Gary Estes

Gary Estes was born into the dairy industry. His parents, Frank and Lois Estes, owned and operated Shady View Dairy Farm near Rogersville, Missouri. Gary exhibited animals from the farm, as a 4-H and FFA member, at local, state and national shows. His dream of having a national champion came true in 1964 with a cow well known as “Moose.” When the Estes herd of Guernsey cows was dispersed, they went to many dairies, especially to Four Winds Farm in Wisconsin, known for breeding National Champions. The renowned bull they bred, “Four Winds Magicman,” came from the family of cows purchased from the Estes farm.

After college Gary taught Vocational Agriculture at Mansfield High School for five years. Two of his former students, Rollen and Rilley Stewart, have made a significant impact on the Guernsey and Brown Swiss breeds.

In 1973, Gary got a special calling to become an auctioneer. His handle on his C.B. radio (before cell phones) was “the Colonel.” The first Guernsey dispersal sale he auctioned was for Dick Johnson, and the first state sale was the 1974 Oklahoma Guernsey Sale. As time went on Gary built a reputation as one of the best auctioneers and judges of dairy cattle in the nation. He auctioned dairy cattle in over 20 states, many being national sales of several breeds. He has judged Guernsey, Milking Shorthorn and Holstein cattle at the World Dairy Expo and has judged in Mexico and other countries. He has been official judge for the Hoard’s Dairyman Dairy Judging Contest.

One nominator wrote, “Gary Estes has served the dairy producers of this state and nation well. He has been dedicated to improving the quality of dairy animals as well as the lives of producers. He has obtained fair prices for animals he auctioned or he has purchased the animal himself if he could not get a higher price.” Another wrote, “His deep-rooted interest in helping people and his love for the dairy cow are always present in his dealings from the auction block. Few have had such a large influence by simply making people smile, feel good about themselves, and injecting energy into everyone.” Still another wrote, “Gary Estes has no equal in his chosen profession.” Finally, we quote a Guernsey sire analyst: “Gary has been supportive of juniors by offering his expertise for auctions to raise money for their activities,”

Recently Gary has gone back to his first love, the Guernsey cow, as evidenced by his showing three animals at the 2009 State Fair, those animals being named Junior Champion, Reserve Junior Champion and Honorable Mention Junior Champion. Presently Gary runs a weekly dairy auction at the Springfield Sales Barn and manages some dairy sales with the Estes/Griggs Dairy Sales firm while keeping some time open to serve other auction companies.

Gary is a member of three dairy breed associations and has served on the Ozark School Board and as director for the Missouri Farmer’s Association. His principle nominator is the Missouri Guernsey Breeders Association.