Echo-L Holsteins
Echo-L Holsteins is a family corporation located in Fulton.
Current history of the corporation dates back to 1972 when Vernon and Mary Ann Echelmeier and his father moved their Holstein herd from St. Charles to Fulton. Vernon was farm manager until his accidental death in 1996.
Now, members of the corporation are Mary Ann; son Tim and wife Casey and their sons Burke and Tyler; and son Steve and wife Kim. A third son, Jeff and wife Ann and sons Will and Matt, live in Columbia where he works as a certified public accountant.
In the dairy operation Tim is manager and Steve assistant manager. They are the fourth generation of the family engaged in the dairy business. Jeff’s contribution to the family corporation, Tim says, is as tax preparer.
Tim is a 1991 graduate of Nichols State University and Steve has an under graduate degree granted 1995 by the University of Missouri and also holds a masters degree in animal science granted by the University of California-Davis in 1999.
The family farm consists of 600 acres with 320 acres being devoted to corn and soybean production. The remainder is used for forage production, including alfalfa, and pasture for dry and young stock. Much of the grain and forage produced is used by the Echelmeier Holsteins.
The milking herd has slowly expanded over the years from 50 to 270 cows. The original herd was registered but as the herd grew it was necessary to introduce non-registered stock. Still, herd bloodlines have been continued and around 150 cows in the present herd are registered.
Through the years the family has been active in showing their cattle at Missouri Holstein Association events and local and state fairs. Echo-L Holsteins has had a number of All-Missouri and Junior-All Missouri animals and most recently had the 1998 All-Missouri three year old cow.
Tim and Steve are planning for an expansion to a milking herd of 500 cows. They plan to start construction on new facilities this summer.
Vernon and Mary Ann and Tim and Casey have both been Callaway County Farm Families of the Year. Tim is currently a member of the Callaway County Extension Council.
The Echelmeier family has been involved in community activities through the years. Jeff, Tim, and Steve were involved in 4-H club and FFA activities while they were in school.
The Echelmeiers are members of the Methodist Church.
The Missouri Holstein Association nominated Echo-L Holsteins for Dairy Hall of Honors recognition.