NEIGHBORS
For the Love of Farming
The Whorton family continues the farm started in 1984
LINCOLN, ARK. - Farming is more than a way of life to the Whorton family, it is their heritage. Tim and Tyler Whorton, along with their wives Stephanie (Tim) and Matea (Tyler), own and operate approximately 2,000 acres in western Washington County, Ark. Tyler’s daughters, Maebree (12) and Basilee (7), will...
A Cherished Tradition
Buckhorn Cattle Company and Timber has been a part of the same family for four generations
DEER, ARK. - Nestled on a tiny blip on the map, the Martin family tends to their cherished Buckhorn Cattle and Timber Farm.
The land has been in their family since the 1930s. It is a beautiful continuation of the farming lifestyle of Newton County,...
A Family Thing
The McJunkin family work together to manage Bar MC Ranch
DENNARD, ARK. - The saying “the only constant is change” could not be more true than in the ranching and farming industries. Everything from corn futures to weather can change an entire year’s profit margin.
For smaller ranches, such as the feeder calves operation Bar MC Ranch in Dennard, Ark., even...
Muscle and Temperament
Stephen and Judith Fugitt were drawn to Limousin when they began their herd
NORWOOD, MO. - In 1995, college professor Stephen Fugitt and his wife, Judith, purchased a property in Wright County, Mo. Today, that property is a farm known as Fugitt Limousin.
The Fugitts both have agricultural backgrounds; Judith was raised on a dairy farm in Conway, Mo., and Stephen...
Hedging on Red
Broken S Land and Cattle is developing quality red SimAngus genetics
AURORA, MO. - Three cattlemen with different ideas and backgrounds have developed a partnership that continues to grow and diversify Broken S Land and Cattle.
Based in Aurora, Mo., Jody Sparks started the Broken S in 2012 as a backgrounding operation. In 2015, Jody rented land from Michael Singer,...
NEIGHBORS
Harper Rutledge
Age: 10
Hometown: Miami, Okla.
Family: Parents: Josh and Sara Rutledge, and aunt Debbie Elder
4-H Club: Miami 4-H
Other organizations: Midwest Junior Beefmaster Association and Junior Beefmaster Breeders Association
What is your involvement in agriculture?
“I live in the country, but not on a farm. I show cattle and have my own heifers at my aunt’s (Debbie Elder). She helped me get started with...
Becca Sprinkles
Hometown: Gravette, Ark.
Family: Husband, Jason; and four children, Jaden, Gemma, Levi and Luke
In Town: Becca Sprinkles is a retail sales associate with Tuckers Furniture and Appliance in Rogers, Ark.
“It’s a lot to help people pick out appliances and furniture for their homes,” Becca said of the family-owned, local business.
In the Country: Becca and her family operate Spavinaw Cattle Company,...
The Hound Feed & Supply
Owner: Tim Collins
Manager: William Shaw
History: After a co-op closed in Marmaduke, Ark., area farmers and ranchers had to travel out of town to get what they needed. In 2020, Tim Collins opened his own store feed and supply store to offer much-needed products and services to the community. The store, Hound Feed & Supply, pays homage to Tim’s beloved basset hound...
More than a Bridge
The Sylamore Creek bridge has been a part of the landscape since 1914
VAN BUREN, ARK. - Nestled along a rural county road in Van Buren, Ark., near the ham-let of Allison, stands a structure that has connected communities since 1914.
The Swinging Bridge over Sylamore Creek was built as a part of the first road, the Big Flat-Sylamore Road, built...
Riley Martin
Hometown: Galena, Mo.
Age: 17
Parents: Riley and Laurie Martin
Sibling: Cole Martin
FFA Chapter: Galena FFA
Chapter Advisor: Anna Barnett
What is your involvement in agriculture?
“I am a fourth-generation farmer on my family’s small operation. We run 50 head of beef cattle. My role on the farm includes feeding, vaccinations, tagging and taking them to market when needed. I also own a horse and...
Kristen Obley
Hometown: Urbana, Mo.
Family: Husband Zach; children, Harper and Evey; parents, Robert and Regina Blair; and mother-in-law Gayla Obley
In Town: Kristen Obley has been a nurse for nine years, working at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar, Mo., for eight years.
“I recently took the utilization review manager position, so I deal with insurance most of the day now, but I’m still a nurse and do...
Managing First-Calf Heifers for Optimal Performance
Management is far from over after heifers calve
Producers who raise their own replacement females invest a significant amount of time and money to develop...
Minimizing Cattle Handling Stress
Setups don’t need to be elaborate or expensive to be effective
Many times, working cattle can be stressful for animals and producers. The proper placement,...
Setting and Sticking to Breeding Objectives
Producers should be focused on what the ultimate goal is
Safe to say, from one cattle operation to the next goals are as uniquely diverse...
Invasive Tick Species Carries New Disease
Asian longhorned ticks should be a concern for producers in the Ozarks
An invasive tick species, the Asian longhorned tick, is making its way into...
Staying Safe
Health and safety experts offer strategies for reducing farm-related injuries
Working in agriculture can be a risky business. The daily interaction with animals, equipment operation...
Pollinators and Agriculture
Many plants depend on pollinators for seed production
When producers consider all the work required for operations to be successful in the agriculture industry, they...
