A conversation with everyday Stockmen,
Jim Brinkley - Brinkley Angus Ranch of Milan, Mo.
About the Stockman.
"I graduated high school in 1979 and went to work for my future father-in-law. Sherry and I got married in 1980 and we have been running yearlings and cows ever since. Our cattle operation started with a smaller commercial herd. We have evolved our diversified farm operation over the years. We currently manage more than 300 purebred Angus cows as well as 120 commercial recip cows. We implant 200 to 250 embryos a year. Brinkley Angus operates on 2,000 owned acres and 1,200 rented acres of pasture and hay ground near Milan, Mo. We are a family operation. Our daughter, Crystal, and our son, Justin, as well as our four grandchildren Chloe, Brae, Ayden, and Walker are all an integral part of Brinkley Angus. We are primarily fall calvers. We do calve a few recips during this time of year, but not many. I really enjoy working with my commercial cattle customers. I like to try to make them successful. We try to help them market their calves and if they have bred heifers or cows to sell, we try to help them market those too. We work closely with Green City Livestock in Green City, Mo., to market our cattle and to assist our customers in marketing their cattle as well."
What about the beef cattle industry excites you the most?
"Our future is what excites me the most today. Good times are coming, and I mean real good times. I think the markets are going to get really good in the next few years."
What is your least favorite job on the farm?
"I am not crazy about plowing snow or fighting mud."
What is your go-to sorting apparatus?
"I use a paddle or a flag. But typically, a paddle."
Describe your best or worst day.
"I have a lot of best days honestly; AIing, calving, sale day, getting to go have lunch with a customer – all of those types of things constitute a good day to me. I love what I do so that makes most every day a good day."
Your favorite non-farm activity to do in your free time?
"I enjoy going out to dinner with my wife. I also enjoy going to the lake with my family."
The most important lesson you’ve learned in this business?
"Listen to your customers."
Which animal (any species) has left the greatest impact on you?
"BAR Blackcap 3683-745, which is the granddam of the bull BAR Dynamic. I sold BAR Dynamic to ABS Global, Inc. BAR Blackcap 3683-745 had a big impact on me and our operation. We have a lot of good cows, but she has just always been one of my favorites."
Upcoming Sales:
21st Annual Production Sale: Saturday, March 18th, 2023, Green City, Mo.
Photos courtesy Brinkley Angus Ranch
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