HELLO FROM THE EDITORS
Summer is here bringing lots of joy to farm kids, farmyards and local attractions! When you think back to your own childhood, most memories end up stemming from a summer activity. County fairs, Ozark Empire and Missouri State Fair ring true for many of our readership. Our second generation is now attending the Junior National Hereford Expo, affectionately known as Junior Nationals, recalling many memories of their own traveling with members from across the state to attend the Super Bowl of them all! This year marks 25 years of this landmark event!
As your summer kicks off, we hope your grill smells of beef, your grass is receiving plenty of moisture and your calves are growing! It's enjoyable to see cows on pasture, and evening checks become more peaceful as the night cools and cattle fill up. Be sure to invite a neighbor out for a pasture tour. Go tour someone else's pasture with them too! It's a great way to get to know someone and learn about what their operation is doing.
We continue to feature families who received awards at the 2023 Missouri Hereford Banquet in this issue. The Hurst family have been long contributors of the junior program within our state. Thank you to them for their endless contributions to building youth in agriculture!
There are lots of activities to attend this summer! Be sure to get them on your calendar and look ahead to the early fall sales. These are great venues to interact with like-minded people and help strengthen your own genetics back home. Happy summer!
Cassie Dorran, editor Jocelyn Washam, editor
This newsletter is edited by Rural Route Creations 30487 Hwy J • Wentworth, MO 64873 www.ruralroutecreations.com
2024 PUBLICATION DATES
Washam 417-838-5546 jocelyn@ruralroutecreations.com
ADVERTISING RATES:
Faye Smith, contributor
@Falling Timber Farms
Fabulous 181Y {DOD} donor dam
Veronica 414B {DOD} donor dam
There is no better measure of reproductive efficiency than a Hereford female achieving a Dam of Distinction status. FTF has stacked DODs for generations, which has created predictability of superior female traits.
STATE ASSOCIATION UPDATE
Written by Andi Howard
Dear Fellow Hereford Breeders,
We have made it through half of 2024 with some great opportunities happening in the cattle industry! With summer shows and several other events, hopefully everyone has the opportunity to slow down and take a chance to enjoy it all. Coming with the second half of the year are some great events within the Hereford breed.
This spring has been a wonderful opportunity for me with the start of serving as your association secretary/treasurer. With this, I want to properly introduce myself. My name is Andi Howard, and I am from Dora, Missouri. My family and I have raised and shown Hereford cattle since the 1970s. My sister and I have since then started our own herd and have loved getting involved with the breed and the fellow breeders. My most recent accomplishment is earning my bachelor's degree in agribusiness from Missouri State University. With this, I hope to continue to serve you and grow my love and passion for the Hereford breed!
As an association we have several things to be excited for in the next few months. A few events coming up for our juniors include the Junior National Hereford Expo in Grand Island, Nebraska; Ozark Empire Fair in Springfield, Missouri; and the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. We want to congratulate the juniors who participated in the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association All-Breeds Show in Sedalia! Other events to keep on your radar are the Missouri Hereford Tour, Missouri
Opportunity Sale and annual meeting. An important announcement to remember is the Opportunity Sale has been moved to November 2 and 3, 2024. The annual meeting will be Saturday, November 2, with the sale being held Sunday, November 3.
The Missouri Hereford Tour will be held on September 14 and 15 in District 8 this year with Rusty Miller, Miller Herefords, serving as host. There are several great breeders who are willing to take part in this activity, and we look forward to seeing everyone there. In year’s past this has been a wonderful event, and I am sure this year will be no different. The opportunity for younger members to engage with the more adult breeders across the state has proved to be impactful for all. If you have further questions or concerns regarding the tour please contact Rusty Miller, Glen Waters, or myself.
Again, we have several events we are looking forward to this year, and we would love to see everyone there! Whether this be at the shows, sales, or the tour, take the opportunity to meet new breeders or catch up with old friends! We as an association should be proud of the strong numbers and amount of involvement and engagement that continues to grow the Hereford breed!
Andi Howard MHA Secretary/Treasurer
WOMEN ASSOCIATION UPDATE
Event updates
Written by Tonya Bagnell
The Hereford Women of Missouri would like to wish all the juniors participating at the Junior National Hereford Expo good luck and safe travels to Grand Island, NE. Junior Nationals will be held July 6-12, 2024.
We will have a meeting on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at 10 a.m. under the big tree east of the Hereford barn during the Missouri State Fair (MSF). We will be discussing activity plans for the Missouri Hereford State Banquet and Sale and other
We would like to offer a big congratulations to all the eighth grade, high school, and college graduate membership. For graduating this year, you are moving on with the next endeavors in life.
Please watch our Facebook page for other updates.
