meet your Submitted photo
neighbors
Start the New Year with a Chisholm
T
Start the New Year with a Chisholm Trail Haybed!
Dale and Brenda Riley market bulls to commercial cattlemen, as well as heifers for show prospects to young exhibitors.
Be Prepared for Winter The Only Early!
Bale BedThe Only Bale Bed That Dumps! That Dumps!
Enjoying the Business By Laura L. Valenti
Dale and Brenda Riley have been raising cattle for more than 40 years in Phelps County,Mo. Next year, Dale and Brenda’s 80-acre Dale and Brenda Riley have been in the cattle business out- farm will become a century farm and they side Rolla, Mo., in Phelps County are pleased to be able to pass along their for more than 40 years and are love of agriculture to the next generation. Since 1987, they have been at the Missoustill enjoying what they do. “I was born about a mile and a half up the ri State Fair, either as participants, showing road,” Dale shared recently while reflect- their own cattle or supporting their children and grandchildren as they do the same. ing over his years in agriculture. “Trey is really into the cattle,” Dale conThe Rileys started out with commercial cows and then moved into raising Gelbviehs. tinued, the pride coming through in his “For many years, we did the registered Gelb- voice. “With him, the cows come before viehs, which is originally a German breed. anything else. Caleb does his own thing, We called them a triple threat because they raising Dorper sheep and crossbred sheep. were well-known in Europe as draft animals Brenda and I go to watch these days and as well as for their milk and beef production.” still really enjoy the showing.” The Rileys AI all of their cows at least In the US, Gelbviehs have become a maonce, a herd that today includes 20 head of jor part of the American beef market. “They are a really docile breed and that Gelbvieh, as well as some Red Angus/Balmakes them ideal for 4-H and FFA projects. ancer bulls. “We decided to add something We were involved with showing with our new a couple of years ago,” he continued. kids, Dale Jr., and Karen, when they were “I thought the Red Angus would fit well with the Gelbviehs.” growing up and now we do the Dale and Brenda direct market their same with our grandsons, Trey cattle and beef to their customers. (who is actually Dale Riley III, They sell bulls to commercial which is where the nickname breeders and market heifers to Trey comes from) and Caleb. Rolla, Mo. FFA and 4-H youth. They Granddaughter Savannah is into have also attended Springhigh school marching band activfield’s Farm Fest each year in ities rather than agriculture,” he October for the past 20 years, added with a chuckle. AUGUST 31, 2020
which they have found to be another profitable market. In addition to the cattle, Dale has worked for the St. James Wal-Mart distribution center for the past 18 years and Brenda has served the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department in the billing division for several years. Dale prefers quiet movement around cattle. “I used to work cattle on horseback, using Border Collies,” he continued with a wistful tone to his voice. “And I still enjoy using the Border Collies on occasion. I lost my father Lloyd Riley back in February this year, so I am caring for his commercial Angus cattle as well as my own cows right now.” Still, compared to most, Dale Riley considers himself a fortunate man. “I’ve moved twice in my life, from right up the road, and just a few miles away where I grew up,” he said. “Right now, while others are struggling with the restrictions involved with this CORONA virus, I can still get outside and move around with the cattle. It really helps to ease the tension with all that’s been going on in our world. And of course, the best part is watching my grandsons, the next generation, continue our family’s tradition of raising livestock and showing them.” Dale Riley knows that’s no small thing in today’s confused and complicated world.
Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com
Cattle Sale Every Saturday! 12 Noon, Selling All Classes of Cattle
Special Stock Cow and Bull Sale
Sheep & Goat Sale
4th Tuesday of 3rd Tuesday of Each Each Month Month, 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Next Sale Dates Next Sale Dates September 15th September 22nd Watch All Auctions Online at www.cattleusa.com
Call Lyle or Leon or one of our fieldmen to find out what we can do for you: Bobby Cole 573/ 674-3131 John Sanwald 417/718-3317 • Danny Cross 417/ 576-5461
Lyle Caselman, Owner/Mgr. 417-345-7876, mobile: 417-533-2944 Leon Caselman, Owner/Sheep Sale Mgr. 417-345-4514, mobile: 417-588-6185 Howard Miller, Owner - 417-818-3914
Buffalo Livestock Market
Barn 417-345-8122
7
