October 23, 2024
by Emma Alexander
Like many farmers, Nathan Isakson grapples with what some refer to as “work-life balance.”
“Agriculture doesn’t sleep,” he says. “Average beef producers have about 40 head of cattle. The truth is that many of these farmers and ranchers must have some sort of off-farm job to make ends meet.”
Isakson, along with wife Taylor, is implementing processes and marketing strategies designed to help their farm thrive, while maintaining their family tradition now and in the future.
The two specialize in raising Angus beef cattle on his family’s generational farm near Lawrenceburg, Mo., in Agri-Ready-designated Lawrence County.
Their goal is to produce consistent, high-quality beef that meets consumer demands.
Responsibility on, off the farm
The Isaksons operation focuses on selecting low-input and low-maintenance cattle.
The couple incorporated artificial insemination into their beef production program in 2019. The process allows for synchronization of breeding schedules and calving.
Record-keeping tracks each cow’s calving ease and captures information on calving and growth patterns over the year. By selecting females that gain weight efficiently, Isakson reduces input costs and workload — an essential factor for their family.
The processes and organized approach to record-keeping allows them to manage stress and boost success, even while they juggle their professional responsibilities.
This is Isakson’s 11th year as the agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor for the Ash Grove FFA chapter. Taylor Isakson is an assistant vice president and lender for Freedom Bank. She is also wrapping up her experience as a member of the 2024 Cattlemen’s Leadership Cohort, sponsored by Missouri Cattlemen’s Association.
Leverage direct-to-consumer sales
Every beef animal born on Isakson’s farm has a purpose.
He assesses the costs associated with raising each animal either for a replacement heifer or finished product. Cattle that are less efficient move to his feedlot, earmarked for beef.
Isakson explains that by not investing further in females that don’t meet their criteria, they save costs. Instead, they sell these animals directly to consumers as butcher beef, which helps them maximize their value. This selective approach ensures their operation remains both environmentally and financially sustainable.
“We want consumers to know that all beef available at the grocery store is safe and wholesome,” he says, “but direct-to-consumer marketing gives us the opportunity to give purpose to cattle that don’t meet our herd’s benchmarks.”
The couple market their beef and build customer trust through their farm Facebook page, Isakson Cattle Company.
FUTURE BEEF PRODUCER: The Isaksons 3-year-old daughter, Korbett Paige, gets in on the action counting cows safely outside of the cattle pens. Agri-Ready-designated Lawrence County is ranked No. 1 in cattle and calf production in Missouri, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture conducted by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Engage through advocacy
In addition to work and farming, Isakson takes time to promote the agricultural industry.
“The world is run by those who show up,” he stresses. “As farmers, we have to show up. We bring value back home to the farm when we show up.”
For the past five years, Isakson served on the Lawrence County Farm Bureau board. He is a leader in the Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, where he and his wife regularly attend the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Convention.
Throughout the year, he participates in Cowboys at the Capitol, a weekly advocacy group organized by the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association to connect Missouri beef producers with lawmakers.
“I look forward to engaging with those that don’t share my views. I want to know what their view is and how and why they came to those conclusions. I often find that we have the same concerns, which gives me a chance to share agriculture’s values,” Isakson says. “It is important to build connections with people that are making decisions about policies that affect agriculture and the rural way of life. Many of them are removed from the farm, so they don’t get the opportunity to see the love and passion we have for our product, animals, land or our industry.”
The couple also make time for Missouri Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference, and meetings held by their local Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Association where they network with others in the agriculture industry.
“We don’t know everything,” Isakson admits. “We can glean new information and understanding by getting the opportunity to interact with experts. We gain professionally and personally from spending time around like-minded people.”
In recognition of their leadership, the Isaksons were honored as the Lawrence County Farm Family of the Year, a recognition cooperatively bestowed by Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri State Fair and Commission, University of Missouri Extension and Engagement, and MU College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources.
The Isaksons were also selected as Farm Family of the Year by the Professional Bull Riders during the organization’s Thunder Days event, an honor co-presented by the Missouri Beef Industry Council.
Alexander writes from Olga, Mo.
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