Blackberrry Cobbler
Prep Time Cooking Time 5 minutes 35 minutes Serves 8
Ingredients
• 2-3 cup(s) blackberries (I used frozen)
• 1-2 cup(s) sugar, white granulated
• 1/2 cup(s) water
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degree farenheit.
2. Mix frozen blackberries with 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water and set aside.
3. Prepare a 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish with oil or Pam Cooking Spray well.
4. Pour blackberries in to the glass baking dish.
5. Next sprinkle the entire cake mix on top of blackberries.
6. Dot (1 tablespoon squares) of butter or margarine on top of blackberries with cake mix.
7. Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 35 minutes.
• 1 box(es) yellow cake mix of any brand (white cake mix can be used as well)
8. Once the crust is slightly browned and you’ve taken your cobbler out of the oven, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of sugar all over the top. Allow to cool slightly and serve with Blue Bell Vanilla Bean Ice Cream! Enjoy! This is a simple dish that is perfect for potlucks, reunions (made simplier in a crockpot), or for work functions! The Ranch Kitchen Original Recipe - Alise Nolan I theranchkitchen.com
Tonya Bagnell Missouri Hereford Women Secretary
JUNIOR ASSOCIATION UPDATE
Looking forward to JNHE
Written by Kristin Waters
Hello everyone!
I hope you are having an amazing summer so far! We are close to the Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), which will be held in Grand Island, Nebraska, from July 6-13!
Congratulations to all the state contest winners who qualified!
At our June meeting, we discussed meals, stall cards, and Hereford Bowl teams for JNHE. For state fair, we discussed prize options for each show and when our meeting will be.
President – Mary Grace Warden, Halfway
Vice President – Cade Shepherd, Mt. Vernon
Secretary – Tory Miller, Lebanon
Treasurer – Taylor Miller
Mail $15 Missouri Junior Hereford Association dues to 20500 Sioux Drive, Lebanon, MO 65536
Reporter – Kristin Waters, Norborne
Fundraising Chairs – Beau Ann Graves, Chillicothe Karsyn Kleeman, Braymer
Directors – Jorja Ebert, Holt; Addison Ward, Oak Grove
Congratulations to all showmanship and class winners at Missouri Cattlemen’s Youth Expo in June! Make sure to be thinking about if you want to run for the Missouri Junior Hereford Association board because elections will be held at state fair!
I hope to see many familiar faces at JNHE soon!
Advisors –
Jeff & Susan Rhode 7765 NW Hwy NN, Stewartsville, MO 64490 816-261-4819 Jeff Cell or 816-261-4821 Susan Cell Susan.rhode@yahoo.com
Marijane Miller & Hayley Miller 20500 Sioux Drive, Lebanon, MO 65536 317-341-3846 • millerherefords@yahoo.com
James & Magan Henderson 278 Potters Rd, Buffalo, MO 65622 magan.henderson@gmail.com
2023-2024 MISSOURI JUNIOR HEREFORD ASSOCIATION
Kristin Waters MJHA Reporter
A WORD FROM THE ADVISORS
Encouraging new members, event updates
Written by Hayley Miller and Marijane Miller
Summer show season is officially underway! It is the time of year our junior members are competing, creating new friendships with new and old members, reconnecting with show friends and making memories with their friends and family that will last a lifetime. Missouri Cattlemen’s Youth Expo was a successful weekend, and it was a joy to see the kids reconnecting, competing and celebrating their success together. Previously known as the MCA All-Breeds Show, the weekend included both this show plus a Missouri Junior Cattlemen’s Association Replacement Heifer Show and Sale, rebranding the weekend as Missouri Cattlemen’s Youth Expo.
Each year we have new members in our organization. We encourage each of our members to get outside your comfort zone and make a new friend with a fellow Hereford member this year! It is these types of friendships that can easily become your lifelong best friend, fellow business partner, future spouse, or future employer. We truly feel this is one of the key parts of showing cattle – making connections with other members within our state as well as across the United States!
A great place to make new friends is at the Junior National Hereford Expo. We are excited to have our members showing at the Junior Nationals in Grand Island, Nebraska. Be on the lookout for our raffle fundraiser that we will kick off during that time. It will include some new show equipment we will be raffling off, similar to how we did last year! Karsyn Kleeman and Beau Ann Graves have been working on putting together this fundraiser that will benefit all Hereford members and cattle exhibitors. If you would like raffle tickets to help sell at some of your local shows, reach out to Karysn, Beau, or one of the junior board members, or grab some extras at Junior Nationals. We will be drawing at the Missouri Opportunity Sale in November.
It is through the continued support of our fellow Hereford breeders that we are able to help with food expenses during Junior Nationals. This year we are covering four lunch meals for members on Monday through Thursday. Parents, or others, who are helping our juniors can pay $5 each day to be included with these meals! This helps out our members and families tremendously! We are one of the few states to provide meals for our members in the big group effort we truly have within our state!
