A conversation with everyday Stockmen,
Featuring Chan Phillips, Circle M Farms and Rocking P Livestock of Mt. Vernon, Mo.
About the Stockman.
"I started showing in 4-H in 1974 at the age of 8. I have been actively involved in the cattle industry since then. Although my wife and I live in Missouri, we remain partners with my brother and his family in our family operation, Rocking P Livestock, in Maysville, Kentucky. I also serve as the general manager for Circle M Farms."
What about the beef cattle industry excites you the most?
"Definitely the people. I enjoy building relationships with cattle enthusiasts from everywhere. It has been so rewarding watching our two children, Morgan and AK, grow up having the same passion for the cattle industry that I do. They are now instilling the same values in their own children. I look forward to someday watching them compete in the show ring."
What is your least favorite job on the farm?
"Taking sale pictures and videos. For whatever reason it is always stressful trying to make sure that we get the best picture and video of each animal. I guess I’m a little OCD when it comes to this. There are also factors that we have no control over including the weather and lighting."
What is the most used tool on your farm? How old is it?
"Our JD skid steer. It is used everyday for things such as dirt work, feeding, fencing, manure removal, stacking hay, etc. Although it is only 3 years old, it has several thousand hours on it."
Describe your best day.
"To me the BEST day on the farm is when you have a healthy newborn calf born and everything has gone according to plan."
Which animal (any species) has left the greatest impact on you?
"RP/MP Built To Love A021 has made the most impact in recent years on our program and is one of the most influential cows in the Simmental breed. She is backed by three generations of Rocking P Livestock genetics. She has produced successful progeny for our program as well as many others across the country."
What is your go-to sorting apparatus?
"I like the way our cattle respond to a flag whip; it’s a nice easy way to sort cattle."
Your favorite non-farm activity to do in your free time?
"I enjoy a Sunday afternoon of golf. Although I’m not very good at it, it is about the only thing that I do that doesn’t involve cattle."
The most important lesson you’ve learned in this business?
"The most important lesson I have learned in terms of breeding cattle is to rely on proven cow families. This helps make their offspring more predictable. Also, remember that they are forage animals and need to be big-middled with a lot of capacity to remain efficient and low-cost animals."
Sale Offerings:
Multiple sales each year, including private treaty sales
Photos courtesy Chan Phillips
learn more www.rockingplivestock.com
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