Total Grazing Saga Continues

Goodness, it’s been a long time since giving an update. I’ve since verbally shared my experiences with those who are interested and have contacted me. Here’s a current synopsis of my thoughts and changes.

My journey and changes in management since joining/implementing Real Wealth Ranching

Began in fall of 2020. 

After attending the summer of 1994 3-day grazing school at FSRC, Linneus, MO, I began implementing Management-Intensive Grazing in earnest and, initially, amazing results in increased forage and healthier animals emerged:  we were very successful, but then, in my opinion, after a few years, we’ve been going backwards to the point of feeding hay again and watching desirable forage species disappearing.  I just figured that I was not following the protocol well enough to be as successful as so many others seem to be.   For years i’ve watched my cows selectively graze in large (20 acres or less) paddocks as they shift through the 28 paddocks with soil or grasses not improving, but I’m working harder and my herd needed downsizing as grazing improvements were disappearing!  The smaller paddocks do help some, but the infrastructure cost (initial and maintenance) is not offset in the long run because signs of continuous grazing eventually return.

This is not to recommend throwing all that I’ve learnt out the window about managed grazing, but it’s past time that changes are made to move in a different direction.  For example, in our north Missouri, USA climate, and during the growing season, 3 days is the limit on a paddock before regrowth will begin.  Cows must not have access to that regrowth!  Manage for that.

Paddock changes – moving fences to a more user-friendly manner so as to more easily implement 4x daily movements.  By and large, for me, this means 20ish acre rectangular paddocks about 650 feet across the narrow bit.  Life is not perfect –but that is the ideal – do your best to balance with your topography and watering points.

Eliminated whole farm fence energizing.  As portable electric fencing products become more powerful, I feel it is prudent to upgrade and shift to be more flexible and reduce labor.  By using the 1X portable energizer I found from Powerflex fence and only energizing that part of the fence containing the cattle, there is more shock to the cattle if they touch it and I don’t have to track down ‘shorts’ in 10 miles of electric wire thereby drastically increasing effectiveness and labor.  The admonishment of keep all the fence hot to burn through forage and keep deer from knocking it down or breaking it, is simply not a thing on my farm.  Forage growth is too great in my situation, largely due to two wire paddocks (the bottom wire is often in the grass) and the use of hi-tensile electrified woven wire on the perimeter.  Unless I use burn down chemical under it, there is no way to keep it from putting a very heavy load on that fence. And, no, the deer never learn to respect an electric fence.

Water – use creative thinking to eliminate the use of water lines and excess water tanks within reason.  Balance the possibility of reduced grazing productivity with the cost of installing and maintaining water lines and tanks taken to the paddock.  Remember, cows can walk and, my experience is that distance of up to ¼ mile will not cause the cows to mob the water tank, they simply come in small groups to water then go back to grazing.  Cows may need to learn to do this – but most are quick learners.  I also use 1 foot tall, 8 feet diameter tanks to allow even the youngest calves to drink and not run the risk of being trapped or drowned in the tanks.  Another point I’d like to recommend is to not rely on pumps and electricity – the most reliable is a tank, properly set, with shut off (relying on gravity) below a deep, clean pond.  In other environments (soil and weather), allowing managed and limited access directly to a pond may be even more reliable.

Winter stockpile management – begin stockpiling well managed previous year’s paddocks by never grazing from first frost until good grass in the spring on HALF of your farm.  Once the cows come off the half that was grazed all summer, spring, and fall, then that starts the stockpile for the following winter. This full season growth allows the forages to develop deep roots and, in many cases, go to seed and reproduce then begin fall growth until winter grazing, providing a nearly perfectly balanced diet for the beef cow of brown and green forages year round.  This is completely different than beginning the stockpile growth period in early August and hope you get rains and good growing weather before frost to have enough to graze through the winter. (If my explanation makes no sense, consider signing up for Jaime Elizondo’s classes on Real Wealth ranching).  Managing stockpile in this manner vs the traditional recommendation of clipping or grazing in early August then allowing it to grow for winter stockpile gives me a huge level of comfort in that I will know well in advance of winter how much grazing/food I have for my cows.  These past 5 years, there has been high temperatures and next to no rainfall during that narrow window for critical growing.  Yes, the longer/earlier starting growing season may result in lower quality, but not below the point of maintaining beef cattle.  If supplementation with protein tubs or alfalfa hay is necessary, that is much easier than substitute feeding with grass hay.  The traditional time frame of allowing grass to grow from August 10^th results in high quality feed, but low quantity.  What does that look like in north Missouri?  Of course, it depends, but by and large, since my calving season will be 15 may for 45 days, then add 15 days or so for the last calves (if any) to really get mobile, I’ll want the cows to still be grazing green/brown stockpiled forage mix for best protein/carbohydrate mix and allowing spring growing grass to be at the proper level before grazing.  Also, since during calving they will be set stocked, extra forage is needed to allow nonselective grazing. Grazing stockpile may begin sometime December or early January, then not return to those paddocks until May or June. These dates are not set in stone; flexibility and observation are key to proper herdsmanship and grazier success.

Breeding season/calving season changed– with very good reason, my cows calve 15 April – 30 May.  This is a very good time in north Missouri, for me, my cows, and my resources. However, every year it’s a struggle for me to remove the bulls in late August because of my extreme ragweed allergies.  Since learning from Jaime to not ‘molest’ the cows during calving season, this means I manage to have enough forages to set stock during those 45 days plus another 15 days (my choice) so that by that time, the calves are well bonded to the cows and will move with momma and not lay down to hide when it’s time to implement total grazing techniques.  Before, I’ve always thought I had to move cows and calves during the calving and it is SO STRESSFUL to everyone, including me and invariably calves are left behind and die or abandoned as orphans.  I never tag calves at birth or even soon after.  It’s dangerous and unnecessary.  Calves are tagged when given vaccinations, dehorned, castrated, and their mums pregnancy checked in October/November.

This year (2021), it is impossible for me to remove my bulls when I traditionally pull them out since heat, humidity, ragweed is off the charts and I’m too old (or maybe I finally got smart) but I’m not going to subject myself anymore to such pain.  To give perspective, one year I came stumbling down the stairs into the basement to shower, with eyes swollen, red, itchy, wheezing and my young son remarking, ‘Mom, you are going to kill yourself!  Stop!’  Another year, my husband was determined to take me to the emergency room, but I convinced him through hand motions ‘no’.  I completely lose my voice when I’m overcome with the allergy.  So, this year, the bulls will be in for 75 days, but I plan to change the breeding season to 5 Aug– 20 Sep.  That last date will get me on the other side of ragweed season – still not out of it, but traditionally, it will be better.  I do not like having calves born in June, however, it could be that with the different management as promoted by Jaime, I may not dislike it anymore.  Time will tell.  It can be incredibly hot first two weeks of June or it can be excessively cold and very wet in Missouri, but typically better than April (April calving was chosen because about 30% of my calves would die due to scours – sometimes no evidence of scours until they were dead!).  In fact, choosing calving paddocks without a ditch will be less critical with June calving since mostly they will be dry anyway. Weather is a challenge regardless.  Climate change?  Yeah, that’s Missouri every year – one climate to another.