We are looking for sponsors for the State Fair 4-H and FFA awards. We need 16 sponsors for these awards. Sponsorship is $150 for each award. Awards are given for Champion and Reserve Heifer, Cow/Calf Pair, Bull, and Steer in both the 4-H and FFA divisions. Please let us know if you would be willing to sponsor an award.
Save the date for the Hereford Field Day hosted by district 8 on September 14-15. They are working on ways to include our junior members, as they are the future of the Hereford industry. We encourage you to invite juniors, and bring your kids with you for this family event!
Good luck to each of our members at the county, local and district shows as well as Missouri State Fair and Junior Nationals this summer! Remember to get out of your comfort zone and talk with new people this summer!
Hayley Miller MJHA Advisor
SALE RESULTS
Falling Timber Farm Mead Farms Candy Meadow Farms
Marthasville, Mo. | March 16
Auctioneer: Jesse Bolin
Reported by: Joe Rickabaugh
LOTS
26 bulls
40 females
66 total
7 commercial females
Lexington, Tenn. | March 23
Auctioneer: Eddie Burks
Reported by: Joe Rickabaugh
LOTS
$130,450
$140,350
37 total 6 commercial females GROSS
TOP BULL LOTS
$10,000 — FTF Hugh 343L
$5,017
$3,509
$4,103
Versailles, Mo. | May 11
Auctioneers: Jerry Lehmann, Wes Tiemann
Reported by: Joe Rickabaugh
18 bulls 19 females
$15,300 AVERAGE
$143,250
$108,200
$251,450
$3,329
DOB 1/15/2023, by SHF Houston D287 H086, sold to Wild Horse Hill Ranch, Boynton, Okla.
$9,500 — FTF Muy Bueno 358L
DOB 1/17/2023, by FTF Magnifico 120J, sold to Jordan Herefords, Warrenton.
$7,250 — FTF Unbelievable 3210L
DOB 12/22/2022, by FTF Untouchable 046H, sold to 5-D Herefords, Berryville, Ark., and Rafter T Ranch, Omaha, Ark.
$6,500 — FTF Blazer 3433L
DOB 12/18/2022, by LJR MSU Z311 Emblazon 392E, sold to Mary Schroeter, Owensville.
$6,000 — FTF Magnifico 350L
DOB 1/16/2023, by FTF Magnifico 120J, sold to Nathan Truman, Prescott, Iowa.
@Falling Timber Farms
$7,958
$5,695
$6,796
$2,550
TOP BULL LOTS
$13,000 — CMF 297D Kaiser 790K ET
DOB 9/10/2022, by RST Final Print 0016, sold to Freddie Ridenhour, Waldron, Ark.
$12,500 — CMF Medicine Man 782K ET
DOB 9/7/2022, by RST Final Print 0016, sold to McGuffee Polled Herefords, Mendenhall, Miss.
$10,000 — CMF 297D Kernel 827K ET
DOB 10/19/2022, by RST Final Print 0016, sold to Clifford Farms, Cynthiana, Ky.
$10,000 — CMF F006 Kosher 801K
DOB 9/15/2022, by CMF 1720 Gold Rush 569G ET, sold to Underwood Hereford Farm, Campbellsville, Ky.
$9,000 — CMF 306D Kingsley 789K
DOB 9/10/2022, by CMF 1720 Gold Rush 569G ET, sold to Patricia Stricklin, Savannah.
$9,000 — CMF Loewen Grady 2040 K33
DOB 9/11/2022, by Loewen Grady B42 G15 ET, sold to Scott Sullivan, Grannis, Ark.
$8,750 — CMF 369E Kolt 783K
DOB 9/7/2022, by CMF 333E Hitching Post 648H, sold to Oak Grove Land Co. Inc., Hattiesburg, Miss.
$8,000 — CMF 282D King 792K
DOB 9/11/2022, by CMF 1720 Gold Rush 569G ET, sold to JWS Land and Cattle, Arab, Ala.; Joe Walls & Sons, Arab, Ala.; and Kevin Perry, Guntersville, Ala.
TOP FEMALE LOT
$9,250 — CMF 59A Ann 733J
DOB 10/10/2021, by Spearhead 22S Corps Commande14; and a September bull calf, by CMF 1720 Gold Rush 569G ET, sold to Triple Z Farm LLC, Benton, Ark.
LOTS
5 bulls
18 females
23 total
TOP FEMALE LOTS
$5,250 — Mead V869 Of 504C P145 ET
DOB 11/27/2020, by BEHM 100W Cuda 504C; and an October heifer calf, by Churchill Desperado 029H, sold to Darrell Aufdenberg, Jackson.
$4,750 — Mead X817 Of B413 N306
DOB 11/26/2021, by EFBeef BR Validated B413, and a December bull calf, by KCF Bennett Resolve G595, sold to Doss Hereford Farms, Smithville.
