Ernest E. Cowherd, Purdy, Missouri
Ernest E. Cowherd and his family operate the Cowherd Holstein Farm at Purdy, Missouri. The herd, developed from a small beginning, has attained state and national prominence for animals with high milk production and outstanding conformation.
Ernest was born in 1923. He started dairying, with a few Jerseys and mixed breeds while in high school. After graduation from Purdy High School in 1941 he enrolled at the University of Arkansas leaving the cows in care of hired help. He was called into World War II military service shortly afterwards and the herd was sold. Ernest spent the next 18 months in the Pacific War Zone. He was wounded and spent nine months in a military hospital. While there, he began making plans to start a dairy herd when he was discharged. He came home in 1946 and enrolled in the Veterans Agriculture Training Course at Monett Junior College. At the same time he started buying cows. His first registered Holstein was bought in Oklahoma in 1946. In 1951 two cows that were to become the foundation for the herd were bought. One of these Farmington Rock Fern was purchased in the 1951 Missouri State Sale as a yearling heifer. She produced over 100,000 pounds of milk in her lifetime and had seven daughters.
In 1948 Ernest married Mary J. Eden and together they carried on the dairy operation, buying an 80-acre farm adjoining his parents’ farm. Through the years additional land was purchased. At present the farm consists of 620 acres and 120 additional acres are rented.
The Cowherds, from the start, have stressed high production and good type in their breeding program. The herd has been on DHI test since 1951 and on DHIR since 1959. Starting with a herd average production of 10,000 lbs. of milk, 412 lbs. of butterfat on 30 cows the rolling herd average at present is 17,820 lbs. of milk, 689 lbs. butterfat on 118 cows. All are registered Holsteins. The herd has been continuously classified for type since 1959. In 1983 the Breed Age Average type score for the herd was 105.3 percent. Artificial insemination, utilizing many of the breed’s top production and type proved sires, has been in use the past 20 years with great impact on the progress of the herd.
A total of 18 Excellent cows have been produced in the herd and many 100,000 lbs. milk cows developed. The Cowherds have been awarded the Holstein Association’s Progressive Breeder Award four times.
Ernest and Mary Cowherd are the parents of seven children. All of whom take an active part in the farm. James (Gene), who graduated from the University of Missouri in 1973, is now a partner and supervises herd management and the mating program. Other children are: Robert, an attorney at Chillicothe, who owns some cows in the herd; Charles, an attorney at Springfield; Don, President, United Bank, Boonville; Jeanettee, a teacher; John and Randy both now studying law at the University of Missouri.
Ernest is active in local and state affairs. He has served as a 4-H Club Leader; Barry County Extension Council; DHI Board member; Director of the Missouri Holstein Association; Board of Director Federal Land Bank; and Board of Education, Cassville for nine years. The family are members of the Cassville United Methodist Church where Ernest serves as a trustee.