Randy Spears says he is doing what he loves

50x100x16

One side sheeted. One gable sheeted materials.

50x100x18

Roof only Materials

40x50x12

enclosed w/3” reinforced vinyl back insulation. 1- walk thru door, 2-10x10 openings, 26 ga. 40 year painted metal. All red iron frame. Materials.

INSTALLATION AVAILABLE

Call for pricing due to rising cost of steel.

All American Steel Buildings Pole Barns • Commercial Buildings Agricultural Buildings • Shops Custom I-Beam Construction Toll Free: 1-888-364-9527 Offi ce: 417-671-8015 Fax: 417-671-8018

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm 12760 St. Hwy 76 • Cassville, MO 65625 www.superiormetalsalesinc.com sales@superiormetalsalesinc.com

A Thriving Family Farm

Continued from Page 9

ard for the farm, as well as a pastor’s wife, church pianist and children’s and women’s Bible class teacher,” Rob explained. “While she has helped with almost everything, she prefers working behind the scenes and is indispensable and deeply appreciated.”

A current major project is the development of infrastructure for a transition to a multi-species operation by land clearing and fence building. Initially, multi-species operations kept each species in separate pastures. Animals were then rotated on a set pattern to promote soil health, to limit parasite issues and to meet the animals’ differing mineral needs. Recent research, however, indicates that mixing the species can provide the same results with the convenience of moving animals to different pastures at the same time rather than moving each species separately in a set pattern. Importantly, Katahdin sheep tolerate copper, a necessary mineral for cattle but not compatible with other animals such as goats. When completed, the farm will have 275 pasture acres though the Wilson’s own an additional 150.

The Wilson cattle herd is made up of heritage Aberdeen Angus, a breed originating in Scotland during the 16th century. Rob’s childhood experiences with cattle in the 1970s created an image in his mind of what an ideal Angus should look like. It was an image of the old Scottish breed.

“I remember Angus being short, wide and deep,” Rob said. “Through the years genetics have been altered to create an animal with a show animal phenotype.”

One day, Gerald Fry, a well-known and respected speaker, gave a lecture for church members at Rob and Nan’s house. During that lecture, Rob saw a picture of exactly what he remembered. Unfortunately, the original Aberdeen Angus breed was dying out. Rob’s goal is to save the Old World Black Cattle. He found an aging, all female herd in Rhode Island and semen stored at the University of Maryland, as well as 20 females in Scotland, with semen from the Scottish Milk Board. DNA testing was done to ensure the animals were not commercial but the original polled cattle raised in a closed herd. The Wilson’s now have 60 females bred by two bulls.

“Our goal is to preserve the purity and production of the Old World Black Cattle as a breed,” Rob said. “We want a sustainable economic and ecological system that promotes healthy land and animals for the benefit of both producers and consumers.”

The first addition to the Wilson operation was the result of their oldest son wanting to milk and show dairy animals. He started with Red Devons. One day Gerald, now a friend, asked if the Wilsons would babysit a Jersey cow. She produced twice as much milk as the Red Devons and had the popular A/2-A/2 genetic marker.

Then Gerald found Jersey semen in New Zealand with the same marker, and Rob used some as part of developing their now 25head dairy herd. Later, the eldest daughter was interested in sheep and introduced Katahdins to the Wilson Ranch. Katahdin’s were chosen for their gentle temperament and parasite resistance, as well as not having to be sheared. The flock started with 2 lambs, a 7-year-old ewe and a ram. Now, however, the registered herd has 60 females with plans to increase the flock to 100. “We are actively looking for a ‘Joseph’ to serve as a farm manager because we are growing and will continue to grow,” Rob said. Culls are marketed off the farm, with everything else sold on site using word-ofmouth and name recognition coming from Gerald continuing group presentations until he passed three years ago. Breeding stock includes registered bulls, rams and ewes. Semen from cattle and Katahdins is sold nationwide, with milk sold to locals. USDA-inspected cuts of grass-fed lamb and beef are available, and bred heifers will be coming soon.

