Missouri Neighbors

Dairy farmers have watched a volatile industry over the past decade and for those producers that have remained through stormy weather, adapting to change is how they have remained competitive. For Matt Byerley and his family farm – adapting – is the name of the game. Matt has taken over his family’s dairy at age 30 and says that it’s his progressiveness and his father’s knowledge of the business that has aided the farm in changing with the tide.

Kenny and Dawn Jones live near Polk, Mo., in Polk County. Married nearly 30 years, Kenny grew up just down the road. He built their house in a hog pen, although you couldn’t tell it today.

Three years ago, Gary Morris and his family moved from the outskirts of St. Louis, Mo., to an 8-acre farm near Fair Grove, Mo. The family includes wife, Amy, and teenage sons, Gregory and Ben.

Lloyd Gloe and wife of 36 years, Donna, reside in Webster County, near Marshfield, Mo., doing business as D & L Farms, running 1,200 head of cattle.

The farm of retired school teachers Sam and Jan Starks lies on the outskirts of the town of Salem, Mo. and has been in Jan’s family for over six decades. During that time, Jan’s family has owned, almost exclusively, a herd of purebred horned Hereford cows.

Tim Bartkoski has learned a lot. He had some sheep when he was younger, and years later when his daughters wanted animals to show in 4-H, he knew from experience how much easier sheep are to care for and show than a larger animal, so he got back into the sheep business. That was 30 years ago.

Dr. Art Bryant is a man of strong convictions, an important characteristic for a Laclede County cattleman and veterinarian who has worked with Border Collies for over 25 years. “I like cows, Border Collies and red heads,” Art Bryant said while casting a smile in Nancy’s direction, his red-headed wife. She stayed busy answering his constantly ringing office phone.

Becky and Rod Reid’s nephew, Tom Luthy III loved watching the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) on television at his grandparents’ house in Lebanon, Mo., while growing up. Unlike a lot of little boys who left those dreams in childhood, he found a way to follow that dream.

The tales that Jerry Crownover documents in his column Life is Simple have brought Ozarks farmers laughs throughout the years and stories to be passed on at local coffee shops in every small town. Friends getting their tractors stuck in frozen ponds, dead cows sliding down the hill or even memories of what he learned as an agriculture teacher about the real way to farm – Jerry has shared much insight about rural life and the changes in the industry. But, what about the man behind Life is Simple?

Kenneth Gossard’s Texas County sheep wasn’t something that he thought would stick around, after moving to Princeton, N.J. “I am a manager on a dairy, sheep and hog farm there, working with the dairy and consulting for possible dairy goats they are looking at.” But, even though he lives in New Jersey the majority of the time, he still manages his flock near Willow Springs, Mo. “Basically I come back a couple times of year, specifically for the sheep,” Kenneth said. He raises the sheep for the wool and as freezer lambs.