$4,500 — Mead V097 Of 504C M442
DOB 12/13/2020, by BEHM 100W Cuda 504C, sold to Greg Schad, Barnett.
$4,500 — Mead V877 Of 9024 T539
DOB 1/16/2021, by Boyd Power Surge 9024, and a November heifer calf, by Churchill Desperado 029H, sold to Larry Owen, Ottawa, Kan.
$4,250 — Mead V764 Of 6153 M446
DOB 11/15/2020, by Boyd 31Z Blueprint 6153, sold to Greg Schad.
$4,250 — Mead X395 Of R447 P267
DOB 1/8/2022, by Mead 10Y Hometown R447 ET, and a December bull calf, by KCF Bennett Monument J338, sold to Joann Rutherford, Four Seasons.
Central Missouri Polled Hereford Association
Cuba, Mo. | April 13
LOTS
7 bulls
17 open females
6 fall pairs
20 spring pairs
6 bred heifers
5 bred cows
5 hereford influenced lots
66 live lots total
$3,457
$2,447
$4,242
$3,133
$2,450
$2,820
$2680
$2,971
WMC D87 2C MOONSHINE 507K
Donated by Jett and Watson McConnaughy to Choate Polled Herefords. $40.00/straw
WMC 66589 TROJAN BOSS 194H
Donated by WMC and N&N Cattle to Days Family Farm. $55.00/straw
Top Selling Bull
Lot 16 $4000
Consigned by Day Dream Cattle to David Young Monett MO
Top Selling Open Heifer
Lot 57 $3250
Consigned by Jeff Voris/Mary Grace
Warden to Larry Ragsdale London AR
Top Fall Pair
Lot 4&4A $5800
Consigned by Bade Polled Herefords Lot 4 Cow to David Farnsworth Richland MO 4A Hfr Calf to Storie Polled
Herefords Conway MO
Top Spring Pair
Lot 52 $4500
Consigned by Steinbeck Farms to Tim Cavanaugh Sullivan MO
Top Bred Heifer
Lots 58-60-61 $2750
Consigned by Jeff Voris/Mary Grace
Warden to Tim Cavanaugh Sullivan MO
Top Bred Cow
Lot 28 $3300
Consigned by Kaczmarek Cattle Company to KT Cattle Co Farmington MO
Top Hereford Influenced Pair
Lot 66 $3400
Consigned by Storie Farms Cow to Justin Tucker Silex MO Bull Calf to Tom Gibbs Vibrumun MO
Top Hereford Influenced Open Heifer Lot 67B $3250
Consigned by Wirthmor Polled Herefords to Lori Eslinger Columbia MO
GOLD RUSH
Missouri Cattlemen's Association All-Breeds Junior Show
Saturday, June 8, 2O24 • Sedalia, Missouri
CORKS ARK THE GENERAL 2222 ET
P44372219 • 3/3/2022
BY:
Champion Hereford Heifer - 5th Overall Female
CW CC MERLOT 300 ET (300)
PP44489175 • 1/2/2023
OWNED BY:
MAV JACK 382L ET
P44500172 • 3/15/2023
OWNED BY:
Reserve Champion Cow-Calf Pair
MPH 91F LIBBY 705E 16J
P44277571 • 2/2/2021
P44532813 • 10/20/2023
MAV TRIXIE 367L
P44500171 • 6/11/2023
OWNED
Junior Division: Connelly Ward
Intermediate Division: Addison Ward
Senior Division: Taylor Miller
PRF 408B MISTY 711E
P43875125 • 1/27/2017
P44522263 • 1/2/2023
Champion Hereford Bull
OWNED
Atley Kleinman
Madelyn Grace Thompson
Reserve Champion Hereford Steer
Grant Ward
OWNED BY: Phillip Mueller
Reserve Champion Hereford Bull CHIP
OWNED BY: Aiden Kleinman
Reserve Champion Hereford Heifer
BY: Davis Ward
Champion Cow-Calf Pair
OWNED BY: Taylor McGlothlin
Champion Hereford Steer MURPH
OWNED BY: Tylea Collins
Not Pictured:
MJHA Showmanship Contest at MCA
Champion Senior Showman
Atley Kleinman (right)
Res. Champion Senior Showman
Tori Miller (left)
Champion Intermediate Showman
Addison Ward (left)
Res. Champion
Intermediate Showman
Jorja Ebert (right)
Champion Junior Showman
Madelyn Thompson (left)
Res. Champion Junior Showman
Conley Ward (right)
Champion Pee-Wee Showman
Davis Ward (right)
Res. Champion Pee-Wee Showman
Brynlee Thompson (left)
BAGNELL WEDS
Shelby Bagnell unites with Ryan Haag
Slater, Missouri
Shelby Bagnell and Ryan Haag were united in marriage on Oct. 28, 2024, at the family farm in Slater, Mo.
