Missouri Neighbors

Billy Bolch is a self-proclaimed beef eater.
“I think beef should be served three times a day,” he said with a laugh.

Michele Broxton of Rolla, Mo., operates Broxton Cattle Company in Phelps County, Mo. and her mantra is “Never underestimate the power of a woman with a prayer and a plan.”

Horses, goats and show dogs. That’s how Brenda Murray of rural Dallas County outside Urbana, Mo., characterizes life on her family’s 84 acres.

Over 40 years ago Jerry and Betty Laughlin took their passion for horses and hard working spirit and developed a business that now involves three generations.

Al and Pat Chapman’s farm is nestled in a valley outside of Anderson, Mo. Pat said, “When Al’s grandfather first drove on this land over 100 years ago, he was eye-to-eye with a walnut tree that now towers over the house and protectively shades it during the hot summer months.” The original Chapman homestead was 80 acres but divided during the Depression by a WPA project road. Later the acreage was expanded to 120 as Al grew up. When Al took over the farm, he added more acreage until now the Chapman farm is 340 acres and home to a commercial cattle herd.

Opportunity in farming and agriculture gives people ability to choose what works for them. Sue Beagle, of Exeter, Mo., chose raising broiler chickens because it was something she could do for herself, and it was something she could do into her retirement years.

“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” Many people have heard this famous quote but how many people actually live by the words? Jason Bates, general manger of Vaughn Family Farms manages the Beefmaster herd by this philosophy.

“Life’s about learning,” explained Barry Slayton. “If you’re not learning you are going backwards – and that applies to all areas of life these days.”

Developing the very best Limousin genetics and encouraging future leaders in agriculture is the main focus at Pinegar Limousin, owned by Ed and Carol Pinegar.

Given the high price of cattle these days, a veterinarian can be one of a producer’s most valued business partners.