HELLO FROM THE EDITORS
As we head into the close of another year, there’s a lot to feel optimistic about in the Hereford community. Cattle markets are strong, enthusiasm is high, and momentum continues to build across the state of Missouri. It’s a great time to be in the cattle business.
We’re especially excited to welcome Larry Day as the new Secretary/Treasurer of the Missouri Hereford Association. Larry’s leadership and passion for the breed are sure to bring fresh energy and perspective, and we can’t wait to see where he helps take our association next.
This issue serves as a poignant reminder that the heart of this breed lies in its people, and there’s room for everyone to play a part. Whether it’s volunteering at an event, attending meetings, or simply inviting a friend to join an association activity, every effort helps move our association forward.
We hope to see many of you at Hereford Weekend, November 1–2, in Sedalia, MO, for the annual meeting, banquet, and Opportunity Sale. It’s always a highlight of the year and a chance to connect with fellow breeders, celebrate progress, and plan for what’s ahead.
As the holidays approach, may you take a moment to reflect on what you’re thankful for — the people, the cattle, and the purpose that ties us all together. Reach out to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while, invest in new genetics, or step out of your comfort zone to try something new that benefits both you and your operation.
Together, we can continue to promote this incredible breed and the industry we’re proud to be part of.
Wishing you all a successful and gratitude-filled season,
The RRC Team
This newsletter is edited by Rural Route Creations 30487 Hwy J • Wentworth, MO 64873 www.ruralroutecreations.com
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Cassie Dorran, editor Jocelyn Washam, editor
Faye Smith, contributor Cayley Brown, contributor
STATE ASSOCIATION UPDATE
Missouri Hereford Weekend updates
Written by Larry Day
Fellow Hereford breeders and enthusiasts,
What a time to be involved in the cattle business, especially the Hereford breed. Show season is wrapping up with the numbers of Hereford livestock and exhibitors surpassing previous years. The level of excitement and enthusiasm throughout the barns and stalls of the shows I attended this past spring and summer is unreal. The state of the cattle industry with demand and prices at all-time highs definitely plays a part in this, but with the many qualities to offer, Herefords have experienced a level of popularity not seen in a while. The great improvements made within the breed are being noticed with Herefords winning major events here in our state. Herefords are still a breed not a color!
Sale season is in full swing, several Missouri Hereford Association members offer animals and frozen genetics from their programs through annual
production sales, online format sales, combined and consignment type sales and live animal displays. Each of these are opportunities for you to improve your genetic base. A great Opportunity for all will be found at noon on Sunday, November 2 during the Missouri Opportunity Sale. Be sure to check out the excellent genetics both live and frozen being offered. Speaking of the Hereford Weekend, make plans to attend the annual meeting and banquet Saturday, November 1, in the Taylor Woods Youth Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Meeting will begin at 5 p.m., meal at 6 p.m. with awards and live auction to follow. Lists of lodging choices can be found inside the cover of the Missouri Opportunity sale catalog.
We extend a huge thanks to the Wood, Sweiger and Thompson families for hosting the Missouri Hereford Field Day, which was held in Northwest Missouri. This annual event is a great opportunity
to visit fellow members’ operations. These events are a great way to interact with fellow members by viewing cattle and the production practices they implement. Members always have a good time with excellent food, fellowship and Hereford cattle. Make plans now as we travel to the Southwest part of the state in 2026.
In closing I would like to thank the board of directors for selecting me to be your Secretary/Treasurer. I am looking forward to promoting Herefords in Missouri and surrounding states. I will be keeping you informed of happenings and events within our organization. Be on the lookout for another avenue of communication that will be available to each of you.
Every Calf Deserves a White Face!
Larry Day MHA Secretary/ Treasurer
WOMEN ASSOCIATION UPDATE
Social hour updates and membership notes
Written by Tonya Bagnell
I hope everyone is having a wonderful fall, and enjoying the beautiful weather.
The Hereford Women will NOT be hosting the Social Hour before the Business Meeting on November 1, 2025.
