Missouri Neighbors

When Robert Todd hit the age threshold for showing cattle and hogs through FFA, he walked away from the show ring thinking he had closed that chapter of his life for good. But now, after almost a decade, Robert’s back in the ring, but this time it’s all for his kids. “It is basically set up for the kids to learn how a farm operates and learn the work involved. We teach them hands-on everything,” explained Robert Todd. In 2012, Robert and his wife, Heather, decided to buy Spots pigs for their two young sons and their niece and nephew. The Spots breed holds fond memories for Robert, who showed Spots as a teenager. “The thing I like about the Spots is you never know if they are going to be more dominant black or white. They look like Dalmatian puppies when they are born,” said Robert. The Spots breed dates back to the 1900s in Indiana where it was developed from the lines of the Poland China breed. Spots are known for their fast-growing and efficient offspring.

Four generations of the Pitts family have made their home and living on a Missouri Century Farm in Hickory County with the fifth generation currently joining in on the tradition.

When the Trixie Chicks Trick Riders gallop into an arena the audience holds its breath, mouths drop and eyes pop wide. The stunts these riders accomplish make even their own parents nervous, really nervous. “My parents have only been to two or three performances,” admitted Ashlee Hearod. With stunts called “Suicide Drag,” “Under the Neck,” and “Full fender,” who could blame them? The Trixie Chicks Trick Riders may sound like a group of daredevils looking for a thrill but this is not the case. The riders are all Missouri State University students or recent graduates with a deep love for horses and a burning passion for pushing the limits. “It is such an unique sport. It is so challenging and I wanted to be a part of something that not many people do as their sport,” said Katy Tennison.

For 100 years five generations of the Buckner family has cared for the land and livestock and sold milk on their farm in Fair Grove, Mo. It all started when William Franklin Bucker and wife, Tina, purchased 60 acres in 1914. During William’s lifetime he increased the farm size to 160 acres. William passed away in the farmhouse on July 15, 1966, at 76 years old.

The beginning of fall ushers in an additional flurry of activity for a family of farmers in southwest Missouri. This family of educators, from teachers to administrators, witness a spike in the off-the-farm workload this time of year, as students return to the classroom. As for their farm work, it keeps the Wilson families busy all year long.

All of Cody Gariss’ cattle have heterosis.

It wasn’t that long ago that Ellen Replogle found herself listening to missionaries speak at her home church, Oak Grove Baptist in rural Laclede County, about the fantastic things a person can accomplish when they share their personal passion in a way that promotes the love of God. Ellen recalled, “They talked about different people and their passions, one that established a sports mission program overseas and another whose love of reading helped start a literacy program that teaches people to read. I remember sitting in that church pew thinking ‘but what can a 50-year-old housewife who has no intention of traveling to another country, possibly do?’”

Jon and Lindsey Cartwright of Webster County, both grew up with agricultural backgrounds, an important aspect of their lives that they are proud to share with their young children, 2 1/2-year-old son, Yates and 7-month-old daughter, Yardley.

Randall Pemberton grew up around the cattle business. His dad, Duane, has been in the business of buying cattle for 50 years and Randall said, “I just came in and started helping.”

From commercial herds to show-driven breeding programs, Josh Stephans of Elkland, Mo., has experienced a lot for a young farmer. “I’ve seen many different management practices,” shared Josh. “I now know how I want to develop my herd and management program.”