Missouri Neighbors

The fields at Troup Land and Livestock are picture perfect with green, lush grass swaying in the breeze with few weeds hindering its movement. But this property was far from this healthy state when Marcus and Amanda Troup purchased it a couple of years ago.

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.

Jon and Ann Goodnight’s Spring Valley Farm is located on old Route 66 near Bois D’ Arc, Mo., and was originally owned by Ann’s grandfather, who operated a Grade A dairy.

For Steve Guthrie near Miller, Mo., in Lawrence County, Boer goats are no laughing matter. They are what he hopes may provide a full-time income some day, but there are still funny things that happen on the farm.

Randy and Melody Wehner of rural Dallas County, near Long Lane, Mo., will be the first to tell you they have had different breeds of sheep over the years, but without a doubt, Katahdins, which are haired sheep, are their hands-down favorites.

Brett and Jessica Dixon both grew up on family dairy farms and as a result, both developed a love of the industry and the animals involved.

Tucker Peterson is the youngest of seven children, and a descendant of several generations of farmers making a living in the Mountain Grove area.

For longtime residents of Louisburg, Mo., in northern Dallas County, there are a few staples in the tiny community, such as the Louisburg Baptist Church and Williams Brothers Store.

“It all started when a tree fell on a fence row on my Dad’s farm where my heifers were pastured,” said Clay Doeden, a Cedar County, Mo. native who runs 130 head of beef cattle around Bear Creek, near Stockton.

The first thing you notice is the smell when you near the Walrath farm. There isn’t one.