The family is thriving. One son is applying to dental school, while another is applying to medical school and yet another is graduating from veterinary school. The remaining children are still at home contributing in the development and attainment of their ranching and life goals.

“The concept behind the farm is producing a legacy for our children. All the children have been happily involved with farming while learning the life skills and ethics Nan and I hoped for,” Rob confided. “Our end goal is to glorify the Lord with everything we do as we provide optimum food sources for our community and customers.”

meet your neighbors

Doing What He Loves

By Terry Ropp

The Spears operation includes as many as 1,600 stocker calves, in addition to a cow/calf herd

Randy Spears and his wife Dawna acquired their last 500 acres in calves in a 10- to 12-year productive lifecycle, so keeping the bulls with the mommas an unusual way. Randy’s parents had 105 acres in Farmington that was ripe for makes financial sense too,” Randy explained. urbanization. They ended up trading that land for 500 acres in part of the Weddington The commercial herd is worked in the summer, when part of the protocol is to adcommunity, which means their home is in Benton County. Between owned and leased minister a long-range wormer and attach a fly tag, in addition to administering annual land, Randy and Dawna farm 1,000 acres with three separate cattle herds. vaccines. The herd is provided with good mineral all year long, with hay and protein tubs

The smallest cattle “herd” is comprised of six dairy heifers used by their five grandchildren for support during the winter. as show cattle. The dairy traces back to Randy’s childhood, which was heavily influenced by “Cows don’t pay the bills so my commercial herd is made up of second-class citizens his father’s dairy. He remembers showing a Holstein heifer when he was 8-years-old at the and therefore receive the sorrier hay when necessary, but they are citizens and important district black and white show. Dairy ran in the family with his grandfather, A.C. Williams, nonetheless,” Randy confided. receiving a dairy cow as a wedding The heart of the Spears’ operagift from his father-in-law. Part tion is a stocker herd of 1,400 of what made that show mem- to 1,600 animals at a time, with orable for Randy was his grand- new cattle brought in weekly father buying him a green hat, from the Fort Smith, Decatur, green boots and green whip. He Stilwell, Siloam Springs or placed third and his competi- Springdale sale barns, dependtive nature kicked in. ing upon the day of the week.

“The same $200 calf won The arrivals, weighing 550 junior champion heifer at the to 650 pounds, are put togethstate fair,” Randy said. “From er in groups within a week of that time on, I was hooked.” arrival. At that time, they re-

Now Randy helps his grand- ceive respiratory vaccinations, children show different breeds a wormer and ear tags, in adof dairy heifers so they don’t dition to being branded. Not compete against each oth- long thereafter, they are sorted er as often, and so they can by size into pens with 80 calves participate in the premium in each pen. sale, which includes six dairy “Respiratory problems are our breeds. Randy often wondered biggest issue, with death loss alif all the work involved in his ways a problem in the stocker grandchildren’s showing was business,” Randy said. “Noneworth it. His goal was to have theless, we do the best we can each one participate as much and work at keeping all the as possible in the daily care of calves healthy and productive.” the heifers as a way of learn- The steers are fed daily with ing to thrive through having 17 percent protein soybean siresponsibilities. Then Covid Submitted Photos lage grown on the farm, as well hit and his grandchildren didn’t as 3 pounds of hominy mixed show last year. with 1 pound of baking waste to meet energy needs. They also receive farm-grown hay

Randy’s question was answered when his 13-year-old granddaughter Parker recently asked, that tests at 11 to 12 percent protein and gain 2 pounds per day. After 100 to 120 days, “Are we going to show this year? If so, we need to get going because I need to practice.” calves are taken by the semi load to Innovative Livestock Services in Kansas. This trip

The second Spears cattle herd is a commercial cow/calf operation with 135 occures every other week. heavily Angus-influenced females bred by two Angus and three Charolais For 28 years, Randy has employed the dependable and dedicated Cervantes bulls. The reason for the Charolais bulls is that feed yards, according to Randy, Fayetteville, Ark. family. Two out of six brothers work fulltime throughout the year, with the because they maintain the muscle of Angus and the growing capacity of Cha- others also being employed on the farm. Randy is deeply appreciative of their rolais. The bulls are kept with the cows year-round because Randy’s grandfather contributions to his cattle operations. Randy admits when he was young, he always said he never did know when he might need some money for equip- didn’t understand the contributions and management methods for employees. ment, feed or other unexpected expenses.

