Donald Hegeman, Cosby, MO

Donald Hegeman, Cosby, Missouri is a recognized leader in the dairy industry and in community activities.

Don, as he is generally known, was born March 20, 1929 at St. Joseph, Missouri. He graduated from Savannah High School in 1947, attended St. Joseph Junior College in 1949, then the University of Missouri where he graduated in 1951 with a B.S. in agriculture. His major was in Dairy Science. After graduation, Don served two years, 1951-52, in the United State Army. He returned home and began dairying with his father. In 1955 he and Joan Kowitz were united in marriage. Don and Joan then took over operation of the dairy farm.

Donald and Joan have four children: Beth McCauley, occupational therapist; Nancy Langemach, homemaker; Daniel and Fritz joined the farm operation after getting degrees from the University of Missouri.

The Hegemans operate a farm of 735 acres. The principal crops are alfalfa, corn and soybeans. The dairy herd includes 123 Holstein cows in milk with an average of 19,040 pounds of milk, 670 pounds of butterfat and 613 pounds of protein. The milk is sold to Mid-America Dairymen. Don has been a delegate from the Western District to Mid-America Dairymen for many years and in 1989 was elected to the Kansas City Division Board of Directors.

Mr. Hegeman is a director of the Missouri Dairy Association; a member of the Missouri Holstein Association and the National Holstein Association and a member of the Missouri Dairy Herd Improvement Association State Board. He has served on the dairy committee of the Missouri Farm Bureau. For years he was a 4-H Club Leader and a member of the county fair dairy committee. He is active in community affair’s serving as a member of the Public Water District. He is currently president of the Cosby Lions Club. He is also a member of the Rural Fire District, the local Farm Bureau, and president of the County Extension Council. He is a member of the Cosby Masonic Lodge and a former Past Master.

Don and his family are active in the Hope United Church of Christ and he has served on many of the church’s committees.

Don is to be congratulated on his sincere devotion to his family, his community and the dairy organizations he so ably represents.