by Emma Alexander

In the Ozark Mountains and plateaus of south-central Missouri, cattle are likely to dot the landscape more than row crops. Dusty Collins set out to change the landscape and ended up finding a farming niche.

Nestled near West Plains in Howell County, an Agri-Ready-designated community, Collins grows corn, soybeans, corn silage and winter grain to feed the region’s livestock.

Crops contribute less than 1% of the value-added products and agricultural economic output of Howell County, according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study.

“Grain is generally brought into our area to be milled,” Collins says. “However, we have created a competitive advantage by growing a source of grain right here.”

Producing and marketing quality grain to sustain this multigenerational farm takes meticulous planning.

Down to details

Armed with a degree in wildlife conservation and management from Missouri State University, Collins returned to Collins Farming LLC during a tough job market in 2009. Reorganization of the family farm created an opportunity for Collins to become one of eight partners.

While some partners focused on cattle, being cross-trained in agriculture and biology with a focus on botany and chemistry, Collins tackled the crop side of the business.

His acumen for studying seed varieties, yield data, plant health, and variable seed and fertilizer technologies drives him to continue to analyze last year’s crop while this year’s crop is growing. Collins uses various chemistries to formulate rotating fertilizer and pesticide prescriptions, so weeds, pests and diseases are less likely to become resistant to treatment.

“A man with many hats doesn’t get wet in the rain,” Collins says with a chuckle. “I make sure to use all the tools I have available. In agriculture, there is not enough margin to make any big mistakes. Attention to detail is paramount.”

TALL ORDER: Dusty Collins’ son, Connor, holds a corn plant from the family farm as his daughter, Ava, walks behind. He began the row crop aspect of the multigenerational family farm 15 years ago.

No-till production practices take place on all crops. Cover crops keep soil in place year-round and produce additional feed for the family’s livestock.

“There is nothing more stressful than three weeks with no rain in the summer,” Collins says. “But there is also nothing more rewarding than planting something and getting to harvest it.”

Then, he adds, it comes down to marketing.

Sales stay local

The West Plains area is home to multiple mills that supply feed for numerous cattle and poultry farmers.

Most of Collins’ grain is sold within 50 miles of his farm’s home base. The local marketing approach allows him to deliver grain to processors more economically.

When he does deliver soybeans to Cairo, Ill., or Kansas City, it often turns into an opportunity as well. Collins returns with a load of soybean meal to sell to farmers in the region.

To ensure sustainability for the family farm, he also fills contracts to deliver corn silage to local beef producers.

Production challenges

The topography and soil profiles of the Ozark Plateau do not lend it to growing crops. Only 16% of the land in Howell County is deemed cropland.

“Land availability can be an issue,” Collins explains. “It is messy to assemble a functional and profitable farm in a region where tracts of land are so small. We may farm 3,000 acres, but those acres could be spread across three counties.”

The family farms on owned and rented ground, and he stresses relationships are important. While some of his landlords are businessmen from town, many live outside of the state.

FUTURE FARMERS: Dusty Collins found a farming niche that he hopes will sustain his farm for future generations, such as daughter Ava (left) and son Connor (right). 

Beyond land availability, risk management options are also a hurdle for Collins.

“Since our geographic location is essentially isolated from other row cropping areas of the state, we originally could not qualify for crop insurance,” he says. “The drought of 2012 was nothing less than a large disaster for us because we were unable to secure risk protection at that time.”

Despite the obstacles, Collins sees opportunity in row crop production in south-central Missouri.

Beyond the farm fence

Collins is a leader in his local agricultural community.

He serves as president of the Howell County Farm Bureau. As a 2023 member of Missouri Farm Bureau’s Advanced Leadership IMPACT class, he experienced a deep dive study of the agricultural supply chain.

Collins’ wife, Danielle, contributes to the daily operations of the family farm. The couple have a daughter, Ava, and a son, Connor.

“Now, after almost 15 years as part of the farm, there’s nothing else I’d rather do,” Collins says.