We are asking for members to donate items for the silent auction/live auction that will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, and Sunday, November 2, 2025. The donations will be greatly appreciated.
The Hereford Women this year are concentrating on growing our membership. We will be holding a
membership drive the weekend of the banquet and sale.
We are collecting our members phone numbers so we can text updates to our members. We are always looking for new members to join our organization. Some of the missions we support are the following: the Missouri Hereford Queen, the Missouri Hereford Women's yearly $250 Scholarship, sponsorship of the junior show showmanship contest during the Missouri State Far, sponsor the social prior to the Hereford Banquet and Meeting, and table decorations for the tables at the banquet.
Please watch our Facebook page to keep up with all our activities during the year.
If you are interested in joining please send your $15 dues to 20500 Sioux Drive, Lebanon, Missouri 65536.
2025-26 HEREFORD WOMEN OF MISSOURI OFFICERS
President – Kyla Waters 660-631-0299 | kg4waterz@gmail.com
Vice President | Natalie Reed 816-820-4282 | natalie@reedent.com
Secretary | Tonya Bagnell 660-631-2109 tbagnell6452@gmail.com
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
Treasurer – Marijane Miller 317-341-3846 millerherefords@yahoo.com
Queen Co-Chair – Shelby Bagnell Haag Shelby: 660-631-3361 shelbyhaag18@gmail.com
Rachael Bagnell 660-631-2918 | rabagnell@gmail.com
Triple Pepper Breakfast Casserole
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
• 12 beaten eggs
• 1 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 chili pepper, or poblano pepper, chopped
• 1 white onion, chopped
• 26oz package of frozen hashbrowns
• 1-2 cups of pepper jack or grated cheese of your choice
• 24oz can of little smokies cut into bite pieces*
2. Chop pepper, onion, and grate or chop cheese in 1-inch chunks and set aside.
3. Crack eggs and mix to scramble - do not cook.
• Salt and pepper to taste. About 1-2 tablespoons each as eggs and potatoes need it!
*Can substitute smokies for ground beef, ground sausage, ground turkey or deli ham. Make sure meat is cooked prior to adding to recipe
4. Cut up Smoky Sausage in four pieces from each link. These links are about half the size of your fingers. Place on top of hashbrowns in the dish.
5. Spray 9 x 13-inch oven safe dish with oil or Pam Spray, then place thawed hashbrown in the casserole dish.
6. Add pepper and onion to eggs.
7. Sprinkle with cheese and then pour on top the egg mixture.
8. Cover dish with foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
9. Uncover and take off the foil the last 5 - 10 minutes and allow to the top to brown. Make sure the eggs are set in the middle of the casserole and not wet
Serve warm with biscuits, fresh fruit, and juice for a perfect brunch, breakfast or evening ‘Breakfast for Dinner’ meal!
The Ranch Kitchen Original Recipe - Alise Nolan I theranchkitchen.com
Tonya Bagnell Missouri Hereford Women Secretary
JUNIOR ASSOCIATION UPDATE
Summer success and planning for fall
Written by Emma Hancock
Hello everyone! I hope everyone is having a wonderful school year! Back in September, we got to visit some amazing farms at our Annual Missouri Hereford Association Field Day. The event this year was held in Area I, where we got to visit some incredible programs and people! Thank you to everyone who made this event possible. Also, a huge thank you to the people who volunteered their time and displayed their outstanding Hereford cattle.
Join us on November 1 and 2 for this year's Missouri Opportunity Sale at the Missouri State Fairgrounds. The first
night is our annual meeting and awards, where we get to recognize those who are behind the scenes who make this association the best! There will also be a silent auction and a meal for everyone to enjoy. The following morning is the sale beginning at noon.
Juniors, don’t forget we are not having a meeting at this year's sale.
Come out and support the Missouri Hereford Association and view some of the most outstanding head in the state! I hope to see you all there! And those who are competing at FFA National
Convention, I wish you all luck!
Have a great rest of your year!