Exposing yearling heifers – this year I did it – for several years, I’ve only exposed heifers at 2 years not 1 and with good reason, my cows are a long way from my home so they cannot be observed or helped and it allows the animals to mature and puts less strain on their young body’s– I may totally regret exposing yearling heifers to the bulls vs exposing them as two-year-olds because I’ve done the math and it really is not much gain in my opinion to breed yearlings.  However, I do have to have two mobs instead of one and that is a considerable cost.  It is that expense (extra labor) that caused me to take a chance.  Next year calving season (2022) will determine the future of this choice.  On the front, it (keeping yearling heifers from joining) seems that one would only need a second mob for 45 days, however, that would mean mustering in all the cows and baby calves in the middle of the summer to sort off the yearling heifers before putting the bulls with the cows.  That is really not a smart activity that time of year and there I go back to molesting cows with young calves.  However, if I make a good plan and it’s not horribly hot and humid, it could be that the rotation will find them at the corral at a good time to sort off those younger heifers with little stress and perhaps another option of having them bred by my Corriente cross bulls.  So many plans, so little time!

These are the major changes I’m making in the day-to- day operation of my cow herd.  I’ve learnt a tremendous amount about observing gut fill, identifying healthy diet by the manure pat.  Using nonselective grazing keeps me in contact with my cows and they have become practically pets!  Not really, but they do seem to trust me more.  My cows are already quiet, but being around them more and we start to ‘read’ each other.  Much better manure distribution.  With nonselective grazing, scrap trees and brush may be better eaten, but if not, at least more visible so that I can lop or chainsaw them off and treat the stumps – and spray the multiflora bushes.  Though I only started total grazing last October and through the winter, those acres and have shown a massive increase in productivity.  Incredibly, there may be up to 6000 lbs of growth per acre for the cows to graze this winter, which for my farm, is a shocker!

GOALS:

Eliminate hay feeding as substitutional feed and even as supplemental (major expense and huge labor)

One mob (labor saving, less fence repair, better forage utilization, longer rest period)

Avoid ragweed season (sweet!)

Don’t move calving cows (no more lost or abandoned calves)

More effectively clear brush and tree sprouts

Grow more palatable forage and increase soil productivity and health

Resulting in a larger mob, less labor per AU, more profitability

Before implementing a major change, try to find others who’ve already done it and get advice.  Herculean effort and spending money are seldom the right answers.

Focus on what I really want to do and not use a shotgun approach as to stock raised and marketing efforts.

Harmony

There’s my good adapted girls chowing down on weeds!!

Foreign Land Ownership in Missouri

National and international agricultural businesses control the money, influence, and congressmen in Missouri which is detrimental to our local control efforts.  Our senators, representatives, and even the citizens of the state have been bought or buffaloed into believing falsehoods which has seriously harmed the livelihoods of farm families.

Without going into great detail, here is an article with a good overview.

US: Bill would halt foreign ownership of Missouri farmland

Columbia Missourian | 15 January 2020
Letter to the editor

Bill would halt foreign ownership of Missouri farmland

by DAN MURPHY

It’s in the best interest for Missouri farmers and consumers to fight against the corporatization of our food system. Missouri farmers have been under siege by the corporatization of food system led by out-of-state and foreign industrial agriculture companies.

In 2013, our state legislature opened up 289,000 acres of Missouri farmland for foreign corporate ownership. This major change was quietly added to a large omnibus bill at the end of the 2013 legislative session. Two weeks later, Smithfield Foods was purchased by a large Chinese meat packer (now known as WH Group) and instantly acquired over 42,000 acres of Missouri farmland.

A loophole was then added in 2015 that opened up Missouri to virtually unlimited foreign corporate ownership of Missouri farmland. This is unacceptable and must be stopped.

Rep. Doug Beck (D-St. Louis) has offered House Bill 1492, which would correct this and halt any future foreign corporate ownership of Missouri farmland. Our farmland is a finite and precious resource that should not be controlled by foreign corporate interests as this jeopardizes both our food security and national security.

I’m calling on Gov. Mike Parson, my state senator, Caleb Rowden, and our Columbia area state representatives to support this legislation that keeps our farmland available for domestic food production.

As a constituent, you can encourage your representative to vote for this bill. You can also become more involved in the choices you make by asking stores and restaurants where they get their meat and supporting groups such as the Missouri Rural Crisis Center and Patchwork Family Farms.

Original source: Missourian

Columbia Missourian | 15 January 2020

 

About the Farm this Fall

Late afternoon break from work to enjoy my workplace view shed.  Missouri is having splendid fall color this year!

One of my pretty Corriente cows.

Bald Eagles seemed skittish this year, thus difficult for casual snapshots.

Another corral improvement for this year, is that i set up these old panels across the upper part of my round gathering pen.  This way, the calves could be sorted into it as they come by, whilst the cows go on by to another pen.  Worked slick as a whistle.  Someday, though, i’m going to have to get some help, these panels weigh at least 75 lbs a piece and moving them into position to hook together is getting more difficult for me.  However, since it worked, these will stay put now.

Have a great weekend and Shabbat Shalom!

tauna

Pleasant Shade Cemetery

About six years ago, i started hacking away at the brush, weeds, and sprouts which had engulfed a tiny cemetery at the corner of what was my grandpa’s land (he gave it to me later).  All the time i was growing up and ‘helping’ Grandpa Falconer with his cattle chores, i’d been told it was a ‘black’ cemetery.  It was never cared for and i thought nothing of it.  Once i started clearing it, i discovered there were six stones, three of which had actual names and information on them.  Once I had it sufficiently cleared, then son Dallas has taken over with mowing and weed eating and keeping the site maintained nicely these past three years.  We had made a quick sign on which he had free hand painted the name of the cemetery but by this spring it needed a makeover.  So he sanded it down, i printed off new letters and traced them on and hand painted them and sealed the sign.  However, this is the last time i’ll spend so much time; next time i’ll hire a professional sign made – just too time consuming and it probably won’t last more than 2-3 years.  There is no budget for this project, but we have enjoyed making the nearly forgotten cemetery beautiful again.

This was taken in 2014 before we had made the sign, but had already made the area safe (not tearing up the lawnmower) to mow.  Bearing in mind that none of this could be seen just two years previous.  Completely engulfed in head high brush!

So, how did i discover the name of the cemetery?!  I just did some looking about on the internet and discovered a fantastic list of cemeteries in Linn County, Missouri on the Roots web page, but recently it was closed and i was disheartened, but i kept looking and someone ( thank you, Sherry Baker!) had picked it up and started a new site to maintain this list!   The link is here but i’ve also copied it in its entirety below.  I was really excited to find that this little cemetery had an actual name.    Pleasant Shade Cemetery.

 

Linn County

Back to Linn County

Linn County MO Cemeteries
Location and Directions

Our thanks to Sherry Baker for this information!
Thanks also to Reta Riley for the second McCollum Cemetery info!

