Roy Parsons
Thirty-six years ago Roy Parsons started work as assistant herdsman of the dairy operation at Champ Goodwood Farms near Elsberry. He still works at the Lincoln County operation but is now general manager of all farm operations.
Champ Goodwood Farms includes more than 3,500 acres. Dairying is a major enterprise and a herd of 280 registered Holstein cows is maintained.
The rolling herd average ranges between 22,000 and 23,000 pounds of milk.
Roy has always been a strong DHIA supporter and realizes the importance of good records in maintaining and improving milk production. He has maintained membership in both the National and Missouri Holstein Associations and served as president of the latter for two terms.
Sue Ann Steele, former secretary of the Missouri Holstein Association, said Roy provided superior leadership. “Roy was especially helpful in the development of Holstein youth programs,” Sue Ann wrote in her letter supporting Roy for the Dairy Leadership Award.
Roy served on the committee that selected the sales management group for the 1984 National Holstein Convention Sale held in St. Louis. Revenue from the sale resulted in financial stability for the Missouri Holstein Association.
Roy knows the value of using proven genetics in his breeding programs. He is a longtime member and supporter of KABA/Select Sires and currently serves as president of the artificial insemination business.
“Roy has the ability to communicate with his peers in a way that provokes thought and discussion and not conflict,” says Paul Kunkel, KABA/Select Sires general manager, in letter supporting Roy’s nomination for the award.
He is an original investor in Missouri Farm Dairy, a new generation value-added dairy cooperative located near Carthage in southwest Missouri. The owners are now milking 600 cows and their goal is a 1,000 cow milking herd. Roy is a member of the board of directors and member of the executive committee.
Champ Goodwood Farms maintains a herd of 300 mature beef cows. Some of the beef heifers are sold as Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifers at sales around the state.
In addition to taking part in the Show-Me-Select program Roy maintains a private heifer development program for both the farm’s beef and dairy herds.
Roy is a supporter of programs designed to keep youth interested in a career in agriculture. Not only does he champion youth programs as a leader in the Missouri Holstein Association but in other youth programs such as FFA.
As an FFA member at North Harrison High School, he served as an officer for two years and competed at the state level on several judging teams. He encourages youth to think about opportunities in agriculture. Three local FFA chapters have made Roy an honorary member and he is a charter member of the recently formed Elsberry FFA Boosters Club.
Roy married Daisy Cummins in 1967 and they have two sons and five grandchildren. The sons and their families are involved in production agriculture in northwest Missouri.