattle through a combination of website promotion, Facebook, production sales, and word of mouth.
Cattle graze on a mix of fescue, clover and orchard grass.
“We try not to buy hay, preferring to harvest and feed grass grown on our land,” Danise said, explaining that their focus is on control over cattle feed. They test all hay before feeding and adjust supplements based on the needs of each class of cattle.
Maintaining herd health is a top priority at Show Me Prime Angus. Vaccination and worming are done in the spring and fall, and extra care is taken to avoid products that harm dung beetles, which help to break down manure in the pasture.
“We randomly perform fecal egg count tests to ensure our wormers are effective,” Danise said. Steers are enrolled in a third-party verification program to ensure buyers are informed about their health protocols.
While cattle are their main focus, the farm has recently expanded into beekeeping, thanks to David’s participation in the Heroes to Hives program for military veterans. The Cummings are committed to sustainability and maintain rotational grazing, soil conservation, and water management practices that benefit the land and the local wildlife.
Looking ahead, the Cummings plan to continue improving their herd through AI and ET, while growing their direct-to-consumer beef business.
For those interested in entering the registered cattle industry, Danise offers a piece of hard-earned wisdom:
“Start with the end goal in sight, learn everything you can about genetics, and track everything.”
