Missouri Neighbors

Brenda Snider isn’t what a person might typically think of when they think of a dairy producer. With a master’s in computer information systems, Brenda has taught at the college level. Brenda owns her own company, Equitech Information Systems, LLC, and works with various state, county and other government agencies aiding them by developing and implementing various computer software programs.

On any sunny day, mares and colts can be seen grazing in the lush pastures of Bob Redfearn’s Three Waters Ranch in Polk County, Mo., just outside of Bolivar.

Houston and Kenda Giles share a dedication to all things natural. They farm 120 acres just north of Carthage, Mo., and raise grass-fed dairy and beef cattle, chickens, pigs and sheep without using steroids, hormones or antibiotics.

Lightening Ridge Farm is a long way from the Scottish Highlands, but the terrain and weather conditions haven’t been much different here in the Missouri Ozarks. Near the southern line of Texas County, on the headwaters of Jack’s Fork River, the hills are steep and live water from springs is abundant. Dave and Ruth Embry raise Highland cattle on their 150-acre farm that is mostly wooded with about 20 acres open. You might think it would be impossible to raise livestock in these conditions, but their Highland cattle are thriving here.

Gary Boggs of rural Dallas County is a man of many interests and talents. He and his wife, Cecile, live on 1,100 acres, several miles outside of Urbana, close to both the Hickory and Camden county lines. “The land is about half-open, half-timber,” Gary explained recently, “and right now I have about 60 head of commercial momma cows. I’m down right now because I just sold a bunch of steers. I’ve had up to 250 head and was planning on gearing down, maybe getting out as I got older but as prices rose, I thought I might stay in a little longer. My brother, Ron is helping me now and if he wants to continue, I’ll stay with it.”