A reception was held at the Saline County Fairgrounds in Marshall, Mo.
Shelby is the daughter of Bob and Tonya Bagnell of Slater, Mo. Ryan is the son of Lou and Linda Haag of Columbia, Mo.
Shelby is a graduate of Slater High School, University of Missouri-Columbia (MU), with a B.S and M.S in Agricultural Education. She currently holds the role of Agricultural Instructor at Pettis County R-V School in Hughesville, Mo.
Ryan is a graduate of
Sullivan High School, MU with a B.S. in Animal Science, and a J. D. in Law. He is currently working for Farmer Holdings in Jefferson City, Mo.
They are residing in Marshall, Mo.
Shelby is currently the Hereford Women of Missouri Queen Co-Chair.
Shelby and Ryan married last fall.
MAERLI OBITUARY
Prominent agriculturist Bill Maerli remembered by many Cuba, Missouri
William F. “Bill” Maerli, a beloved member of the Cuba, Missouri community, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the age of 74. Born on March 20, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri to Nicholas and Marie (Burger) Maerli, Bill lived a life filled with dedication and service to those around him.
Bill's commitment to education was evident as he graduated from Cuba High School with the Class of 1967 and furthered his studies at Missouri State University. His sense of duty led him to serve in the Missouri National Guard for six years.
A prominent figure in the agricultural world, Bill was well-known as a farmer, cattleman, master conservationist, and auctioneer for livestock sales and car auctions for thirty-five years. Together
with his good friend Jim Reed, Bill owned and operated Midwest Cattle Service for a decade. His passion for nurturing young minds was demonstrated through his involvement with the Crawford County Fair and 4-H clubs, where he mentored numerous youths, particularly those in the Jakes Prairie 4-H Club.
In addition to his professional achievements, Bill served on the board of directors for the Crawford County Soil and Water District. He was a lifelong member of the American Hereford Association – Missouri Show Me Chapter and Livestock Super International. Bill's dedication to conservation was recognized when he received the Volunteer Conservationist of the Year award for outstanding leadership in Crawford County.
May his legacy of compassion and dedication resonate within all those whose lives he touched.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents Nicholas and Marie (Burger) Maerli; brother James Maerli; infant sister Mary Maerli.
Those who are left to cherish his memory and to continue his legacy are his brother Paul and wife Pat Maerli of Cuba; sister Veronica and husband Butch Vollmer of Lake of the Ozarks; sisterin-law Pat Maerli of St. Louis; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to any local 4-H Club, in Bill's memory.
STATE SUCCESS
Missouri Junior Hereford Association members honored at the 2024 Missouri FFA State Convention
During the 96th Missouri FFA Convention, Gavin Rhode was named a 2024-2025 State FFA Secretary. Rhode is a member of the East Buchanan FFA Chapter. His parents are Susan Rhode and Jeff Rhode. His advisors are Ronetta Walkup and Dalton Wright. Rhode’s supervised agricultural experience program includes a purebred beef cattle herd, a commercial beef cattle herd, market barrows, and the sale of freezer meat to local customers. Rhode breeds Angus and Herefords and shows them on the national, state, and local levels.
Rhode elected as State FFA Secretary
Adapted from the Missouri FFA Association
During his FFA career, Rhode has served as President, Treasurer, and Sentinel of the East Buchanan FFA Chapter and is the President of the Area 1 FFA Association.
Rhode has participated in FFA public speaking LDEs winning many awards including state runner-up in Advanced Public Speaking in 2023. He has participated on the livestock judging CDE team, ranking high individual at the North Central Missouri College Contest, and received other awards at the Northwest District FFA, and State contests.
He attended the Missouri FFA HYMAX Academy, and the Agribusiness Academy in 2022 as a participant and in 2023 as an ambassador. He also attended the Missouri FFA Public Speaking Institute. In 2023 he was chosen as one of 75 students from across the country to attend the national FFA Next Generation Animal Systems Conference. Rhode’s beginning record book earned a gold award at the state level. In addition, he won the Star Greenhand, Star Chapter Famer, and other numerous awards on the chapter level.
State Degree Recipients
Kinleigh Bolin
Cole Judy
Landon McMillen
Rhett McMillen
Tanner McMillen
Gavin Rhode
In addition to FFA, Rhode is president of Future Business Leaders of America and a member of Student Council, National Honor Society, The A+ program, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His sports include basketball, golf, and football where he and his team won numerous awards.
Rhode is a member of the Number 5 4-H club, where he served as a president and as a club representative on the Buchanan County 4-H Council. He served as Missouri Junior Hereford Association President and Missouri Junior Angus Association director. He is also a member of the Missouri Junior Cattlemen’s Association.
