Author Archives: Laura L. Valenti
Two and a Half Generations
The Stevens family has been in the cattle business for decades, with hopes to continue in the future When he married his wife, Paige, in 1989, Jay Stevens began his…
Leslie Payne
Hometown: Bolivar, Mo. Family: Wife, Susan; son, Derek and daughter-in-law, Sundi; daughter, Ashley and son-in-law, Brandon Moore; and grandchildren Kennedy (5), Bentley (5) and Blake (3). In Town: Leslie Payne…
Treasure Trackers
Group digs for the past There are many ways to study history and the Laclede County Treasure Trackers have discovered a past time that takes them down all kinds of…
Dr. Jack Crocker
Hometown: Lebanon, Mo. Family: Wife, Melani; son, Jacob and daughter-in-law, Jessica; daughter, Tabitha and son-in-law, Shane In Town: To say chiropractic medicine is the family business is no small statement for…
Jake Jacobson
Hometown: Bolivar, Mo. Family: Wife, Sandy; sons, Jake and Bo; and daughter Samantha (Sam) In Town: Jake Jacobson was raised in northwest Montana and has operated his own fencing company…
Growing for a Community
Grants allow couple to grow fresh produce when other gardens are dormant Lettuce, spinach, carrots and beets rebound in the December sunshine in Polk County just outside Bolivar, Mo., at…
Gordon’s Feed and Pet
Owner: John Gayer Rogersville, Mo. Store Manager: Ben Pugh (pictured) History: Ben Pugh has been the manager of the Rogersville, Mo., location of Gordon’s Feed and Pet in rural Greene County,…
Lauren Morgan
Age: 19 Family: Parents, Jason and Angie Morgan; and older brother, Jade Hometown: Lamar, Mo. What is your involvement in agriculture? “I’ve grown up on my family’s farm where we…
Adding to the Bottom Line
In addition to a livestock operation, the Fieth Family Farm also is an agritourism destination When the late country music star, Chris LeDoux released his 1992 hit “Cadillac Ranch,” he…
Building a Legacy
Stephanie Self is developing her own registered sheep operation Thirteen-year-old Stephanie Self is an experienced shepherdess and is currently caring for 37 sheep on her family’s 20-acre farm in rural…