Please send your $15 annual dues to MJHA Treasurer, Tory Miller; 20500 Sioux Drive, Lebanon, Missouri 65536. OR send Venmo to @MO-Jr-Hereford
Scan the QR Code to send dues via Venmo.
2025-26 MISSOURI JUNIOR HEREFORD ASSOCIATION OFFICERS
President – Kristin Waters, Norborne
Vice President – Jorja Ebert, Holt
Secretary – Maggie Reed, Green Ridge
Treasurer – Tory Miller, Lebanon Reporter – Emma Hancock, Bolivar
Fundraising Chairs
Beau Ann Graves, Chillicothe Karsyn Kleeman, Braymer
Directors Connelly Ward, Oak Grove Reagan Sneed, Houstonia
Emma Hancock MJHA Reporter
A WORD FROM THE ADVISORS
Dues reminder and JNHE shirt fundraiser
Written by Marijane and Hayley Miller
After a hot and dry summer, it sure is refreshing to get a little moisture (stressing the little part) and a little relief from the heat. Fall calving is almost over, and it is time to start breeding cows. Before you know it, Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here. We have so many opportunities to be thankful for.
Speaking of opportunities, the Missouri Hereford Opportunity Sale and Annual Banquet is scheduled for November 1 and 2. Larry Day has been working diligently to get the consigners lined up and making this a great sale. The annual banquet will be held on
Saturday evening with the sale beginning at noon on Sunday.
The juniors will once again be auctioning off the back of the state T-shirts that all members wear at the Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE). This is a wonderful advertising tool for your farm or ranch.
This is also a great time to pay your Missouri Junior Hereford Association (MJHA) dues. They are $15 annually. If you cannot attend the sale, you can mail your dues to Tory Miller, Treasurer at 20500 Sioux Dr, Lebanon, MO 65536,
or send via Venmo. All dues must be paid by April 15 of each year for the member to serve as a state delegate at JNHE, be a candidate for Outstanding MJHA member, to vote in elections or receive other awards from MJHA.
We hope everyone can make it to the banquet and sale. Have a blessed holiday season.
2025-26 MISSOURI JUNIOR HEREFORD ASSOCIATION ADVISORS
Marijane Miller & Hayley Miller 20500 Sioux Dr, Lebanon, Mo 65536 317-341-3846 millerherefords@yahoo.com
James & Magan Henderson 278 Potters Rd, Buffalo, Mo 65622 417-818-6272 magan.henderson@gmail.com
Travis McConnaughy & Aubrey Plotner 1199 Co. Rd 116, Wasola, Mo 65773 417-989-0486 t-mc2009@live.com
Hayley and Marijane Miller MJHA Advisors
BUILDING A LEGACY IN HEREFORDS
The Miller Family
Written by Cayley Brown
When Rusty and Marijane Miller packed up their family and left Indiana for the rolling pastures of Lebanon, Missouri, they weren’t just changing their zip code. They were embracing a new chapter, one that would center on cattle, family, and faith.
“It was a long process,” Marijane remembered of the 2012 move. “We wanted to get out of row crops and just raise cattle. Missouri felt like the best place for that.” She and the children— Clayton, Jody, Hayley, Tory, and Taylor— moved ahead, so the kids could begin school, while Rusty stayed behind to wrap up their life in Indiana.
“To move a farm from one state to another took all of us,” Marijane says. “It was a true family undertaking.”
Generations of Herefords
The Miller’s story with Herefords began long before the move to Missouri. Rusty grew up in the breed, showing cattle alongside his siblings. His father, George Miller, purchased his first Hereford as a 4-H project, an investment that sparked a lifelong passion and led to the founding of Miller Herefords in Indiana. Rusty carried the torch forward, buying into his dad’s cow herd as a teenager.
