Ron and Patty DeLong

As breeders of fine dairy cattle of both Holstein and Jersey breeds, Ron and Patty DeLong have been in the registered dairy herd business for some forty years. They began by raising Holsteins, developing the first and second 95-score Excellent cows in Missouri. Holstein cow “Rhonde Chairman Patty” distinguished herself in the show ring, the milk tank and as a premier brood cow. “Rhonde Commander Wendy” produced several sons that entered AI studs including one in Japan. Later in their business, when they transitioned to a rotation grazing system, the Delongs began breeding high quality Jersey cattle, producing two 95-score animals. One from the Queenie family has over thirty Excellent descendants.

Show winnings include Grand Champion Holstein and Supreme Champion Holstein at the Missouri State Fair. At the Southern National show DeLong Jersey entries received Grand Champion and Supreme Grand Champion. They had Grand Champions at the Ozark Empire Fair five consecutive years.

Ron has classified and judged shows in nearly every state west of the Mississippi including the Western National Holstein show and Expo Granadera in Mexico. His eye for excellent cattle was recognized by the National Holstein Association for which he was a classifier for several years.

Ron served as president of both Southwest District Holstein and Stone County DHIA, was Stone County Commissioner, represented Stone County to the Farm Service Agency, and is currently on the board of the Missouri Jersey cattle Club. Patty also served as president of Southwest District Holstein and Stone County DHIA, was Junior Advisor to the National Holstein Association, and a 4-H Club leader.

Son Marc has also contributed to successes of the DeLongs, and was recognized as a Star American Farmer by the National FFA. He and wife Michelle have taken over day-to-day operations of the dairy and continue to produce champions including Rhonde Golden QT Reserve Grand Champion at the 2011 Ozark Empire Fair.

Ron is a graduate of Crane High School, Veterans Agriculture School and the first class of Agriculture Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT). He served in the United States Army as Atomic Demolition Munitions Squad Leader. Patty, a graduate of Clever High School, has been an employee of Southwestern Bell and a Partner in Rhonde Farms with Ron.

Nominators include the Missouri Jersey Cattle Club.