Cemetery Name	Directions
Abbot Cemetery	Located in NE 1/4 S28-T60N-R18W. From intersection of Hwy 11 and Hwy HH, about 2 1/2 miles west of New Boston, go north on Hwy HH about 3 miles to a dirt lane going west. Go west on this lane about 1/4 mile to the west end of a bend in the lane. Walk south on the ridge about 250 yards; cemetery is on the west side of the ridge and is marked by an iron fence around the single remaining grave.
Anderson Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S29-T58N-R18W. From the intersection of Hwy 36 and Hwy U, north of Marceline, go north on Hwy U about 4 miles, then go west on a gravel road about 1/4 mile. The cemetery is about 50 yards west of a two-story home and about 10-15 yards south of the road.
Baker, Andrew Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S7-T59N-R18W. From the intersection of Hwy 11 and Hwy PP north of Brookfield, go south on a gravel road about 600 yards to the ridge top. Here a private dirt lane leads to the cemetery. The dirt lane goes west for about 1/4 mile then turns south for about 1/4 mile to a fence line. Thru a gate, the lane goes south on a ridge, but the cemetery is on the next ridge to the west and about 50 yards south of an old house (about 1/4 mile south of the fence gate).
Baker, Bolin Cemetery	Located in SW 1/4 S17-T59N-R18W. From St. Catharine, go north on Hwy 11 about 8 1/2 miles to a gravel road going east. Go east for about 1 3/4 miles, then turn south and go about 1/4 mile. At an intersection bear to the right (southwest). Continue southwest for about 1/8 mile; cemetery is west of the road about 300 yards on a ridge.
Baker-Findley Cemetery	Located in NE 1/4 S20-T60N-R18W. From intersection of Hwy 11 and Hwy PP, go north on Hwy PP to end (about 4 1/2 miles). Turn left (west) on a gravel road and go about 1/4 mile. Cemetery is south of the road 75-100 yards and is south of a tin barn and tin grain bin.
Baker, G. V. Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S17-T60N-R21W. From Meadville, go north on Hwy 139 about 16 miles to Hwy MM; then go east on MM about 1 1/2 miles. Turn south on a gravel road and go 1 mile, then turn left (east). Go east 1 mile then turn left (north). Go north about 0.3 mile; cemetery is west of the road about 125 yards.
Baker, George W. Cemetery	Located in SW 1/4 S11-T60N-R19W. From intersection of Hwy O and Hwy OO at North Salem, go south on Hwy OO 0.2 mile to a private drive leading west from highway toward an old house and barn. This lane is about 100 yards north of the church; follow lane west to just east of the old house then go south and southwest along the ridge. Stay on the west side of the barn then follow ridge to where ridge drops off sharply; an old pond will be to the left and below the cemetery.
Baker, Jerome Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S8-T60N-R18W. From intersection of Hwy 11 and Hwy PP, west of New Boston, go north on Hwy PP to end of state maintenance then turn right (east). Follow gravel road east then north about 1 1/2 miles to an intersection of gravel roads. In the northwest corner of this intersection is a gate to a farm field. Cemetery is accessible only by 4-wheel drive vehicle and then only in dry weather.
Bailey Cemetery	Located in SW 1/4 S22-T59N-R19W. From intersection of Hwy C and Hwy V, go south on Hwy V about 3 miles then turn left (east) on a gravel road where Hwy V curves to the south. Go east about 1/4 mile where a gravel road turns north. Continue east through the field; cemetery was somewhere over crest of ridge, probably north of the field lane.
Banning Cemetery	Located in NE 1/4 S31-T58N-R19W. From Brookfield, go north on Hwy M about 1/2 mile, then turn right (east) on a gravel road. Go east 1 mile to an intersection with another gravel road going north; cemetery is about 25 yards south of the road in a clump of trees.
Baugher Cemetery*	Located in SE 1/4 S32-T59N-R18W. From the intersection of Hwy 36 and Hwy U, north of Marceline, go north on Hwy U about 7 miles. Here the road bends to the east; go past the bend about 3/4 mile (the road again bends east). At this second bend, a gravel drive goes north. Follow this land about 0.7 mile, going north at the split in the road; cemetery is on the left (west) side of the road about 100-150 yards north of the split. Follow road to north end of Switzer Chapel Cemetery, then on foot, follow right hand branch of trail. At bottom of hill, the trail is going east; continue east along the fence to where a fence line goes north; cemetery is about 300 yards north of this point on east side of fence.
Bear Branch Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S16-T59N-R19W. From intersection of Hwy C and Hwy V, go south on Hwy V about 1 mile then turn right (west) on a gravel road. Follow gravel road about 1/4 mile, then turn left (south) for 1/4 mile; church and cemetery are on east side of road.
Becket Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S16-T58N-R20W. From Linneus, go east on Hwy P about 2 miles to where road curves sharply to the north. Take a gravel road east, then south. Go south about 2.3 miles; cemetery is east of road about 125 yards.
Bethel Cemetery(East Strawberry)*	Located in SE 1/4 S32-T59N-R21W. From intersection of Hwy 139 and Hwy B north of Meadville, go east on Hwy B 2 miles to a gravel road going north. Go north on the gravel road about 50 yards; cemetery is on west side of the road.
Botts Cemetery*	Located in SW 1/4 S18-T58N-R21W. From Meadville, go north on Hwy 139 about 3 miles; cemetery is on east of road just north of a gravel road going east.
Bowyer Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S2-T58N-R21W. From Linneus, go south on Hwy 5 about 1/4 mile to first gravel road west. Go west about 1/2 mile, then turn north at a four-way intersection. Follow road north then northwest about 1 mile to end of road. Cemetery is about 150 yards south of a driveway in a group of trees.
Brown Cemetery	Located in SW 1/4 S18-T59N-R20W. From Purdin, go south on Hwy 5 to first gravel road west. Go west on gravel road about 3/4 mile to intersection; cemetery is southeast about 100-150 yards east and 50 yards south of road.
Brownlee Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S22-T58N-R18W. This cemetery is listed in the 1883 Linn County History, page 647, but no trace of it has been found.
Bull Cemetery	Located in SW 1/4 S13-T60N-R19W. From intersection of Hwy 11 and Hwy C, go west on Hwy C about 1/4 mile, then go north on Hwy CC. Continue north on Hwy CC about 4 3/4 miles; cemetery is less than 1/4 mile north of intersection with the 3rd gravel road going east. Cemetery is at a much lower elevation than road and cannot be easily seen approaching from the south. It is now marked by 3 large cedar trees, and is about 150 yards from road.
Calhoun Cemetery*	Located in SW 1/4 S11-T60N-R21W. From Browning, go west on Hwy MM about 3 1/2 miles. Cemetery is about 220 yards south of road and is best reached by a private drive to the house, then cemetery is about 100 yards east.
Calvary Baptist (Garner) Cemetery	Also known as Garner Cemetery Located in SW 1/4 S36-T60N-R19W. From intersection of Hwy 11 and Hwy C, go west on Hwy C about 1/4 mile, then go north on Hwy CC. Continue north on Hwy CC just over 1 mile; cemetery & church are on west side of road.
Cash Cemetery*	Located in NW 1/4 S15-T57N-R18W. From intersection of Hwy 36 and Hwy 129, go west on Hwy 36 about 1/2 mile, then turn south on a gravel road and go about 0.3 mile; cemetery is west of road about 550-600 yards.
