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Page 26 %u2022 The Midwest Cattleman %u2022 January 2025800-753-6511www.Legendlespedeza.comLEGENDLESPEDEZALIMITEDSUPPLYDESIGNING A LEGACYOF BEEF PRODUCTIONThe Isakson family helps their farm thrive while maintaining their family traditionsby Emma Alexander | Missouri Farmers CareNathan Isakson is continuing a proud family tradition on his family%u2019s generational farm near Lawrenceburg in #Agri-Ready Designated Lawrence County. Specializing in Angus beef cattle, Nathan aims to produce consistent, high-quality beef that meets consumer demands. His wife, Taylor, plays a vital role in their beef business, and together they prioritize a strong family dynamic on the farm. Their 3-year-old daughter, Korbett Paige, gets in on the action, counting cows from the safety of their side-by-side. Like many farmers, the Isaksons sometimes grapple with what some refer to as %u201cwork-life balance.%u201d As Nathan observes, %u201cAgriculture doesn%u2019t sleep.%u201d Nathan and Taylor are implementing processes and marketing strategies designed to help their farm thrive while maintaining their family tradition now and in the future.Making a Living and Making a Life on the Farm%u201cAverage beef producers have about 40 head of cattle. The truth is that many of these farmers and ranchers must have some sort of offfarm job to make ends meet. Our processes help us choose animals that are lower input and easy keepers,%u201d Nathan explained. Nathan and Taylor started using artificial insemination (AI) to breed their cattle in 2019. The process allows him to synchronize breeding schedules and plan for calving. Nathan%u2019s impeccable record keeping begins with this breeding process, tracking each cow%u2019s calving ease, and captures information on calving and growth patterns over the year. By selecting females that gain weight efficiently, Nathan reduces input costs and workload%u2014an essential factor for their family. Their processes and organized approach to record keeping allows them to manage stress and boost success, even while they juggle their professional responsibilities. This is Nathan%u2019s eleventh year as the agricultural education instructor and FFA Advisor for the Ash Grove FFA Chapter. Taylor is an Assistant Vice-President and Lender for Freedom Bank. She is also wrapping up her experience as a member of the 2024 Cattlemen%u2019s Leadership Cohort, sponsored by Missouri Cattlemen%u2019s Association.Direct to Consumer OpportunitiesEvery beef animal born on Nathan%u2019s farm has a purpose. %u201cWe want consumers to know that all beef available at the grocery store is safe and wholesome, but direct to consumer marketing gives us the opportunity to give purpose to cattle that don%u2019t meet our herd%u2019s benchmarks,%u201d he said. Nathan%u2019s thorough record keeping allows him to assess the costs associated with raising each animal. Cattle that are less efficient are moved to his feedlot, allowing them to be marketed as beef. %u201cWe save the input cost of further developing a female that doesn%u2019t fit our mold. We capitalize on the value of the beef in that animal by offering them direct to consumer as butcher beef,%u201d Nathan said. %u201cBeing choosy about the animals we raise makes our operation sustainable, environmentally and financially.%u201dNathan and Taylor market their beef and build customer trust through their farm Facebook page, Isakson Cattle Company. Notably, #AgriReady Designated Lawrence County is ranked number one in cattle and calf production in the state of Missouri according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture conducted by the USDA NASS (National Agricultural Statistics Service).Showing Up to AdvocateOn top of working and farming, Nathan is an engaged advocate for the agricultural industry. %u201cThe world is run by those who show up. As farmers, we have to show up,%u201d he stresses. %u201cWe bring value back home Photo courtesy of Nathan & Taylor Isakson