Now, the Millers represent four active generations tied to the Hereford breed. Their oldest son, Clayton, and his wife, Chelsea, live in Kearney, Missouri, where Clayton serves as cow herd manager at Wright Charolais. They are raising four children—Luke, Kora, Emma, and Lany—who already spend a great deal of time around cattle. Their daughter Hayley lives just down the road from the farm and works as an agricultural teacher and FFA advisor at Lebanon High School. Their daughter Jody also makes her home in Lebanon with her two sons, Stetson and Slayton. Taylor, another daughter, lives in Conway with her husband, Garrett Wood, and teaches third grade at Maplecrest Elementary in Lebanon. The youngest, Tory, is a senior at Missouri State
University, majoring in Agricultural Business, while still living at home. All five children were raised showing cattle and remain closely connected to the family’s Hereford program.
The next chapter is unfolding as the grandchildren begin to step into the ring. Luke, their oldest grandson, at age nine, has already started showing, carrying on the tradition, even though his first calf happened to be a Charolais cross.
“The rest of the grandkids are still too young,” Marijane says, “but they’ll all be showing cattle soon enough.”
A Family-Centered Way of Life
From the start, Miller Herefords has been defined by family. Rusty and Marijane’s children grew up on the farm, learning their first lessons in responsibility by preparing show and sale cattle, doing chores, and working alongside their dad.
Hayley remembers those early days vividly saying, “We didn’t always sit down and practice math at the kitchen table. We often learned by counting cows or helping with chores. Dad would let us drive or help with cattle work at a young
age. He gave us the chance to learn, and it made us want to keep doing it.”
Even now, as young adults, the Miller kids stay involved. Each has cattle within the larger herd, and when a big project arises, whether it’s working calves or preparing for a sale, everyone comes back home to help.
“The biggest blessing is that we truly get to do it as a family,” Tory reflects, “Whether we’re at a show or at home where no one’s watching, it’s still all of us together.”
For Marijane, the cattle have been a backdrop to something greater. "My proudest accomplishment is watching our kids grow into mature, responsible adults who care about people and animals. That’s the true legacy,” she says.
Family. God. Nature.
The Miller motto is simple: Family. God. Nature. They don’t just talk about their values, they live them.
“God is the most important above all,” Marijane says. “He’s the reason we’re all here. Then, family—we do everything as a family. And nature—we rely on it every single day to provide.”
This emphasis on faith and family also guides the way they promote their program. Their website echoes these same sentiments, reflecting their belief that honesty, hard work, and gratitude for God’s creation are at the heart of raising cattle.
Foundations of Quality
Today, Miller Herefords markets breeding bulls, commercial-influenced Hereford heifers, and show heifers. They also run a successful custom embryo transfer program, raising calves for clients such as Allen Miller of Prairie View Farms Angus.
On the purebred Hereford side of things, Rusty leads most of the breeding decisions, always with an eye toward balance.
“We’ve tried to stay in the middle of the big trends,” he explained. “That way
Rusty Miller as a child with a Hereford calf.
we can go either way when we need to shift.”
Selection is grounded in expected progeny differences (EPDs), phenotype, and disposition.
“We can’t sell bulls with bad EPDs,” Rusty said. “Cattle have to be sound, easy-going, and the kind people want to use.”
Hayley adds that show cattle must fit into the bigger picture.
“Our show heifers don’t just show, they have to go on and make productive cows in the herd.”
Over the years, key cow families have shaped their breeding program. One donor of significant note is RR MH GOLDEN LADY 9540 and her influential daughters, including MH 29F Miss Online 8367 ET, who went on to be Grand Champion Cow-Calf at the Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE).
“Those cows made us who we are today,” Rusty said. The Miller name is well known at shows across Missouri
and beyond. Their big wins at JNHE include Reserve Carcass Steer, Reserve Bred-and-Owned Heifer, Champion Bull, and Reserve Bred-and-Owned Cow-Calf at Junior Nationals, in addition to state-level wins at the Tulsa State Fair, the Missouri State Fair, and the Ozark Empire Fair Junior Show. Notably, all the cattle the kids have exhibited over the years have been bred-andowned animals.
“Our first big Junior National win came in 2007,” Hayley recalls. “Since then, it’s been steady. Each banner is special, but what matters is that we did it together.”