Cassity Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S30-T59N-R20W. From Linneus, go north on Hwy 5 about 1 1/2 miles to a gravel road east. Go east on this road bending south for about 1/4 mile to a private drive next to a farm home. Follow drive east past house and barn about 1/4 mile to cemetery; cemetery is on right side of lane just past a pond.
Cherry Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S23-T59N-R21W. From Linneus, go north on Hwy 5 about 1 12/ miles to first gravel road west. Go west about 1 1/2 miles to where the road turns north, then go north about 3/4 mile. Cemetery is west of the road about 75 yards.
Couch Cemetery	Located in SW 1/4 S36-T59N-R21W. From intersection of Hwy 5, Hwy B and Hwy P in Linneus, go north on Hwy 5 four blocks then turn west. Follow this street west about 1 1/4 miles to entrance of Linneus City Lake. Turn into Lake entrance and drive to spillway. At spillway, walk north about 300 yards up ridge; cemetery is on east side of ridge in a clump of trees.
Coulson Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S15-T58N-R18W. This cemetery is listed in the 1883 Linn County History, page 647. It no longer exists and stones were reportedly moved to the Wyandotte Cemetery by George Coulson.
County Farm Cemetery	From Linneus, go west on Hwy B about 0.9 mile; cemetery was on north side of road, north of a red shet and near the timber line on the north slope of a steep hill. No stones are presently found.
Crail & Moore Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S1-T59N-R18W. From New Boston, go south on Hwy 129 a short distance past the church in the southeast corner of New Boston; cemetery is east of the road on a ridge about 125 yards from highway. The single burial here was reportedly moved to the Helton Cemetery in Macon County.
Dry Ridge Cemetery*	Also known as Bennett and Mundell. Located in SW 1/4 S13-T60N-R21W. From Browning, go west on Hwy MM from Hwy 5 about 2 1/4 miles to jct. Hwy Z. Turn south on gravel road (Z goes north) about 1 1/4 miles to cemetery on east side of road.
Dryden Cemetery*	Located in SW 1/4 S19-T59N-R20W. From Linneus, go north on Hwy 5 about 1 1/2 miles to second gravel road west. Go west then north on this gravel road about 9/10 mile; cemetery is on right (east) side of road.
Elmwood Cemetery (IOOF)*	Located in SE 1/4 S20-T57N-R18W. From Marceline, go north on Hwy 5 to city limit, then east on a gravel road 1/2 mile. Turn north on another gravel road approximately 1/8 mile beyond railroad tracks. Cemetery is on left side of the road.
Enterprise Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S13-T60N-R20W. From intersection of Hwy O and Hwy KK (about 3 miles east of Browning), go east on Hwy O about 1 1/4 miles, then turn right (south) on a gravel road; go south about 0.8 mile to first gravel lane; turn right (west). Follow this road 0.4 mile to cemetery on left.
Ford Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 of NW 1/4 S1-T59N-R22W. The site stands on the east bank of Smokey Creek in the timber. The two stones have probably been moved from their original location.
Fore Cemetery	Located in NE 1/4 S32-T59N-R20W. From Linneus, go east on Hwy P about 1 1/2 miles to first gravel road north. Go north 1 mile, then go west about 1/8 mile; cemetery is about 250 yards south of road.
Forman Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S32-T57N-R21W. From intersection of Hwy 36 and Hwy W, south of Meadville, go south on Hwy W about 4 1/2 miles and where the highway curves west, continue south but quickly turn left (east) on a gravel road. Go east about 1 1/2 miles to a parking area at end of road. Cemetery is about 100 yards north, marked by some large trees.
Fosher Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S24-T59N-R20W. From intersection of Hwy M and Hwy C north of Brookfield, go south on Hwy M about 3 miles to a gravel road going west. Go west about 1/4 mile; cemetery is on the right (north) side of the road.
Gilmer Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S31-T60N-R20W. From Purdin, go north on Hwy 5 from junction with Hwy C about 1/2 mile, then right on a gravel road. Follow road, keeping left past an intersection and then a private drive to a bridge over Lowes Branch. Go past the bridge 300-350 yards; the bottom ground on the left should start sharply uphill. Follow this contour west about 1/4 mile to the second ridge. Cemetery is up on the ridge just north of a pipeline.
Gooch Cemetery*	Located in SE 1/4 S29-T60N-R20W. From Purdin, go north on Hwy 5 to 4th road going east. Go east 1/4 mile, then south 1/4 mile, then east about 1 1/4 miles. Turn south and go about 1/4 mile; road leads right to cemetery.
Grantsville Cemetery*	Located in SW 1/4 S11-T59N-R20W. From intersection of Hwy C and Hwy KK east of Purdin, go south on a gravel road about 1 mile, then turn left (east). Go east about 1/2 mile; cemetery is on left (north) side of road about 100 yards.
Grove Hill Cemetery Also known as Guyer Baptist Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S9-T59N-R19W. From intersection of Hwy C and Hwy V, go south on Hwy V about 1/2 mile; cemetery is on west side of road.
Hayes Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S31-T60N-R21W. From Meadville, go north on Hwy 139 about 13 miles to Hwy DD; turn right (east) on DD and go 1/2 mile. Cemetery is about 100 yards south of road on west side of fence.
Haseville Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S13-T60N-R22W. From Meadville, go north about 16 miles on Hwy 139 to Hwy E; then go west on Hwy E about 1/4 mile; cemetery is on the left (south) side of the road east of the church.
Hooker Cemetery*	Located in NE 1/4 S16-T60N-R21W. From Browning, go west on Hwy MM about 4 1/2 miles then turn south on a gravel road. Go south about 3/4 mile; cemetery is about 50 yards west of the road just before a ´T´ intersection.
Jenkins Cemetery*	Located in SE corner S17-T60N-R20W. Go east on Hwy O from Browning about 3/4 mile to a gravel road south. Go south about 1 1/2 miles to cemetery on right. Or, go south on Hwy 5 about 1 1/2 miles then east on a gravel road about one mile plus; cemetery on left at a ´T´ intersection.
Jones Cemetery	Located in SW 1/4 S10-T59N-R20W. From Purdin, go east on Hwy C to Hwy KK, then south on a gravel road about 1 mile, then turn right (west). Go west about 3/4 mile to a farm house on north side of road. The cemetery was probably about 3/8 mile north of the house; stones were found in a pile of old fence posts about 200 yards north of the probable cemetery site.
Keithley Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S8-T60N-R21W. From Meadville, go north on Hwy 139 about 16 miles to Hwy MM; then go east on MM to Hwy DD. Hwy DD goes north; cemetery is about 1/2 mile south (but no road). Cemetery can be reached from a private drive which is about 1/8 mile east of the intersection of MM & DD; this lane goes south then southwest and passes right by the cemetery.
Kille & Pace Cemetery	Located in NE 1/4 S20-T59N-R19W. From Brookfield, go north on Hwy M to Hwy V (about 4 miles); turn east on Hwy V and go about 2 1/2 miles, then north about 5 1/2 miles to a gravel road to the west. Go west on gravel road about 1/4 mile, then turn south. Go past Bear Branch Church to end of road (about 1/2 mile). Cemetery is about 3/4 mile southwest across fields and pastures on a bluff about 100 yards east of and overlooking Bear Creek.
King Cemetery	Located in S34-T58N-R19W, east of the Dick King home.