“A momma cow’s only commodity is a calf and she can produce an extra two — Continued on Next Page

Powell’s Started Pullets!

 NO Antibiotics  NO Steroids  Farm Raised  Will be laying by April

Berryville • 344 Hwy. 21 North 870-423-4245

Yellville • 801 Hwy. 62 West 870-449-4966

Flippin • 9095 Hwy. 62 East 870-435-4400

Huntsville • 304 Labarge St. 479-738-6814

Green Forest • 181 West Main 870-438-5184

ORDER TODAY AT YOUR NEAREST POWELL LOCATION!

Harrison • 502 Hwy 62/65 N. 870-741-0855

Follow our Facebook page for delivery dates near you! www.powellfeedstores.com

Be sure to like our Powell Feed & Milling Co. Inc. Facebook page to keep up with new products, specials, coupons, giveaways, & MUCH MORE!

607368z Siloam Springs • 1629 East Main 479-524-3511

Imboden • 5564 Hwy 63 East 870-869-264

Harrison 502 Hwy 62-65 N. 870-741-9084 Green Forest 181 W. Main St. 870-438-5184 Siloam Springs 1629 E. Main 479-524-3511 Flippin 9095 Hwy. 62 E. 870-453-4400 Huntsville 304 Labarge Ave. 479-738-6814 Berryville 344 Hwy. 21 N. 870-423-4245 Yellville 801 Hwy. 62 W. 870-449-4966 Imboden 5564 Hwy 63 East 870-869-2644 607368z Proud Supporter of Future Generations of Ag Business through the Future Farmers of America NORTH ARKANSAS LIVESTOCK AUCTION, INC.

Call 870-438-6915 For Sale Information & For Special Sales For on Farm Appraisal or Hauling Contact One of the Following:

“We Know Cattle, and we Know the Markets”

Berryville Clifty

Kevin (Short) Williams H - 870-423-3099 C - 870-423-8444 Elmer Robertson C - 479-466-0904 Kingston

Kevin Logan H - 870-545-3637 C - 870-423-7708 Troy Cline H - 479-665-2934 C - 479-738-7746

Restaurant on Premises Kirk Powell (870) 654-2205 and Ron Wallace (870) 654-6369

Community Owned and Operated with Consistency, Uniformity, and Convenience • Online Auctions with bidding • Professional staff • Hay and Water pens and services • On Farm Appraisals • Cattle sorted by size, • Free Parking weight, type • Hauling and Delivery • Receiving day before and day of

Auctions on Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Special auctions to be announced.

304 West Main Street • Green Forest, AR 72638 Offi ce (870) 438-6915 • Fax (870) 438-5223

www.northarkansaslivestock.com

meet your neighbors

Doing What He Loves

Continued from Previous Page

His father Bob always told him that if you’re worried about the payroll you are already broke. He also taught Randy that sometimes it’s necessary to be a cheerleader and thanking his employees for everything they do with every check he hands them lets them know how much they are appreciated.

In an effort to meet more local needs, Spears Cattle Company reserves three to five slots for meat processing for those who might want to buy a 1,000-pound steer but can’t find room in the crowded schedules of today’s processors.

Randy and Dawna have been married for 41 years. Randy works late often and is gone much of the time, including weekends. Dawna is understanding, something Randy deeply appreciates. Though she sometimes goes to the grandchildren’s athletic events alone, Randy is frequently with her as he is when they attend church at the Summers’ Baptist Church.

“I am doubly blessed. I have a wonderful wife and a job I love which means most of the time I don’t ‘work’ because I enjoy what I do,” Randy said.