After graduating high school, Rhode plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia and major in agribusiness management. Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree he plans to attend law school and pursue a career in estate and succession planning, where he can help families pass their farming operations on to future generations. He also plans to stay involved in the purebred livestock industry, raising heifers and steers for youth projects and selling bulls to commercial customers.
State FFA Talent
Landon McMillen
Rhett McMillen
Tanner McMillen
Scholarship Recipients
Gavin Rhode - State Fair Youth in Ag
CDE, LDE, Agriscience Fair and Proficiency Award Winners
Kristin Waters placed 4th in Division 2
Prepared Public Speaking
Paige Henderson was recognized as the Area 10 award winner in Beef Production Placement. She also was a team member of her Farm Management team, which received a Group 1 Rating.
Jaden Decker placed 1st in the Agriscience Fair Division 3 Animal Science. The project is titled “The Heritablility of Show Ring Success in Hereford Cattle.”
Taylor McGlothlin was an Area winner in Beef Production Entrepreneurship.
Cole Judy was awarded as the Agriculture Sales - Entrepreneurship Proficiency state winner.
Emma Hancock was recognized as the Area 10 Diversified Livestock Production proficiency award winner.
Stocking the Trailer
Hurst family awarded as the 2023 MHA Friend of the Association
Becoming a dedicated volunteer isn’t always in everyone’s wheelhouse. Brad and Sherry Hurst of Nevada, Missouri, are the prime example of a steadfast volunteer. As avid Hereford breeders, the Hurst family has spent countless years lending their hand to the Missouri Junior Hereford Association (MJHA) and Missouri Hereford Association (MHA). As a result, they humbly accepted the 2023 MHA Friend of the Association award at the banquet last December.
New Arrivals
At 12 years old, Sherry took the opportunity to join 4-H and purchase her first heifer from her aunt and uncle’s farm in Kansas. Growing up alongside that heifer, Sherry grew her herd as she made her way through school.
Sherry left behind the Herefords with her parents as she left for college. But when she returned with Brad at her side, some of the Herefords returned
under their ownership. In tow with the rest was Sherry’s prized first show heifer, which they held onto for fifteen years, unwillingly.
“The year that I was pregnant with Reba, that cow had twins, and we decided we would sell her after she raised those,” Sherry says. “We took her to the sale barn because she was getting old enough that she needed to be able to walk away, and we could make a little bit of something off of her. She brought nothing in the ring but 18 cents a pound, and I was in tears. Sure enough, my dad bought her back for me.”
That show heifer would be allowed to die at the farm. Nothing else was needed from her after a long, productive life.
On the farm, Sherry and Brad raised their two children, Reba and Justin. As they grew older, so did their interest in showing cattle. Reba spent her first year showing with a clubby heifer and
a rambunctious Hereford bucket calf. Although both of the animals weren’t well-behaved for the Hursts, it was enough to realize they wanted to take their herd to the next level.
“We knew that if Reba was going to show she couldn’t continue with those old genetics that I had started with,” Sherry says.
By incorporating Artificial Insemination, and hybrid vigor into their herd, the Hursts were set to take their cattle to the national level, both with horned and polled influence.
Selling the Product
The Hurst family set off to their first Junior National Hereford Expo (JHNE) in South Dakota in 2002. Packing up their stalls from the county fair the night before, the Hursts were excited for the experience. After setting up camp in the Missouri stalls late at night, the Hursts came back to the barn after a short rest.
The Hurst Family stands for a backdrop photo at the 2013 American Royal.
“We came in the next morning and our stalls were totally, completely gone. Our dividers had been moved and everything was back how it was before we had made our stall,” Sherry says. “We were like, what in the world happened?”
The Hurst family were perhaps a little upset after spending hours perfecting their own stall upon their late-night arrival. Short on sleep, they went to investigate where their stuff was.
The current Missouri Junior Hereford advisor at the time, Kathy Sissel, broke the news to the family about stalling as a group. The Hurst family had never stalled with anyone else, and the concept of stalling as a state was foreign to them. But, perhaps even a little reluctantly they agreed and soon found their spot between other juniors from Missouri. The week went on and as they packed up to go home, two ladies, Sarah Cotton and Nancy Erikson, approached Sherry. It was clear to see that Sherry was a hustler and go-getter, and so they thought she would be perfect to take home state stall decorations.
“They said to me, ‘You’re coming back next year, Right?’ I should have known to run, and after all, we brought it all home,” Sherry says.
Hurst would store the state JNHE stall decorations at their house for many years to come. The very next year Brad and Sherry were asked to be advisors for the MJHA. For the next 15 years, they spent helping not only their children, but also others within the state of Missouri succeed as individuals. This would include fostering relationships amongst juniors, preparing youth for the workplace through contest development and officer positions, plan state events at the JNHE, and much more!