Kirk Cemetery	Located in SW 1/4 S36-T61N-R19W. From Browning, go east on Hwy O about 9 1/2 miles to intersection of Hwy O and Hwy OO; continue east about 3/10 mile; cemetery is located north of Hwy O about 200 yards from road. (Better go east 1/10 mile further and enter a private lane; go north on lane behind old abandoned house, through an ´S´, where lane turns north again. Cemetery is now about 150 yards west of this point in a grove of trees.)
Laclede City Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S6-T57N-R20W. From intersection of Hwy 36 and Hwy 5 at Laclede, go north on Hwy 5 about 1/4 mile; cemetery is on the left (west) side of the highway.
Liberty Memorial Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S10-T58N-R20W. From Brookfield, go west on Hwy 36 to Hwy FF, then north on Hwy FF to end of blacktop (about 5 miles). Continue north on gravel road about 1 mile; cemetery is west of the road in the southwest corner of a 2-acre plot.
Linhart Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S15-T58N-R19W. From St. Catharine, go north on Hwy 11 about 3 miles to a gravel road; go west on this gravel road about 1 1/4 mile to another gravel road going south; cemetery is in southwest corner of this intersection.
Linn-Bethel/Grant Cemetery	Located in NE 1/4 S8-T57N-R21W. From intersection of Hwy 36 and Hwy 139, go east on Hwy 36 about 2 miles and turn south on a gravel road. Go south about 1/4 mile and enter a dirt lane on the right (west) side of the gravel road. Follow this lane west about 1/4 mile to cemetery.
Locust Creek Cemetery	Located NW 1/4 S18-T57N-R20W. From intersection of Hwy 36 and Hwy 139, go south on Hwy 139 about 1 1/2 miles then turn right (west) on a gravel road. Go west about 1 mile then turn right (north) on another gravel road. Go north about 200 yards; cemetery will be east of the road about 75 yards behind an old school house or church.
Long Branch Crossing Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S18-T58N-R19W. From intersection of Hwy M and Hwy P north of Brookfield, go north on Hwy M about 5/8 mile. Cemetery is about 325 yards east of road. Best to go north of the Long Branch bridge and walk along the north side of Long Branch, going east to a sharp bend, where a very high bluff has eroded badly. Cemetery is toward south end of this bluff just north of a fence line.
Magnolia Cemetery	Located S22-T59N-R21W. From Linneus, go west on Hwy B about 3 miles to Hwy Y, then north on Hwy Y about 2 1/2 miles; cemetery is on east side of the road.
Martin Cemetery	Located in SW 1/4 S34-T59N-R20W. From Linneus, go east on hwy P about 3 1/2 miles from Hwy 5 to a gravel road going north. Go north on this gravel road about 200-250 yards; cemetery is on west side of road.
Masonic Cemetery, Bucklin	Located in SW 1/4 S35-T58N-R18W. From intersection of Park & 5th in Bucklin, go west across railroad tracks then turn right. This road leads to two entrances to the Bucklin Masonic Cemetery.
Maxwell Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 and NE 1/4 S4-T57N-R20W. From the intersection of Hwy 36 and Hwy FF (west of Brookfield), go west on Hwy 36 about 1/2 mile then turn right (north) on a gravel road. Go north 1/2 mile then turn left (west) on another gravel road. Go west about 500 feet; cemetery is about 35 feet north of a fence. Only one stone remains.
McBeth Cemetery	Located in NE 1/4 S18-T57N-R19W. From St. Michael’s Cemetery, go west on a gravel road about 1600 feet; the stones are in a barn yard on the south side of the road.
McCollum Cemetery – Yellow Creek Township*	Located in SE 1/4 S7-T58N-R18W. From intersection of Hwy U and Hwy 36, north of Marceline, go north on Hwy U between 7 1/2 and 8 miles to fifth road to the west. Turn west and go about 1/2 mile; cemetery is on the left (south) side of the road 50-75 yards from road.
McCollum Cemetery – North Salem Township	Located in S17-T56N-R18W. From intersection of Hwy 11 and Hwy PP, go north on Hwy PP about five miles to end of blacktop; turn left (west) on gravel road. Just before first curve in the gravel road, bear right on lane that goes to an old house. At field gate, walk about 150-200 yards along path into timber; cemetery is in timber on left of path.
Meadville Cemetery	Located in NW S6-T57N-R21W and SW S 31-T58N-R21W. From Meadville, go north on Hwy 139 to where the Hwy curves to the west. Go west about one block; cemetery is on both sides of the road.
Mennonite Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S5-T58N-R20W. From Linneus, go east on Hwy P about 1.8 mile; cemetery is on south side of hwy on curve where hwy turns north (just west of church).
Moore Cemetery	Located in S33-T59N-R18W. No other information is available about this cemetery
Moore-Mullins Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S9-T58N-R20W. From Linneus, go east on Hwy P about 2 miles to where road curves sharply to the north. Take a gravel road east then south. Go south about 1 mile; cemetery is on left (east) side of road about 200 yards east of road.
Morris Chapel Cemetery	Located in NE 1/4 S4-T59N-R21W. From Linneus, go west on Hwy B about 3 miles to Hwy Y, then north on Hwy Y about 6 miles. Turn left (west) on a gravel road, then go about 1/4 mile to Morris Chapel Church & Cemetery.
Mount Olive Cemetery*	Located in NE 1/4 S6-T59N-R21W. From Meadville, go north on Hwy 139 about 13 miles to Hwy DD; turn right (east) and go 1 mile. Turn right (south) here and follow gravel road about 1 1/4 miles to drive leading to cemetery, about 1/4 mile west of gravel road.
Mount Olivet Cemetery(formerly Roselawn Cemetery)	Located in SE 1/4 S30-T57N-R18W. From intersection of Kansas Avenue and Santa Fe Street in Marceline, go west on Santa Fe about five blocks; street ends at cemetery.
Murrain Cemetery	Located in SW 1/4 S3-T58N-R20W. From Brookfield, go west on Hwy 36 to Hwy FF, then north on Hwy FF to end of blacktop (about 5 miles). Continue north on gravel road about 1.3 miles; cemetery is on west side of road.
Nester Chapel Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S4–T59N-R18W. From the intersection of Hwy 11 and Hwy HH, about 2 1/2 miles west of New Boston, go west on Hwy 11 about 3/4 mile then turn right (north) on a gravel road. Go north about 1/4 mile; cemetery and church are on the left (west) side of the road.
New Boston Cemetery	Located in Sw 1/4 S1-T59N-R18W. Cemetery is on the north side of Hwy 129 about 1/2 mile west of New Boston.
New Garden Cemetery*	Located in SE 1/4 S8-T58N-R19W. From intersection of Hwy M and Hwy P north of Brookfield, go east on a gravel road 1 1/2 miles, then north 1 mile, then east about 1/4 mile. Cemetery is on the left (north) side of the road.
North Salem Cemetery	Located in Sw 1/4 S11-T60N-R19W. Cemetery is at south end of North Salem, MO on Hwy OO, about 0.4 mile from Hwy O.
North Swedish Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S24-T59N-R18W. Cemetery and church are on the west side of Hwy 129 3 miles south of New Boston or 8 miles north of Bucklin, and about 1/2 mile north of the intersection with Hwy U.
Ogle Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S28-T60N-R20W. From Purdin, east on Hwy C from Hwy 5 about 2 1/2 miles to Hwy KK, then north about 2 3/4 miles to a gravel road going west. Proceed west about 1 1/4 miles nearly to top of hill just past first gravel road to north. Cemetery is directly south about 1/4 mile. Go down hill, across stream bed and up the next hill to a grove of trees.
