Dairy Plus Hobby Equals Success
Shelton Dairy Farm is located at Bucyrus, Mo., (locally known as Ellis Prairie) just a few miles from where three generations of Shelton’s were born and where their grandparent’s homesteaded land in the 1800’s. Farming is nothing new for them. In 1985 Leonard and Carolyn sold their beef cattle and built a dairy barn because they thought it would be more profitable and provide a steady income. They had high hopes for this family farm, and for their two sons Jeff and Darin.
No Goats Without Dogs
"They are like little members of our family,” chuckled Fern Welker, when talking about the goats she and her husband, Max, raise just outside of West Plains, Mo., in Howell County.
Bill Johnson’s Water Tank
When Bill Johnson's ancestors started working his farm outside Walnut Grove back in 1869, one of their first priorities was making sure they had good water for their livestock. Over the years, several different approaches have been used. Bill pointed out a concrete box built by his grandfather to collect water from a natural spring on the property. Later, a pond was built in the same area.
From Hay to Heat
A hay-burning stove is getting warm reviews from Larry Morrison, a Barry County poultry grower.
Jumping In With Livestock
There is nothing to prepare you for a move like this. It’s probably the biggest project I think I’ve ever undertaken,” said Dave Brummet, describing his family’s move from Springfield, Mo., to rural Douglas County.
If You Build It
We've all been there. Trying to get some recalcitrant cow back to the barn.
The Hopeful Dairyman
Dairyman Duane Kaiser is hopeful about the future of agriculture, including dairy farming. He insists one of the great things about capitalism we need to remember is “what creates hardship for one, means opportunity for someone else.” Duane believes the time is fast approaching when a person could buy a dairy farm.
Goat Market Remains Steady
In these uncertain economic times, William Stanton believes, “It hasn’t affected the goat market; neither in the breeding stock nor commercially.”
Driven To Success in Beef
Glenn Brown’s life has changed dramatically nearly every decade. He was born and raised on a small farm in rural Copan, Okla., near Bartlesville. Both his grandfathers were farmers, and both his parents grew up on the farm. When talking about the country, Glenn said, “When your roots are there, you lean back in that direction — at least I did.” After 40 years, Glenn went back to his roots.
Taking the Mustangs for a Ride
"I had a good job as a battery engineer,” explained Chad Kelly at Davidson’s Quarter Horse ranch recently. “I worked for the company that supplies the batteries for NASA and other major government contracts. I have four degrees plus an honorary degree in engineering, but I really hated my job. I was inside all day and on the road 40 weeks a year. I put myself through college starting colts and shoeing horses and I realized after 10 years as an engineer, the horses were what I really wanted to do.”
