Author Archives: Laura L. Valenti
A Triple Threat
The Francis triplets are fourth-generation farmers, and show livestock at area fairs Paris, Isaiah and Ariel Francis, 15-year-old triplets from Stoutland, Mo., are the fourth generation to live and work…
Keith Lawson
Hometown: Dixon, Mo. Family: Sons, Cooper Lawson (10) and Karson Elliott (11) In Town: Keith drives a dump truck for Midwest Material Transport, a trucking company out of St. Robert, Mo. “I’ve…
Returning to an Old Love
Jane Glendenning returns to her love of sheep and fiber Back when Jane Glendenning and her husband Jack were just starting life together, they had cattle and sheep. In the…
A Foundation for Success
Mark Beem and his family work to follow in the footsteps of his parents While Mark Beem is beginning a new chapter in his life as the retired superintendent of…
Enjoying the Business
Dale and Brenda Riley have been raising cattle for more than 40 years in Phelps County, Mo. Dale and Brenda Riley have been in the cattle business outside Rolla, Mo.,…
Keeping Livestock and Nature Healthy
The Troyer family follows natural, pasture-based practices with their cattle and poultry operations It is difficult to know just exactly what keeps Norman Troyer busiest on his 200-acre farm in…
The Little Things
Longtime cattleman says his father always said to care for every calf, the land and to be frugal David Laughlin and his son Colton have been in the cattle business…
A Family Affair
The Wilson family works year round to grow quality produce Gardening has long been a family affair in many households, especially this year, with kids out of school early. In…
Bill Copeland Bobcat and Fencing
Owner: Bill Copeland (pictured with son Hunter) Location: Pittsburg, Mo. Family: Wife Laura and son Hunter (11) History: Bill Copeland grew up on a dairy farm in St. James, Mo., so working with…
Harvesting Timber
Timber sales can create a new revenue stream Timber sales are another financial resource available to farmers and ranchers. Guerric Good, an agency forester with the Missouri Department of Conservation…