Old Bucklin Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S35-T58N-R18W. From intersection of Park & 5th in Bucklin, go west across railroad tracks then turn right. This road leads to two entrances to the Bucklin Masonic Cemetery. Go past these entrances and follow the road about 0.4 mile to the cemetery at end of road.
Old Linneus Cemetery	Located in NE 1/4 S1-T58N-R21W. From intersection of Hwy 5 and Sandusky Street in Linneus, go west on Sandusky Street about two blocks; cemetery is on north side of street at edge of town.
Old New Garden Cemetery	Located in NW corner S3-T57N-R19W. From Brookfield, go east on Hwy 11 about 1 3/4 miles just past County Club entrance to gravel road going south. Go south on this road a few yards, then turn east. Continue east; cemetery at end of road. Located in NW corner S3-T57N-R19W. From Brookfield, go east on Hwy 11 about 1 3/4 miles just past Country Club entrance to gravel road going south. Go south on this road a few yards, then turn east. Continue east; cemetery is at end of road.
Park Lawn Memory Gardens	Located in NE 1/4 S11-T57N-R20W. From intersection of Hwy 36 and Business 36 in Brookfield, go west a short distance to cemetery entrance.
Parsons Creek Cemetery	Located in SW 1/4 S36-T59N-R22W. From intersection of Hwy 139 and Hwy B north of Meadville, go west on Hwy B about 1 mile then turn north on a gravel road. Go north about 1/2 mile; cemetery is on east side of road near intersection of two gravel roads.
Patterson Cemetery	Located in SW 1/4 S10-T58N-R22W. From intersection of Hwy 36 and Hwy EE west of Meadville, go north on Hwy EE 5 miles to end of blacktop. Turn left (west) and go 3/4 mile, then turn right (north) and go about 0.4 mile to a gravel lane going east. Enter lane and go 1/4 mile; cemetery is south of lane about 200 yards.
Peavler Cemetery*	Located in NW 1/4 S14-T60N-R19W. From intersection of Hwy O and Hwy OO at North Salem, go south on Hwy OO through New Salem, then go east at church and cemetery, then south again on a gravel road. Go about 1 mile to where road turns left (west); cemetery is just a few yards southeast of this corner.
Phillips Cemetery	Located in SW 1/4 S32-T60N-R21W. From Meadville, go north on Hwy 139 about 13 miles to Hwy DD; then go east on Hwy DD 1 mile and turn south on a gravel road. Go south 1 mile then turn left (east) on a gravel road. Go east about 1/8 mile; cemetery is north of the road about 175 yards.
Pierce Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S1-T59N-R21W. Go north from Purdin on Hwy 5 to 3rd gravel road west (about 1 1/2 miles). Go west on gravel road about 1/2 mile; road turns south. Cemetery is about 100 yards south and on left (east) side of road.
Pleasant Grove North Cemetery*	Located in NW 1/4 and SW 1/4 S26-T59N-R18W. From Bucklin, go north on Hwy 129 to Hwy U, turn left (west) on Hwy U and go 1 1/4 miles to cemetery on both sides of road. Church and old part of cemetery are north of the road; new part of cemetery is south of the road.
Pleasant Grove South Cemetery*	Located in NW 1/4 and SW 1/4 S26-T59N-R18W. From Bucklin, go north on Hwy 129 to Hwy U, turn left (west) on Hwy U and go 1 1/4 miles to cemetery on both sides of road. Church and old part of cemetery are north of the road; new part of cemetery is south of the road.
Pleasant Shade Cemetery	Located in NW corner S3-T59N-R21W. From Linneus, go west on Hwy B about 3 miles to Hwy Y, then north on Hwy Y about 6 miles. Turn left (west) on a gravel road; cemetery is on the south edge of the road 30 yards from the blacktop.
Pleasant View Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S2-T58N-R19W. From St. Catharine, go east on Hwy 11 until the highway turns north; then continue north about 4 1/2 miles until the highway curves right to the east. At this point, a gravel road continues north; take this gravel road. The cemetery is about 300 yards down the road on the left (west) side.
Prather Cemetery*	Located in SE corner S12-T60N-R21W. Go west from Browning on Hwy MM from Hwy 5 about 1 mile; turn south on gravel road. Continue south about 1/2 mile, then west about 0.6 mile to cemetery. Cemetery on north side of road clearly marked by archway gate.
Price Cemetery*	Located in NW 1/4 S15-T60N-R18W. From intersection of Hwy 129 and Hwy HH, south of Winigan, go south on Hwy HH about 1/4 mile; cemetery will be on left (east) side of road.
Pulliam Cemetery*	Also known as Gash Cemetery Located in SW 1/4 S26-T59N-R19W. From intersection of Hwy 11 and Hwy C, north of Brookfield, go south on Hwy 11 2 1/2 miles then turn right (west) on a gravel road. Go west 1/2 mile then turn south at the intersection. Go south 1/4 mile to farm home. Drive thru farm yard (with permission) and follow dirt lane. Stay left at intersection and pass a small pond and tin barn; continue on dirt lane about 1/4 mile to a fence line. Cemetery is on the right (west) side of lane and south of the fence.
Purdin Cemetery*	Located in Northeast corner, S7-T59N-R10W. Cemetery is about 1/8 mile west of Hwy 5, at the north edge of Purdin; easily visible from highway.
Putman Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S10-T60N-R19W. From intersection of Hwy O and Hwy OO at North Salem, go west on Hwy O about 1 1/4 miles to top of first ridge west of West Yellow Creek. Park in private drive south of highway and walk south past barn and pens then veer to southwest, passing a pond on the east, to fence line. Cemetery is 300 yards south of highway marked by several small trees.
Ray Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S23-T59N-R18W. From New Boston, go south on Hwy 129 about 2 miles to the 2nd gravel road west. Go west past a home; cemetery is on a ridge in a patch of timber about 1/2 mile southwest of the house (1/4 mile south of the gravel road).
Ridings Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S33-T58N-R20W. From the intersection of Hwy 36 and Hwy FF (west of Brookfield), go north on Hwy FF across railroad tracks about 1 mile to second gravel road on the left. Turn left on gravel road and go about 1/2 mile; cemetery is about 1500 feet north of the road and just west of n-s fence line.
Rose Hill Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S7-T57N-R19W. From intersection of Hwy 11 and Hwy 36 in Brookfield, go south on Hwy 11 to eastbound outer road; turn left (east) and follow outer road to cemetery.
Roselawn Cemetery – see Mt. Olivet Cemetery
Saint Bonaventure Cemetery*	Located in NW 1/4 S31-T57N-R18W. From intersection of Hwy JJ (Lake Street) and Kansas Avenue in Marceline, go west about 1/4 mile past city limit; cemetery is on the left (south) side of road adjacent to a gravel road going south.
Saint Michael´s Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S7-T57N-R19W. From intersection of Hwy 11 and Hwy 36 in Brookfield, go south on Hwy 11 to eastbound outer road; turn left (east) and follow outer road past Rose Hill Cemetery, then south to cemetery on right (west) side of road.
Sensentaffer Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S9-T57N-R20W. From intersection of Hwy 36 and Hwy 5 at Laclede, go south on Hwy 139 for 1 mile then turn left (east) on a gravel road. Go east about 1 3/4 mile; cemetery is 400 yards north of road. A private drive going to a farm house in the area will lead to the cemetery.
Sights Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S5-T57N-R18W. This cemetery is shown on the Linn County Road Map published by the State of Missouri, but is reported to have been destroyed by bulldozing; no trace of the cemetery or stones has been found.
