NEIGHBORS
Hedging on Red
Broken S Land and Cattle is developing quality red SimAngus genetics
AURORA, MO. - Three cattlemen with different ideas and backgrounds have developed a partnership that continues to grow and diversify Broken S Land and Cattle.
Based in Aurora, Mo., Jody Sparks started the Broken S in 2012 as a backgrounding operation. In 2015, Jody rented land from Michael Singer,...
Faith, Family, Farm and Spots
Drew and Melissa Jett say their operation is about more than money
ASH GROVE, MO. - Drew and Melissa Jett have been in the swine production business since 2007. Drew’s influence in the swine industry came from his grandfather, Conley Whitehead, and his uncle, Rick Whitehead, of Whitehead-Thomas Swine.
Drew began showing pigs in 1995. Drew’s grandfather gave him Godly advice...
Happy Pigs Equal Happy Pork
Educators return to Arkansas to begin a small, productive farm
BIGELOW, ARK. - “It tastes like sunshine.”
That was the only way Holly Payne could describe what bacon tastes like. But not just any store-bought packaged product. Holly was referring to the unique flavor that she and her husband, Aaron Baldwin produce on Porch Swing Farms near Bigelow, Ark.
“There’s a richness...
Sunny Side Up
Couple takes their experience back to the farm
ELKINS, ARK. - Hospitality and food preparation has been a part of Brian Foster’s life for as long as he can remember. Both he and his fiancee, Becca Davis, spent many years in the restaurant and bar industry.
Now, the couple, who are partners in owning Sunny Acres Farms outside Elkins, Ark., hope...
Modern and Traditional Ranching
Clear Spring Ranch focuses on soil health and sustainability
MOUNTAIN GROVE, MO. - Just a few miles outside of Mountain Grove, Mo., is a beautiful piece of the Ozarks named Clear Spring Ranch.
Owners Bob and Ann Demerath came to set roots in Missouri in 2014 after spending a great deal of their lives in Nebraska. While in Nebraska, Bob and...
NEIGHBORS
Riley Martin
Hometown: Galena, Mo.
Age: 17
Parents: Riley and Laurie Martin
Sibling: Cole Martin
FFA Chapter: Galena FFA
Chapter Advisor: Anna Barnett
What is your involvement in agriculture?
“I am a fourth-generation farmer on my family’s small operation. We run 50 head of beef cattle. My role on the farm includes feeding, vaccinations, tagging and taking them to market when needed. I also own a horse and...
Kristen Obley
Hometown: Urbana, Mo.
Family: Husband Zach; children, Harper and Evey; parents, Robert and Regina Blair; and mother-in-law Gayla Obley
In Town: Kristen Obley has been a nurse for nine years, working at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar, Mo., for eight years.
“I recently took the utilization review manager position, so I deal with insurance most of the day now, but I’m still a nurse and do...
Keeping the Arts Alive in Ava, Mo., Since 1978
Venue provides local artists with resources and a place to showcase their creations
AVA, MO. - The Ava Art Guild in Ava, Mo., has been a staple for artists both young and old since the late 1970s.
According to guild President Caryl Posada-Stillings, the original mission of the guild, at its inception in 1978, was to foster an appreciation of the...
Cooper’s Southwest City Auction Services, LLC
Location: Southwest City, Mo.
Owners: Dallas Cooper; his wife Misty; their three sons; Denton (Sarah), Austin (Kalli) and Sterling
History: The Cooper family purchased the former Southwest City Sale Barn in October 2023 and held their first sale in the facility, which had been sitting vacant for about six or seven years, the week before Christmas 2023.
“We run a small farm operation,” Dallas...
Lynzy Simon
Age: 15
Hometown: Harrison, Ark.
Parents: Lyndsy and Tamsyn Simon
Sibling: Younger sister Liberty
FFA Chapter: Valley Springs FFA
Chapter Advisors: Chester Taylor and Logan Henson
What is your involvement in agriculture? “I am homeschooled, but attend Valley Springs High School for ag classes. I am active in the FFA and recently joined the trap team. This year I attended the National FFA Convention, competed in LDE and CDE...
Hannah Walker
Hometown: Henderson, Ark.
Family: Husband Cody; daughter Claire; and son Charlie
In Town: “In August of 2022, I gained the opportunity to start new employment with the Mountain Home Public Schools Special Education Department as their financial secretary. My job consists of budgeting local, state, and federal funding; staff attendance; payroll, all department ordering; and Medicaid billing, just to name a few.”
In the...
Staying Safe
Health and safety experts offer strategies for reducing farm-related injuries
Working in agriculture can be a risky business. The daily interaction with animals, equipment operation...
Pollinators and Agriculture
Many plants depend on pollinators for seed production
When producers consider all the work required for operations to be successful in the agriculture industry, they...
Spring Checklist
Management practices to implement this season to get a healthy calf crop next spring
The actions producers take now can create an environment designed to...
Grass Tetany
Causes, prevention and treatment of the disease seen primarily in spring
Spring brings a host of wonderful things for farmers; green grass, warmer weather and...
Pollinators and Agriculture
Many plants depend on pollinators for seed production
When producers consider all the work required for operations to be successful in the agriculture industry, they...
Reducing Dependance on Chemical Fertilizers
Other methods and new management practices can help reduce your fertilizer bill
Whether the motivation is for economical or environmental reasons, producers looking to reduce...
