Q&A with The Schafers

Meet Your Rancher: The Schafers 

Give a brief description of your farming operation 

My wife, two daughters, and I live on the place originally owned by my wife's great grandfather. I farm with my father in law and his two brothers in East Central MO. We raise 2800 acres of corn and soybeans, and background about 1500 head of cattle. We chop around 100 acres of corn silage for feed each year and use cover crops regularly to not only as a conservation method for the soil but also to gain additional grazing days.

Why are you passionate about the beef industry? 

I love the challenge. No two days are the same, and every year there is often a new circumstance arises that I learn something new. While at times relentless and requires some level of involvement 365 days a year, that is part what I love. When you show up to feed, everyone is excited to see you and comes running, it's an indescribable feeling. Also you get to witness an incredible transformation from a young unweaned and vulnerable calf to a grown up robust yearling ready for almost whatever Mother Nature can throw their direction over about a 4 month period, and know that you were a part of that process. That challenging and ever changing environment has given me an opportunity to make a career while providing my "neighbors" with wholesome, delicious food. 

What do you want consumers to know about you and your farm? 

We are just a normal family on a modern day normal farm. I believe as a farmer or rancher it's your responsibility to leave this Earth in better condition than when you started, and if you do your very best to care for the land and the cattle, then they will take care of you.

What is one of your favorite beef meals or recipes? 

A nice thick ribeye steak cooked medium rare on an open flame is hard to beat!