Investing in Youth and Leadership
The Millers’ commitment to the breed extends beyond their own herd. Rusty serves on the Missouri Hereford Association (MHA) board, where he sees opportunity in connecting Hereford bulls with commercial cattlemen.
“Through the annual Opportunity Sale, we’re working to put more
Hereford genetics into commercial herds,” he said. “We’ve also added commercial heifers to draw in more people, and it seems to be working.”
Marijane and Hayley both serve as advisors to the Missouri Junior Hereford Association (MJHA), guiding the development of youth leadership.
“The juniors are very excited about the breed,” Marijane said. “They all have their own ideas about leadership, and they’re strong leaders. The future of Herefords looks very promising.”
The Miller children have also taken on leadership roles of their own. Tory has served as secretary and now treasurer of the MJHA, while Taylor has held the treasurer position.
“It’s just cool to be part of an organization that shares the same values and passion you do,” Tory says.
As an ag teacher, Hayley often draws from her Hereford roots when mentoring students.
Top Left: 2024 Junior National Hereford Expo Reserve
Bred & Owned Cow Calf Pair
Top Right: The Wood Wedding: Taylor, Garrett and family on their wedding day.
Bottom Left: The Miller family working together at the 2025 Junior National Hereford Expo.
Bottom Right: The Miller kids in 2010 (from left to right): Jodi, Hayley, Taylor, Tory and Clayton.
“I tell them, don’t be afraid to ask questions," Hayley says "Watch people you admire, learn from them, and get involved. That’s what this breed gave me, and I want to pass it on.”
Looking to the Future
As the Miller family looks ahead, their goals remain steady: breed sound, functional cattle and continually improve with each generation.
“The Hereford breed is getting so good that it’s hard to stay on top,” Rusty admitted. “But we just want to keep moving forward, keep making them better.”
As the kids are aging out of junior shows, the Millers also hope to place quality heifers in the hands of other young breeders.
“It’s exciting to watch other people succeed with cattle that came from us,” Rusty says.
The Miller family believes the excitement lies not only in cattle but in the people who surround them.
“We’ve tried to teach our kids to have compassion and to cheer people on,”
says Marijane.
“It’s not just about cattle, it’s about family, and it’s about people.”
From George Miller’s first Hereford 4-H project to today’s multi-generation farm in Missouri, Miller Herefords has always been about more than cattle. It’s about building a life rooted in faith, raising children who care deeply, and showing the power of doing things together.
“We eat and breathe show cattle,” Hayley says with a smile. “But really, it’s family that makes it all possible.”
SEMO DISTRICT FAIR - CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO
Junior/Open Show: September 10-11, 2025
JUNIOR/OPEN SHOW JUDGE: JEFF GOODEN, OAK GROVE, MO
Head's up! Make your plans for the 2025 Missouri Hereford Weekend Sedalia, Missouri
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1
5 P.M: Annual meeting 6 P.M: MHA banquet and awards ceremony Noon: Missouri Opportunity Sale
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Champion Junior/Open Heifer SLC7H DREAM ON 5M T OWNED BY: Phillip Mueller
Reserve Champion Junior Heifer PRF 18072 IRIS 330L OWNED BY: Wyatt Russell
Champion Junior Bull Reserve Champion Open Bull MPH 41H CONVOY 12F 5M OWNED BY: Emmalee Mueller
Champion Bull Open Show SHOCK DALLAS COUNTY 64L ET OWNED BY: Camryn Shepard
