The Elite Meat
In 2008 Rebecca DeLong decided that it was time for a change after 14 years in the medical industry. She wanted to get back to the farm life, be her own boss and keep her own hours. Although Becky was raised on a dairy farm, she was quick to say it did not fully prepare her for her new career.
Life in the Land of Opportunity
A black and white photo hangs on the wall of the Edmundo Quiñonez home in western Dallas County that shows a 13-year-old boy and other family members riding in a horse-drawn buckboard wagon across the dry desolate countryside of Durango, Mexico. The scene could easily belong to the mid-19th century instead of the mid-20th century when it was actually taken. Edmundo Quiñonez, owner of 220 acres, 100 Black Angus cows and three horned Hereford bulls, smiled as he pointed out that he is the young teen in the photo.
Dairy Plus Hobby Equals Success
Shelton Dairy Farm is located at Bucyrus, Mo., (locally known as Ellis Prairie) just a few miles from where three generations of Shelton’s were born and where their grandparent’s homesteaded land in the 1800’s. Farming is nothing new for them. In 1985 Leonard and Carolyn sold their beef cattle and built a dairy barn because they thought it would be more profitable and provide a steady income. They had high hopes for this family farm, and for their two sons Jeff and Darin.
No Goats Without Dogs
"They are like little members of our family,” chuckled Fern Welker, when talking about the goats she and her husband, Max, raise just outside of West Plains, Mo., in Howell County.
Bill Johnson’s Water Tank
When Bill Johnson's ancestors started working his farm outside Walnut Grove back in 1869, one of their first priorities was making sure they had good water for their livestock. Over the years, several different approaches have been used. Bill pointed out a concrete box built by his grandfather to collect water from a natural spring on the property. Later, a pond was built in the same area.
From Hay to Heat
A hay-burning stove is getting warm reviews from Larry Morrison, a Barry County poultry grower.
Jumping In With Livestock
There is nothing to prepare you for a move like this. It’s probably the biggest project I think I’ve ever undertaken,” said Dave Brummet, describing his family’s move from Springfield, Mo., to rural Douglas County.
If You Build It
We've all been there. Trying to get some recalcitrant cow back to the barn.
The Hopeful Dairyman
Dairyman Duane Kaiser is hopeful about the future of agriculture, including dairy farming. He insists one of the great things about capitalism we need to remember is “what creates hardship for one, means opportunity for someone else.” Duane believes the time is fast approaching when a person could buy a dairy farm.
Goat Market Remains Steady
In these uncertain economic times, William Stanton believes, “It hasn’t affected the goat market; neither in the breeding stock nor commercially.”
