Adolph N. Wagemann, Billings, Missouri

Adolph N. Wagemann, Christian County, Missouri was a well-known Guernsey breeder and dairy leader in Southwest Missouri.

Mr. Wagemann was born December 5, 1890 at Billings, Missouri on a farm adjacent to the one he spent his lifetime on as a dairy farmer. After Adolph finished grade school his father purchased additional land and took him and his brother Edward into partnership. This partnership continued until the sons were married and each started farming on his own.

Adolph started his dairy operations in 1917 with grade cows and poultry to provide income. Shortly thereafter he acquired a purebred Guernsey cow. This cow became the foundation for his registered Guernsey herd. He was a good farmer and dairyman. By following a program of good herd management and using the best production bulls he could find Adolph and his family built a herd widely recognized for high milk production and cattle of good conformation. He was one of the first—probably the first—dairymen in his county to participate in the DHIA (then known as the Cow Testing Association). He soon recognized that if he was to support his family, in the way he desired, on his 100-acre farm high milk production was a “must.” His farm, named Virginia Willow Farm, in 1942-43 was Missouri’s leading DHIA Guernsey herd with an average of 9,136 lbs. milk, 465 lbs. fat on 2x milking. He utilized good quality home-grown roughages, fed a balanced ration and gave his cattle excellent care. He worked closely with the University of Missouri Agricultural Extension Program and carried out many approved practices in the management of his farm, dairy and poultry, enterprises.

On June 6, 1917, the same year he started farming on his own, Adolph married Nelle M. Garbee who was born and reared on a farm near Billings. Three children, two sons and a daughter, resulted from this marriage. The oldest son G. Garbee, is retired as Manager of Sales and Technical Service, in the Southeastern United States for Oakite Products, a specialized industrial chemicals firm. He now resides in the Springfield, Mo. area. The second son, Wilbur, is retired as Manager of Sales and Technical Services in the Mid-Eastern United States for Oakite Products and lives in Louisville, KY. The daughter, now Mrs. Mary N. Kuzdrowski, is a housewife and mother in South Holland, Illinois.

Mr. Wagemann was a recognized leader in his community. For many years he served on the Billings Methodist Church Board. He was a member, and for several years President, of the Billings Public School Board. Included also in his community activities was a member of the Board of Directors of the Billings Mutual Insurance Company. He led the drive for improved roads in Christian County. Adolph was a strong promoter of Guernsey cattle and dairying in general. He was a long-time member of the Board of Directors, Missouri Guernsey Breeders Association. He served on the State Sale Committee and helped to initiate the annual state sale. He helped to organize the Billings Guernsey Cattle Club and did much to encourage young dairymen to build successful herds. His influence is still being reflected in the thriving dairy industry around Billings.