When asked about their favorite memories from junior nationals, Reba mentioned the showmanship whirlwind in 2011. The family split time between taking cattle to both their local fair and the JNHE in Kansas City, Missouri, because unfortunately it was the same week. Justin took Herefords to Kansas City, and Reba kept her Hereford home for the county fair, which she would later in the week win supreme heifer with. This was no easy feat, as black hided cattle normally domindated. With her mother, Reba spent one day back in Kansas City to participate in showmanship.
“The best part about the showmanship deal is I didn’t even do it with my own calf,” Reba says, while cracking a beer
and cutting up with her brother around the kitchen table.
Reba went in for the first heat, and while she was lucky to get the call back, she had told her dad that she needed to find another heifer to borrow. This continued, and after borrowing a new heifer for each round of callbacks of showmanship, Reba ended up in the top ten of senior showmanship with a heifer she never touched before that day–a moment she always believed was unique to this day. While there is something to be said with working with an animal at home, a true showman can take any animal and show them with an easy stroke and gentle spirit.
The family went on for many years to exhibit cattle at the national level. From winning the cow-calf pair show at the American Royal, to the carcass contest at the JHNE with a steer they raised, to Reba being awarded the Golden Bull, the Hursts are thankful for the time spent together creating countless memories.
“Without the time spent together traveling everywhere, we wouldn’t have the memories and opportunities we do today,” Sherry says.
The family also has made amazing, lifelong friendships through those cattle
Reba and Justin Hurst laying with their show heifers at one of the many Junior Nationals they attended.
Sherry (right) was an avid Hereford enthusiast from an early age. She would travel with her family to local shows, pictured here with her mother Katherine, at one of the outings.
experiences. The countless hours spent traveling the highways included many funny stories, some that wouldn’t be appropriate to discuss. Not only were the Hursts raising cattle, they were raising kids. The responsibilities of doing things on your own, waking up early, working hard and always putting your top effort into a task were just a few of the things Reba and Justin learned from the MJHA.
Jocelyn Washam (Butler) remembers meeting the Hurst family at South Dakota that first year. With both the Butlers and Hursts serving together as advisors for more than a decade, becoming lifelong friends was bound to happen.
“We have traveled with them a lot to shows,” says Jocelyn. “Lots of great memories are still fresh on my mind; the Hursts are all about kids and family! At the end of the day, it’s not about the purple banners, it’s about your friends and what they mean to you. The Hurst family has and will always be very dear friends to my family and would have your back no matter what.”
Cherishing the Business
Brad and Sherry spent years behind the wheel of H&H Show Supply, a stock show and farm equipment trailer that could often be found at many local, regional and several national livestock shows. While maintaining the business, the cattle and their family, the Hursts are thankful for the livestock industry for teaching them the value of responsibility.
“Kids cost money, cattle cost money, everything costs money; I swear up and down this every day, even today, and the whole time we were in the sales supply business,” Brad says. “I don’t care whether it’s cattle, whether it’s sheep, goats, pigs, whatever, there is nothing better that teaches kids responsibility, than the value of a dollar.”
If you visited H&H
Supplies over the
Volunteering went hand-in-hand with the supply trailer, as the Hursts were always the first to volunteer to donate for a junior award. Showboxes, gift certificates, show products and much more were donated over the years for MJHA fundraisers and show prizes. Sometimes the family was asked. Sometimes Sherry and Brad just saw the need and purely volunteered to fill a void.
“They are good people and would give you the shirt off their backs, no matter what,” says Jocelyn. “They do it out of the goodness of their heart. It’s about family and the many kids they have touched.”
Currently, Brad and Sherry are retired to the farm where they are proud of the family they raised. Justin and his wife Meagan live in Nevada, where Justin is a tractor technician for R&R Equipment. For Reba, her husband Chris and children Zak and Ralin own Rapp Premium Genetics, where they raise Hereford, Angus, and SimAngus cattle and have an annual spring bull sale. Reba is also an ABS representative and works with her father for A.I. services, semen sales and nitrogen tank fills through H&H Custom Breeding and Consultation.
Zak and Ralin are busy with rodeo and showing cattle. They share the love of livestock that their mother, uncle and grandparents have fondly valued for years. Growing up on a farm has allowed them to often work alongside their parents and grandparents; they’ll surely be driving the tractor on their own in no time at all.
Show
years, you were always greeted by the friendly couple –Brad and Sherry Hurst.
TRIBUTE TO JIM D. BELLIS
A time honored emblem of knowledge and wisdom, as the FFA Creed
Tributes and pieces from Jim D. Bellis' obituary
“It is not
the strength of
the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.”
–J.R.R. Tolkien
Life’s greatest moments can be shared with those who we love, and spaces that bring us happiness. James “Jim” Dale Bellis of Aurora, Mo., passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the age of sixty-seven after a decade-long battle with cancer. Honoring Jim is to remember how much he dedicated his life to those he loved and practiced being a servant of the land.
