Ray Schooley
Ray and his wife Margaret owned and operated a 165-acre farm near Niangua, Missouri. Their herd of registered Jerseys is recognized throughout Missouri and nationally for high production and quality cattle.
Ray was raised on a small farm in Stark, Kansas, graduating from Stark High School in 1954. He went on to attend Kansas State University. While pursuing his education, Ray also served as a National Guardsman for six years. He received his bachelor’s degree in dairy science in 1958 and a master’s degree in dairy cattle breeding in 1960.
Ray started his career in 1960, working for the Dupont Company in chemical sales. He then became the Executive Secretary for the American Milking Shorthorn Society, Springfield, Missouri from 1961-1967. In 1967-1976, he served as Treasurer and Superintendent of Records at the American Jersey Cattle Club in Columbus, Ohio.
The Schooley Jersey herd was established in 1979 when Ray and Margaret moved from Kansas to Niangua. The herd was started by the purchase of 21 head of commercial Jerseys, plus two groups of AI sired bred heifers. A few additional animals were purchased from Jersey sales. In the end, only two animals of some 120 head in the herd to not carry the Schooley prefix.
The herd was on DHIA and DHIR test since its beginning. The 1990 DHIA rolling herd average on 58.4 cows was 15,008 M, 671 F, 649 P, ranking first for milk and fat and second in protein in Missouri. At the same time, the DHIR lactation average on 50 cows was 16,102 pounds milk, 702 pounds fat, and 576 pounds of protein. The herd was ranked nationally on the high PTA protein list, several cows were on the Elite cow list for Missouri DHIA, and 15 cows have produced over 100,000 pounds of milk in a lifetime. Seven cows from the herd were state class leaders. The herd was enrolled on a regular type appraisal program. Over a dozen “Excellent” cows had been developed in the herd. Cattle were sold in 12 states, having the top selling cow in several regional sales. After selling the herd in 1998, they relocated to Marshfield in 1999. Ray continued his involvement in the dairy industry as a market reporter for the Missouri Department of Agriculture and a sales representative for ABS, Alta, and Semex.
Ray was very active in state and national dairy affairs. Ray served as past president of the National Dairy Shrine, President and director of the American Jersey Cattle Club, member of the joint National DHIA-HAA Technical Committee for Electronic ID, active in the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association, director of the Webster County DHIA and Vice President, and director of the Missouri Jersey Cattle Club.
Ray was an active member of the Marshfield United Methodist Church. He was also a 4-H Club leader as well as an active member of the Marshfield community, participating in various organizations including University of Missouri Extension, Webster County Extension Council, Webster County Fair Board, and United Methodist Men. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels and enjoyed ringing the bell for the Salvation Army during Christmas.
Ray passed away in October 2024. Ray and wife Margaret have two sons. Stuart (K.C.) of Ranchvale, New Mexico, and John, of Austin, Texas. They also have one grandson Warren Schooley.