Champion Junior/Open Cow/Calf Pair COW: RMP 24B MISS TRISTINE 019C CALF: CPH MILKYWAY N10 OWNED BY: Charlotte Cook
Reserve Champion Open Heifer BP SP EF 2296 REN 4M ET OWNED BY: Shelby Pearl
SALE RESULTS
CMPHBA 126th Annual Sale
Cuba, Mo. | September 20
Auctioneer: Jordan Hunter
Reported by: Larry Day
LOTS
59 registered 10 Hereford influenced 69 total
$3,923
$3,720
$3,893
$400 10 straws semen, RTR Gladiator G16 ET
Donated by Rafter T. Sold to WPH, West Plains, MO
Top Selling Lots
Bulls: 6 total, Gross: $22,850, Avg: $3,808
Top Lot: 56, $4750 VOWA sold to Shaun Watson, Cabool, MO
Open Heifers: 10 total, Gross: $28,400, Avg: $2,840
Top Lot: 33, $3400 Hatchee Creek/Mistler sold to Rafter T, Omaha, AR
Spring Pairs: 12 total, Gross: $68,700, Avg: $5,725
Top Lot: 18, $3100 Butler Polled Herefords sold to Dampier Farms, Phillipsburg, MO. Lot 18A, $5000 Butler Polled Herefords sold to Brad Waltz, Jasper, MO
20 & 20A, $4700 Butler Polled Herefords sold to Daniel Loehrs, West Plains, MO
Bred Heifers: 7 total, Gross: $24,100, Avg: $3443
Top Lot: 2, $3950 Ace Polled Herefords/ Fanning sold to Birk Farms, Gridley, KS
Bred Cows: 15 total, Gross: $52,300, Avg: $3,487
Top Lot: 3, $5200 Ace Polled Herefords/ Fanning sold to Malone Herefords, Emporia, KS
Top Hereford Influenced Females
Open Heifers: Lots 71&72, $4000 Rolling Hills Acres/Lueckenotto sold to Shaun Watson, Cabool
Bred Heifer: Lot 67, $4350 Days Family Farm sold to Nicholas Heidland, Owensville, MO
Pair Lot: 14X, $4600 Besher Farms sold to Chet White Cole Camp MO
Bred Cow: Lot 68 Days Family Farm sold to Jim Rollins, Hindsville, AR
417's Finest
Fair Grove, Mo. | September 27
Auctioneer: Mark Sims
Reported by: Ellen Mason
LOTS
23 fall pairs
11 spring pairs
5 open heifers
44 total
Top Selling Lots
$228,100
$4,526
$7,450
$3,530
$5,184
$14,000 – THA 66589 BLAIR 003J
DOB 2/12/21 by /S MANDATE 66589 ET sold to Whispering Winds Farm; and March heifer calf by THA 632D RIGGS
012H sold to Molly McCorkill.
$8,650 – THA Z426 HARLEY QUINN 027J
DOB 9/8/21 by MOHICAN THM
EXCEDE Z426 sold to Dewayne Bedford; and March heifer calf by HUTH CLC DELUXE K016 sold to Whispering Winds Farm.
$8,500 – HPF 939 MAKENA 248
DOB 5/8/22 by HPF MANDATE 939 ET sold to Lizzie Spooler; and February heifer calf by RV VALOR 9444G ET sold to Morgan Radford.
$8,500 – THA 632D ENID 006H
DOB 2/28/20 by CHURCHILL PILGRIM 632D ET sold to Lizzie Spooler; and March bull calf by HUTH CLC WF DELUXE K016 sold to Gary Duvall.
$7,500 – CORKS MAKENNA 2322 ET
DOB 3/3/23 by UU KINGSLEY 7241E, 1/2 interest sold to Brett Sayre.
$6,750- HPF 6964 BELLA 276 ET
DOB 10/2/22 by R Leader 6964 and bull calf at side by HPF 23C Guardian 364 sold to Gary Mistler.
Journagan/MSU
Springfield, Mo. | October 4
Auctioneer: Eddie Burks
Reported by: Jim Reed
LOTS
94.5 registered 14 commercial total
Top Selling Lots
24 Age Advantaged Bulls, Gross: $167,750, Avg: $6990
Top Bull: Lot 5, $10,750 LJR MSU 392E MAUI 54M sold to Bob Poiseil, Harrisonville, Mo
9.5 Spring Bull calves, Gross: $50.250, Avg: $5290
Top Spring Bull Calf: Lot 30, $7500 LJR MSU 217K NASH 82N sold to Leroy Huff, Rutledge, Mo 1/2 interest
27 Spring Heifer Calf Pairs, Gross: $211,800, Avg: $7845
Top selling Pairs: Lot 46, $10,500 LJR MSU Vixen 15J and 46A- heifer calf sold to Parmele Ranch, Walnut Shade, Mo
Spring Pair: Lot 19, $5500 LJR MSU HAZEL 19G sold to Last Dime Farm, Dora, Mo and 39A, $4250 LJR MSU BLAZE 92N sold to Bade’s Herefords, Augusta, Mo. Pair $9750
17 Bred Heifers, Gross: $76,900, Avg: $4523
Top Selling Bred Heifer: Lot 76, $5750 LJR MSU ESTHER 1M sold to Green Meadow Farm, Jasper, In.
