Triplets raise and show livestock at area fairs

Photo by Julie Turner-Crawford

meet your neighbors

The Francis triplets are the fourth generation to live and work on the family farm. Pictured, from left, are Paris, Ariel and Isaiah. All are members of 4-H and Isaiah is a member of the Stoutland FFA.

A Triple Threat

By Laura L. Valenti The Francis triplets are fourth-generation farmers, and show livestock at area fairs

Paris, Isaiah and Ariel Francis, 15-year-old triplets from Stoutland, for the 2020 show season. Isaiah’s steer was sixth in its class and the steer shown by Paris Mo., are the fourth generation to live and work on their family’s 400- stood third in its class. acre farm. The COVID-19 pandemic and changes in school leaves more time for outside farm

While their father Josh Francis, their grandfather Jerry, their uncle Zech and great chores and activities, which are often more appealing to the average teenaged farm uncle Chris, operate the larger farm, the triplets and their parents live on 80 acres. Josh youth than paperwork, computers and their related pursuits. also works in construction and mom Natasha does some childcare in their home and The Francis family also raises hay and their farm is home to a dozen head of cattle, a raises dogs. couple of horses and 30 chickens.

Since they were 6 years old, the Francis triplets have been involved in showing pigs, “We have shown pigs at the Richland (Tri-County) Fair, the Laclede County Fair and including crossbred Yorkshires and Hampshires. the Missouri State Fair,” Isaiah said.

“Right now, I have three crossbred Yorkshires,” Isaiah, who does the family’s AI work As far as their long range future plans, the three all have different dreams and ideas of for their pigs, explained. “My grandpa has one sow and two boars. I also have raise cross- what they might like to do. Isaiah is the first to say, he would like to find a long range bred show pigs.” future in agriculture as well as an additional career although at this stage in his life,

“Isaiah pays all of his own expenses on these pigs as well as doing the work, like he’s not sure what that might be. AI and taking care of them,” Natasha explained. “When he needs feed or other “I want to be a veterinarian,” Paris said. She said she would be interested in working supplies, he makes the calls and the orders himself. His dad felt like this would help with both large animals on the farm, as well as smaller animals like dogs and cats. him to better understand the business and to help him overcome some of his shyness. Ariel’s primary interest at the moment is photography and she enjoys taking He has sold several pigs to neighboring families for their kids to show at local fairs. pictures of nature. “Sometimes, I think he could run this place, he does so much. All three of these kids Stoutland, Mo. Whatever the future holds for the three, it is obvious they won’t stray too work like grown adults on this farm and we are really proud of them.” far from their family’s tradition of agriculture and the many ways it can

Isaiah and Paris raised crossbred Angus steers for the first time in preparation manifest itself over the generations of a farming family.

NOVEMBER 2, 2020 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com 7