Extraordinary care from farm to table in all respects

It was a match made at the National Block and Bridle Club. Jim and Cyndi Puyear, owners of Rocking P Ranch near Jamestown, Missouri, came together out of a love for each other and a shared passion for conscientious cattle farming. While growing up in Illinois, Jim, along with his father and brothers, raised Simmental cattle, a breed known for its tender and tasty meat and docile nature. Cyndi, who is a seventh-generation farmer and one of four siblings, grew up on a grain and livestock farm, also in Illinois.

“Cyndi and I first met in the early ’80s at a National Block and Bridle Club meeting while she was still in college,” Jim says. “We became good friends, dated and then married. We have always shared enthusiasm for the humane treatment of livestock animals and responsible farming in all aspects. This is how we were raised.”

After graduating from Illinois State University with a degree in agricultural sciences, Jim spent years as a livestock nutritionist during which time he carefully researched and studied the latest standard methods of livestock management. With his in-depth background and work experience, Jim felt a strong urge to get back into farming. His goal was to incorporate modern techniques with the timeless methods he learned as a young man.

Jim rented an Illinois farm in 1991, purchased three heifers and reactivated his membership in the American Simmental Association. Never short on energy, he then became the county environmental health inspector and a certified food handler. Six years later, he rented a larger plot of land and convinced Cyndi to join him with the running of the farm.

In 2002, Jim and Cyndi relocated Rocking P Ranch to land they purchased in Moniteau County, Missouri. Today they raise 30 head of Simmental cattle with a coup of Rhode Island Red chickens. They also grow a variety of carefully selected heirloom vegetables. Both livestock and produce are harvested for local restaurants and individual consumers.

Besides running the farm with Jim, Cyndi works as managing farm director with Brownfield Ag News, the largest agricultural radio network in the nation. She received her degree from Western Illinois University in agricultural education and animal science.

“We try to be mindful in every decision we make because those decisions make an impact on the health and happiness of our customers. We take this responsibility of feeding others seriously. We also feel good that we provide a great life for our animals in the process.” — Jim Puyear, owner, Rocking P Ranch

“Cyndi and I come from strong agricultural backgrounds and realize it could be easier and cheaper to use certain tools; however, our methods of farming fill a need for health-conscious customers,” Jim says. “For instance, our livestock are raised in a stress-free manner and fed a natural diet with no added hormones. We try to be mindful in every decision we make because those decisions make an impact on the health and happiness of our customers. We take this responsibility of feeding others seriously. We also feel good that we provide a great life for our animals in the process.”

With a laugh, Jim adds: “While Cyndi and I were honeymooning in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, we took in a Simmental show at the Keystone International Livestock Exposition. That right there shows our level of commitment.”

What Is the Beef?

Good-for-you qualities about red meat

• Provides a high source of iron. Just three ounces of beef give the same amount of iron as three cups of raw spinach.

• Offers a great source of zinc. Three ounces of beef satisfy 39 percent of the daily requirement for zinc. It takes 33 ounces of tuna to meet this same level.

• Contains significant amounts of B-complex vitamins including riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, B6 and B12.

• Provides a high source of protein.

8 Reasons Your Body Needs Protein

• Part of all body tissues including muscles, organs and bones
• Makes up the hormones and enzymes that regulate body processes
• Works with the immune system to protect against disease
• Serves as an energy source
• Prevents sarcopenia, a muscle-wasting disease
• Improves body’s ability to build muscle mass
• Helps maintain a healthy weight by increasing metabolism during sleep
• Helps create a “full feeling,” so overeating is minimized

Source: Rocking P Ranch.

Steaks and produce can be purchased from River City Florist or enjoyed while dining at The Grand Café and the Jefferson City Country Club.

Cyndi’s Ranch Recipe

Mammoth jalapeno poppers

• 18 jalapeno peppers (large size)

• 1 pound spicy sausage

• 8 ounces Philadelphia cream cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Slice peppers in half, and core out insides. Brown sausage, and then stir in room-temperature cream cheese. Stuff peppers with sausage mixture, and arrange on a large cookie sheet. Bake for approximately 35 minutes.

Serves 6 – 8