17 Fall Calving Cows, Gross: $88,600, Avg $5211
Top Selling Fall Pair: Lot 84, $10,000 WLKR DCF CRCH H086 809 2438 sold to Cornerstone Ranch, Independence, Ks.
61 Registered Females, Gross: $377,300, Avg: $6194
Top selling commercial heifer: $5500 sold to Butler Polled Herefords, Republic, Mo
Thank you!
We appreciate all visitors, participants and Hereford enthusiasts for joining us in District 1 for the 2025 Missouri Hereford Association Field Day! The association would like to give a special thanks to Glen Waters, for coordinating the weekend full of fellowship and good cattle.
Field Day Participants
Thompson Family – Thompson Herefords
Sweiger Family – Sweiger Farms
Gary Wood Family – Civil Bend Herefords
GUIDING THE ASSOCIATION FORWARD
Larry Day begins as Secretary/Treasurer
Written by Cayley Brown
The Missouri Hereford Association (MHA) proudly welcomes Larry Day of Pilot Grove, Missouri, as the new Secretary/Treasurer. Day is no stranger to the breed or the Association. As a third-generation Hereford breeder, he and his wife Pam manage Day’s Family Farm alongside their children and grandchildren; thus marking three active generations on the farm today and ensuring a fourth and fifth are ready to carry on the legacy.
Day has spent more than 60 years immersed in Hereford cattle. He previously served as a board member, Vice President, and President of the MHA, as well as managing the longrunning Central Missouri Polled Hereford Breeders Association sale and the Missouri Opportunity Sale. Now, as he transitions daily farm duties to the next generations and approaches retirement from his off-farm career, Day is eager to step into a role that will keep him active in the breed and close to the people he values most.
“I believe the Secretary/Treasurer role is really the glue that holds the Association together,” Day explains. “My goal is to keep members connected, listen to their concerns, and pass them along to the right people, so we can continue moving forward.”
For Day, the Secretary/Treasurer position is about more than keeping the books in order; it’s also about keeping people connected. While he’s committed to staying on top of the details that keep the Association running smoothly, he emphasized that his top priority is membership growth and engagement.
“The Association used to be a place where people looked forward to the events; there was excitement, celebrations, and camaraderie,” he reflects. “Some of that has naturally fallen off, but I think we can bring it back. There are enough young people coming into the breed that we can build momentum again.”
Day’s philosophy centers on listening to members and creating opportunities for all breeders, regardless of herd size.
“Whether you’re a 20-cow momand-pop herd or a 200-cow operation, everyone deserves equal opportunities to succeed,” he says. “Every program is unique, and every breeder should be proud of what they’ve built. My goal is to help create avenues for learning and marketing that level the playing field.”
When asked about lessons learned from past leadership roles, Day highlighted the importance of honesty and accountability.
“I try to live by 'say what you’re going to do, then follow through and do it,'” he says. “Trust and respect are earned. I treat people as I’d want to be treated, and often, I aim to treat people even better.”
Day sees significant opportunities for Hereford genetics in Missouri’s cow herds, particularly through crossbreeding. With the state’s average herd size under 25 cows, he believes Hereford bulls can provide a significant impact for small to mid-sized operations.
“The studies on crossbreeding with Herefords have shown tremendous results,” he explains. “We can add pounds at sale time, improve efficiency, and bring value to commercial herds. Together, we can make black calves better one white face at a time.”
Day is also committed to communication and availability.
