The Hegeman Family, Cosby
Hegeman Dairy Farm, Cosby, Missouri is truly a family operation. Donald Hegeman and his family operate the farm today as a family corporation. The Hegeman farm has been in the family over 110 years. The original land a patent was signed by James K. Polk-President 1844-1848. Don Hegeman’s great uncle, Frank Hegeman originally had the farm. Don says “my grandfather, Henry Hegeman bought it from my great grandfather, John. My Dad, Harry, took it over from his father”.
The dairy started in 1930 by Harry and his wife Nellie who sold Grade A Milk in Cosby. The Grade A dairy was continued and was taken over by Don in 1953 when he completed military service. He added some registered cattle to the herd. Don had graduated from UMC in 1951 with a B.S. Degree in Agriculture majoring in dairy husbandry. In 1955, Donald married Margaret Joan Kowitz of Helena, Missouri. The couple has four children, two daughters and two sons. Growing up all of the children were involved in dairy farm operation, active in 4- H Club and FFA projects and community life.
The Hegeman Family – Each member of the family has played a role, or is now directly involved in the day-to-day operation, a brief summary beginning with the children follows.
Beth Hegeman McCauley – 4-H dairy projects with registered Holsteins, district Holstein Princess. Has a B.S. degree from N.W. MO State University and a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from UMC. Her husband, Howard McCauley is Director of Admissions, MO Western State College. The couple has two sons and a daughter. Beth is an Occupational Therapist at Heartland Health Facility, St. Joseph.
Nancy Hegeman Langemach – Registered Holstein projects in 4-H. Has a B.S. degree in Home Economics, UMC. Her husband Paul Langemach operates the Chrysler dealership at Savannah. The couple has two sons and a daughter, Nancy is a full time homemaker.
Daniel Hegeman – Grew up active in 4-H and FFA, graduated UMC in 1985 with a B.S. degree in Dairy Science. He is Past President of the N.W. MO Holstein Association and a Director of the MO Holstein Association. Active in the Hope United Church of Christ, Past Master of the Cosby Masonic Lodge, Past President of the Andrew County Republican Party and now District State Representative in the Missouri Legislature. Daniel and his wife Francine have a daughter and a son. Dan is active in the farm operations.
Frederick (Fritz) Hegeman – Very active in farm operations, grew up with junior dairy projects, has B.S. degree in Animal Science from UMC 1987. He is a Director Missouri DHIA Federation, Director KABA – Select Sires, and Vice Chairman Mid-America District 10 and Secretary of the District Mid-American Young Cooperators. His community activities include: Member Hope United Church of Christ, Past Master of Cosby Lodge Masonic Lodge, Vice President Andrew County Extension Council, Director of County Farm Bureau.
Joan and Donald – As parents of the above listed children both Joan and Don are heavily involved in the corporation and community affairs.
Joan and Francine keep business records of the farm corporation and help out with dairy operations when needed. Joan has a B.S. degree in Vocational Home Economic from NW MO State University. She is a past Regent of MO-Western State College, past president Andrew County Extension Council, and Worthy Matron Cosby Chapter of the East Star.
Donald – the senior member of the Corporation and active in many state dairy organization including Director, Kansas City Division of Mid-America Dairymen and also a Director Missouri Dairy Association. He is a Past President of the Missouri Holstein Association and a Past Director of the Missouri DHIA Association.
He is active in his church; the Cosby Masonic Lodge; the Cosby Lions Club, and presently Director of the Andrew County Mutual Insurance Co. Don received the Leadership Award-Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors in 1989.
The Hegeman Herd – The herd consists of mostly registered Holsteins. But a few high producing grades are kept. The present herd of 141 cows in milk, January, 1993, had a rolling herd average of 19,643 m – 721f, 629 lbs protein. The herd has steadily improved over the year through the use of high production transmitting sires, DHIA testing, and good feeding and management. Some of the higher producers include: Hegeman Persuader Linn, “Ex” with 38,100 m – 1328f, 1,118 protein in 365 days age 8 years; “Hegeman Rotate Lindsey “Ex”, 35,500 m 0 1136 f, 965 protein as a 5 yr. old; Hegeman Mark Jezebel, 36,940 m, 1113f, 1167 protein as a 5 yr. old.
There have been 9 Excellent cows produced in the herd and several nominated All-American and there have local and state show winners.
The farm has computerized feeders and a computer is used for farm records. Young stock, particularly bred heifers, are sold to other dairymen and are an important source of income.