Smith Cemetery*	Located in SW 1/4 S23-T60N-R22W. From Meadville, go north on Hwy 139 about 13 miles to Hwy DD; then go north on Hwy DD about 1 mile to a gravel road going west. Go west on gravel road about 1/3 miles; cemetery is 1/4 mile north of the road. Best to continue west a short way and go thru a barnyard then angle northeast to cemetery.
Snyder/Bigger Cemetery*	Located in SE 1/4 S30-T58N-R20W. From Laclede, go north on Hwy 5 about 1 mile then turn left (west) on a gravel road. Go west about 3/8 mile; cemetery is about 100 yards north of the road (north and east of a shop building).
Southerland Cemetery*
South Swedish Cemetery	Also known as Mission Covenant Church. Located in NW 1/4 S1-T58N-R18W. From Bucklin, go north on Hwy 129 about 5 1/2 miles, about 1 mile past a power substation on the right (east) side of road. Go go second gravel road to the west past the substation. Go west on this gravel road 1/4 mile, then turn north and go about 0.6 miles; church and cemetery are on top of the ridge on the east side of the road.
Sportsman Cemetery	Located in NE 1/4 S12-T57N-R19W. From the intersection of Hwy 36 and Hwy 5 north of Marceline, go west on Hwy 36 for 2 miles; then turn north on a gravel road. Go north about 3/4 mile to a barn and concrete silage pit. Follow the fence between the barn and silage pit about 250 yards to cemetery (about 50 yards past end of fence).
Stains Cemetery*	Located in SW 1/4 S27-T57N-R19W. From Marceline, go west on Hwy JJ to 90 degree left turn about 1 1/2 miles past city limit. Continue west on a gravel road about 1 1/2 miles to a low water bridge over Yellow Creek. Continue past bridge until road turns left. From here, the cemetery is about 400 yards northeast of road in a clump of trees.
Stein Burying Ground	Located in S36-T57N-R18W. From Marceline, go south on Hwy 5 to city limit, then east on a gravel road about 3 3/4 miles to another gravel road going north. Go north on this road about 1/4 mile, then turn east. Continue east until this road turns north, but continue east here. Cemetery is about 300-350 yards east of the gravel road.
Strawberry West Cemetery	Located in NE 1/4 S31-T59N-R21W. From intersection of Hwy 139 and Hwy B north of Meadville, go east on Hwy B 1 mile to a gravel road going north. Go north on the gravel road about 3/4 mile; cemetery is about 25 yards west of the road.
Stufflebean-Baker Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S19-T60N-R18W. From intersection of Hwy 11 and Hwy PP, go north on Hwy PP about 2 1/2 miles, then go west on a gravel road about 1/2 mile, then turn north. Go north about 0.6 mile; cemetery is west of road on a ridge a few yards from road.
Swetnam Cemetery	Located in SW 1/4 S16-T59N-R18W. This cemetery was supposed to be just south of the road and stones in the fenceline. Stones or plot could not be found; a report was that the stones had been removed to Wyandotte Cemetery.
Swinford Cemetery	Located in NE 1/4 S2-T59N-R20W. From intersection of Hwy M and Hwy P north of Brookfield, go west then north on Hwy P about 4 miles to the curve where the highway turns west; the cemetery site is 50 yards west of the road. The cemetery has been destroyed.
Switzer Chapel Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S5-T58N-R18W. From the intersection of Hwy 36 and Hwy U, north of Marceline, go north on Hwy U about 7 miles. Here the road bends to the east; go past the bend about 3/4 mile (the road again bends east). At this second bend, a gravel drive goes north. Follow this land about 0.7 mile, going north at the split in the road; cemetery is on the left (west) side of the road about 100-150 yards north of the split.
Thayer Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S5-T57N-R18W. From the intersection of Hwy 36 and Hwy U, north of Marceline, go north on Hwy U about 1 1/2 miles to a gravel road going east near the bottom of a hill. Park on gravel road and walk uphill south on Hwy U about 60-70 yards, then walk west up over the hill; cemetery is on west slope of the hill just 50 yards from Hwy U.
Thorne Cemetery	Located in S29-T59N-R20W. From Linneus, go north on Hwy 5 about 2 miles to gravel road east. Go east on gravel road about 0.7 mile to where road turns north. Cemetery is about 150 yards east along fence line from this point.
United BrethernCemetery	Also known as Pleasant Grove Methodist ChurchCemetery. Located in SW 1/4 S36-T60N-R20W. From intersection of Hwy C and Hwy KK (about 2 miles east of Purdin), go east on hwy C about 1 mile then turn left (north) on a gravel road; go north about 1 mile, then east about 1/4 mile, then north 1/4 mile, then back east. Cemetery and church are on the left (north) side of road.
Venable Cemetery	Located somewhere around Eversonville in T59N-R22W
Ware Cemetery	Located in NE 1/4 & SE 1/4 S28-T59N-R20W. From Linneus, go east on Hwy P from intersection of Hwy 5 about 2 1/4 miles to a gravel road going north. Go north 1 1/2 miles, then turn right (east). Go east 1/2 mile where road turns north again. Go south down a lane about 0.2 mile; cemetery is about 150 yards east with several trees in it.
Watkin Cemetery	Located in SW 1/4 S24-T58N-R21W. From Linneus, go south on Hwy 5 about 2 miles to a gravel road going west. Go west about 1 mile then turn left (south) on another gravel road. Go south about 0.6 mile to a private drive on the right (west) side of the road. The drive leads to a farm house; the single tombstone is in the back yard under pine trees about 100 yards west of the road.
Wesley Chapel Cemetery	Located in NW 1/4 S32-T60N-R20W. Go north from Purdin on Hwy 5 about 0.2 mile to a gravel road also going north. Stay on gravel road to left about 1.6 miles then turn right (east). Go about 1/2 mile to cemetery 150 yards south of road.
West Liberty Cemetery	Located in SW 1/4 S25-T59N-R21W. From Linneus, go north on Hwy 5 about 1 1/2 mile to first gravel road west. Go west on gravel road about 1 1/4 mile then turn south at a ´T´ intersection. Go south about 1/2 mile; cemetery is 250 yards west of the road just north of the line fence.
Worley Cemetery*	Located in SE corner S2-T60N-R18W. From intersection of Hwy 11 and Hwy 129, go north on Hwy 11 about 1 mile to intersection with a gravel road on the left. Turn left and go about 75 yards to another ´T´ intersection; turn left and go another 75 yards; cemetery is on the left in a wooded area.
Wright Cemetery	Located in SE 1/4 S21-T57N-R18W. From intersection of Hwy WW and Hwy ZZ east of Marceline, go north on a gravel road 1 mile, then turn left (west). Go west about 3/4 mile – the road dead-ends at a reservoir. Follow the old reservoir road on foot north about 750 yards; cemetery is east of old road.
Wyandotte Cemetery	Located in NE 1/4 S29-T58N-R18W and NW 1/4 S28-T58N-R18W. From the intersection of Hwy 36 and Hwy U, north of Marceline, go north on Hwy U about 4 miles to a gravel road going east. Go east about 1/2 mile; cemetery is on the north side of the road surrounding the Wyandotte Church.
Wyant Cemetery*	Located in SW 1/4 S20-T59N-R18W. From St. Catharine, go north on Hwy 11 about 6 1/4 miles to a gravel road going east (1st road north of ´S´ in highway). Go east about 1 1/2 miles, then turn north on a gravel road about 1/2 mile, then east 1/2 mile, then north again 0.6 to 0.7 mile; cemetery is on a ridge 75-100 yards east of the road in a pasture.
Yount Cemetery	Located in Se 1/4 S21-T58N-R20W. From the intersection of Hwy 36 and Hwy FF (west of Brookfield), go north on Hwy FF about 3 1/4 miles to a gravel road going west. Go west for about 0.6 mile; cemetery is on the right (north) side of the road.