Jim was born in Aurora, Mo., on March 20, 1956, to Dale and Dorothy Bellis. The oldest of three children, the family was born into the family farm lifestyle. From raising cattle, to diversified crops, Jim felt his calling in life was to agricultural endeavors. As Jim moved through his childhood, he spent his high school career dedicated to FFA. Jim was mentored under Mr. Jim Golding, where he pushed his leadership skills through his positions as FFA Chapter President, Area President and State Secretary. Most importantly, Golding introduced Jim to Hereford cattle and the importance of teaching agriculture.
Mizzou was the university of choice for Jim to attend college, where he studied agricultural education in hopes of becoming an agricultural teacher. After college, Jim worked in the Wheaton and Aurora High Schools as the FFA advisor and agricultural teacher. He then moved to serve as the district supervisor of agricultural education within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the state of Missouri. However, Jim’s time spent in education was not over. Jim was hired as the assistant to the Dean of the College of Agriculture at Missouri State University (MSU). Throughout his time with MSU, Jim helped develop the once Department of Agriculture to the College of Agriculture through recruitment and funding efforts, helping recruit and grow enrollment from a small department to a college. One of
Jim’s fondest moments was mentoring students from every step in education about the importance of agriculture.
Jim was proud of the herd of cattle he developed in high school. Beginning as an Supervised Agricultural Experience project, Jim purchased his first Hereford heifer in hopes of exploring the advancements of genetic progress. From learning the ropes of showing cattle for the first time, to learning the concepts of expected progency difference (EPD) selection, Jim was hooked. Throughout his career and marriage to the love of his life Carla, carrying on the herd and improving genetics was at the forefront of his goals for the farm. He attended A.I. school and participated in tested bull programs to learn about genetic progress for his own herd.
As the herd grew, Jim was one of the first Hereford breeders to use EPD selection for genetic progress. Maternal greatness was the most important aspect to growing the Bellis herd. Jim’s knowledge and background brought many people to admire his work from around the U.S and around the world. His work garnered a list of accomplishments such as the Missouri Hereford Breeder of the Year, a seat on the American Hereford Association Board of Directors, and induction to the Missouri Hereford Association Hall of Fame.
Cattle wasn’t the only important aspect in Jim’s life. As a faithful servant of the Lord, Jim was dedicated to his church, Orange Cumberland Presbyterian.
states
Jim’s service to the church was extraordinary, from being baptized in Honey Creek, joining as a member, playing the piano and even serving as an elder. His involvement at a young age even led him to meet his wife Carla at Camp Cumberland while Jim was in college, and Carla in high school. They were married August 12, 1978, and were blessed with three children, Jamie, Joanna, and Jonathan – and later grandparents to Harper James, Ivee Mae, Nora Ellis and Carson Dale.
Jim led a life worth living. Aside from his professional accomplishments, Jim was a passionate musician. He played the trumpet throughout high school and college, even joining in the marching band. He loved to sing gospel music and share his passion with his family members. From silly songs, to treasured favorites, Jim’s family will forever live his legacy through the songs he
Jim D. Bellis
Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Carla Bellis; his children Jamie Johansen and son-in-law Kevin, Joanna Wilkinson and son-in-law Neal, and Jonathan Bellis; four grandchildren, Harper and Ivee Johansen, and Nora and Carson Wilkinson.
2024 MHA Field Day TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
8 am: Breakfast
Journagan Ranch
Google Maps: Journagan Ranch Missouri State University College, 36.9940736,-92.2587142
8:30-9:30 am: Cattle viewing with guest 4H Ranch
11 am - Noon: Cattle viewing
Storie Farms 212 Nation Drive, Conway
12:30 pm: Lunch & Speaker
Menzies Cattle Co. 5667 MO-38, Marshfield
1:30-2:30 pm: Cattle viewing
2:45-3:45 pm: Cattle viewing
High Prairie and McCorkill Farms 18 Alsup Lane, Fair Grove
4:45-5:45 pm: Cattle viewing
Miller Herefords 20500 Sioux Dr, Lebanon
6 pm: Meal & Entertainment
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
9 am: Breakfast
WPH Ranch 975 Stillhouse Rd, Mountain View
9:30-10:30 am: Cattle viewing with guest Wirthmor Polled Herefords
Noon-1 pm: Cattle viewing
WMC Cattle Co. 1199 Co Rd 116, Wasola
1 pm: Food/Snacks
DISTRICT 8
For more information, please visit www.moherefords.org or call MHA Director Rusty Miller 317-840-7811. /moherefordassociation
District 3: Director – Riley Bradshaw
District 2: Director – Jon Black
District 4: Director – vacant
District 8: Director – Rusty Miller
Ozark
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