“I want members to know that I am here for them,” he says. “Call, text, or email me; I’ll always get back to you. It may not be within five minutes, but I’ll find the answer and follow through. This is a people business, and I’m a people person. What I can do for an individual breeder will ultimately help strengthen the Association.”
He is also quick to credit his wife, Pam, for supporting him in this role, just as she has in their farm and sale management work. Together, they look forward to serving the Missouri Hereford Association in this new chapter.
With decades of involvement in the breed, a clear vision for growth, and a heart for the Hereford community, Larry Day steps into his new role with enthusiasm and purpose. His steady leadership and approachable style promise to keep the Missouri Hereford Association strong, connected, and moving forward.
BRANDT TAPPED FOR CENTRAL REGION
Adapted from the American Hereford Association
Iowa native Austin Brandt started with the American Hereford Association (AHA) as central region field representative September 9. His territory includes Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska.
Brandt will represent AHA members in the region, attending Hereford sales and events and working to broaden relationships across the industry. He will also help Hereford breeders and commercial users of Hereford genetics utilize AHA promotional and marketing programs.
In addition to part of the north central region — Kansas, Minnesota and Nebraska — Brandt takes over Iowa and Missouri for Joe Rickabaugh, who retired in January of this year.
“We are thrilled to welcome Austin to the AHA,” says Kane Aegerter, AHA director of seedstock marketing. “His background and expertise in the livestock marketing industry will ensure
a smooth transition into this role. We are confident he will serve the central region with the highest level of dedication and professionalism.
Brandt grew up showing cattle across the country and served on the National Junior Angus Association board. He’s been involved in livestock marketing for almost 15 years, working for Livestock Plus for nearly a decade before taking over Lee AgriMedia/Midwest Marketer. Brandt contributes much of his knowledge to invaluable mentors and connections. He was born and raised in Corning, Iowa, and currently resides there with his family.
“I am very excited to be joining the staff at AHA and to continue the long-standing tradition of top-quality service to its members and customers. The entire AHA membership has dedicated themselves to delivering the best possible product they can for their customers, and I intend to do the same for them,” Brandt says. “I know I
have some big shoes to fill in Iowa and Missouri, taking over for Joe, but I am ready to get after it.”
Brandt can be contacted at 712-6211829 or at abrandt@hereford.org.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
Clayton & Chelsea Miller welcome baby girl
Meet the newest member of our herd!
Lany Elizabeth Miller was born on September 3, 2025, weighing 7 lbs 11 oz.
She is the daughter of Clayton and Chelsea Miller and the granddaughter of Rusty and Marijane Miller of Lebanon, Mo. She was welcomed home by her brother, Luke, and her sisters, Kora and Emma.
Holiday Must See's In Missouri
Looking for a new holiday tradition within driving distance? Take a look through a few seasonal favorites across the Show-Me-State.
Kansas City St. Louis
• Take a stroll through Crown Center and visit the Crown Center Ice Terrace for a quick skate lesson
• Watch the lights at the Country Club Plaza and do some holiday shopping
• For a local twist, walk through the Westport neighborhood Christmas Market on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Experience the Polar Express! Tickets run through Union Station in downtown St. Louis
• Bring the whole family to the City Museum for Weirdly Wonderful Holidays – an event packed adventure for all
• See some incredible lights at the Missouri Botanical Gardens
Jefferson City Springfield
• The annual Capital City of Lights begins on Dec. 6, load up the vehicle and see a beautiful light display
• Santa's wonderland is making home at the Bass Pro Shops all November and December!
• Stay tuned for the annual Candy Cane Lane at RutledgeWilson Farm, dates will be released soon
Cape Girardeau Joplin
• Take part in the Christmas Tree Lighting on Black Friday, Nov. 28! Rumor has it Santa may be in town.
• Support the town of Cape Girardeau and watch the Parade of Lights on Nov. 30 – take a moment to grab a horse drawn carriage ride.
• Shop till you drop every weekend at the annual Holiday Market Saturdays
Crown Center
Polar Express
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