Dangers of Grazing E+ Fescue Short

Study Shows Dangers of Short Grazing Toxic-Fescue Pastures by Cattle Herds

Research results published November 30, 2017 by Sarah Kenyon, PhD, University of Missouri once again illustrate how grazing the non-native, invasive toxic-endophyte (E+) fescue plant causes health problems in cattle and other livestock, including horses.  Other studies show the effects on the soil microbial populations and wildlife.  E+ Fescue is pervasive, persistent, and poisonous.

Short grazing of E+ fescue in the late fall/early winter before a killing frost has been used by us and others to manage the spring growth of the plant by shortening the root system which slows spring growth, allowing more desirable grasses and legumes to get a foot hold.  This is effective, but a relentless endeavor since it must be done every fall/winter to control the fescue and quite simply, there is no way to manage ALL the fescue at once everywhere on the farm.

I’m thankful for professors and agricultural leaders bucking the status quo and revealing this long-known information to a modern generation and offering solutions to not only mitigate the health issues associated with the toxin, but also ideas on eradicating it.  Time will tell if changes will work – it’s expensive to renovate and manage pastures and fields – – and farming and ranching does not lend itself to wide margins of profits to plough back into improvements.

Cheers!

tauna

Multiflora Rose

History of multiflora rose from the Missouri Department of Conservation website:

“Multiflora rose was originally introduced to the East Coast from Japan in 1886 as rootstock for cultivated roses. In the 1930s the U.S. Soil Conservation Service advocated use of multiflora rose in soil erosion control. Experimental plantings were conducted in Missouri and Illinois, and as recently as the late 1960s, many state conservation departments were distributing rooted cuttings to landowners. It was planted in the Midwest for living fences and soil conservation. Managers recognized that plantings of this thorny, bushy shrub provided excellent escape cover and a source of winter food for wildlife. The species soon spread and became a serious invader of agricultural lands, pastures, and natural communities from the Midwest to the East Coast.”

The trunk can be as wide as 8 inches diameter and the bush can exceed 15 feet.  They are extremely hard to control and viciously difficult to handle because of the length of canes and that they are covered with thorns.  Millions of dollars are spent in time in mechanical and chemical control of these government-introduced, non-native, invasive shrubs.

Thankfully, most of our multiflora rose bushes are not as huge as this one in view of Brook Road.  I estimate the highest canes of this bush to be nearly 20 feet!  We, along with every farmer and rancher in Missouri battle these things year round.  I’m certain they would take over the world if left unchecked!

County Rest Home Provides Shelter for Many Oldsters

Here is an article written by Lena Green Rogers and published in the July 28, 1953 edition (Volume LXX, No. 59) of the Daily News-Bulletin, Brookfield, MO about a rest home that was located about a mile west of Linneus, MO on Hwy B. Many of you may remember it as the Infirmary on Infirmary Hill.

Please share this story around and i want to encourage you to add stories and photos to the comments area of this blog.  It would be keen to gather more details of this historic, yet long-gone, institution which provided homes to many who had nowhere else to go.

Huge thank you to Tom Morris for having a copy of this article in his desk drawer! (i have, by and large, left the sentence structure and punctuation as it was published in the paper).  I plan to visit with his parents, Bill and Crystle Morris in the near future to collect more info.

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A contract was signed on November 1, 1948 whereby the State of Missouri agreed to furnish financial aid to the homeless and aged of Linn County, providing the county, which retrained ownership, would still be responsible for the upkeep of the 28 acre tract of land and all buildings thereon.  Thus “the County Farm” sank into oblivion and the Linn County Rest Home, located one mile west of Linneus, Missouri, the county seat, came into being.

The patients are housed in a two-winged, grey stone building which contains ten private rooms, four wards, and five bathrooms, as well as a spacious dining room and ample kitchen space.  It was constructed in 1898 at a cost of $10,000.  However, at today’s prices its estimated value is $100,000.  (2015 dollars would be $879,446).

The superintendents, Mr. and Mrs. Vern Turner, are not strangers in this community as they once lived on a farm north of Brookfield.  They are the parents of four children.  That they are not amateurs in this great humanitarian work has already been proven.  They operated “the farm” three years previous to the state-county operation, which, this fall will make a total of eight years they have been there.  Certainly they merit the praise of every resident of the county.  Periodically they visit other similar institutions and compare methods.  They have sought and received much valuable information in the matter of handling border-line mental cases from the management of State Hospital No. 2, at St. Joseph, Missouri.  So far very few patients have become so unruly, they have had to be sent away from the rest home.

At the present time, fifteen women and sixteen men, whose ages range from 39 to 90 years, are being cared for.  Of that number , five are bed patients and two are sightless.  The oldest on record is a man who passed away in 1948 at the age of 95 years.

“I have the best group of women to be found anywhere,”  said Mrs, Turner, “they are just like children — will do anything I ask them to do.”

Those whose health will permit, assist in light tasks such as washing dishes, making beds, and preparing vegetables.  A great deal of canning is done.  The largest amount that was ever “put up” was in 1950 when 1400 quarts of fruits and vegetables awaited consumption — that winter.

Of the men, Mr. Turner said: Most of them are quite feeble. “They’d help if they could,” then after a pause he added this information, “as a group our patients are from fairly good families, and with one exception, they all have ‘next of kin.'”

Most of Them Keep Busy

That one exception is Charles Overjohn, who at one time was Brookfield’s beloved blacksmith.  But never let it be said he does not pay his way.  He is now 78, but continues to fire the not-too-good furnace with as much punctuality as he did when he started 28 years ago.  He likes to “figure,” too.

Last week he reminded Mrs. Turner that, at the present rate, she will have prepared 33,945 meals — just for the patients alone — by January 1, 1954.  No doubt he is right, because all except the bedridden have excellent appetites.  Practically all vegetables are raised in the farm’s two large gardens, five cows supply the dairy products.

The interest the Turners take in their “girls and boys” as they call their patients, is almost unbelievable.

For instance, after they took over, they burned every piece of old bedding in the place and replaced it with new which they purchased themselves.  And that isn’t all.  They purchased new dishes, towels, and table coverings.

Religious services, while always welcomed by the superintendents, are not held with any regularity with the exception of The Assembly of God, of Bucklin, Missouri, which sends a group out twice a month.  Occasionally, a group of entertainers breaks the monotony.

Because of the lack of help and the many duties pertaining to health, food, and shelter, birthdays are only celebrated by the addition of some special tidbit.

Speaking of health, four times each year a nurse from the state health department accompanies the state inspector to the home and all cases are reviewed.  If any changes are indicated their instructions are carried out to the letter.  Other than that, all medical attention is in the competent hands of Dr. Roy Haley, of Brookfield, the Home’s physician.  He responds readily whenever he is needed.

Life Has Lighter Side

Primarily, the Home is a place of shelter, but there is also a lighter side of life for those forgotten men and women, who, due to their own personalities, enliven things  One patient, who weighs only 90 pounds is a Czechoslovakian.  She speaks English fluently except when she is visited by her relatives.  Then she rattles away in her native tongue and immediately puts on a “swing your partner” dance for which in her day she always used to capture first prize.

Another woman patient, claims the privilege of helping unload the supply truck on its arrival from town, but last week she was stymied.  Before the attendant could stop her she had broken the seal on a can of condensed buttermilk.  After rubbing her face and hands with it, she put some of it to her nose and said: “Golly, I don’t know what that stuff is!”

Life’s ebb and flow determines the number to be cared for, naturally.  A little over a year ago two extra beds had to be set up to accommodate the number seeking admittance, but right now the home is not filled to capacity.  The superintendents have the say-so as to whom shall be taken in, but, so far, they have never refused to admit anyone who has no other home to which he can go.

Visitors are always welcome on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons from one to five o’clock.

The guest register (which Mr. Turner calls his hobby) now contains over 8000 names.  Among last year’s 972 signers was a young man from Venezuela and a woman from India.

Yes, you may make a gift to those unfortunate people, such as candy, fruit, or cakes.  Many are received each month from individuals and organizations alike and all are highly appreciated.

Useable clothing is always in demand, but lawn chairs and benches and rocking chairs are especially needed at this particular time.

The inmates of the home are only children of yesterday who have “come to the end of the end of the long, long road,” Do not forget them!

And to those of you to whom life has been kind, I recall to your minds the words of a well-known hymn…. “Count Your Blessings, Name Them One By One.”

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Notes:

Mrs Vern Turner is Nellie Stevenson

Their four children are:

Crystle Turner Morris

Bill Turner (deceased)         twin brother, Bob also deceased

Donald Turner