Mike and Bobbi Rauch
Mike and Bobbi Rauch have contributed to the breeding of both Jersey and Milking Shorthorn cattle while making outstanding contributions to organizations within the dairy industry. The foundation for Milking Shorthorns began in 1940 when Mike’s father, Glenn Rauch, purchased the first heifers. Jerseys were added in the 1970s. Breeding objectives were sound functional types-especially udder traits, feet and legs, longevity, and high production of milk fat and protein.
High herd classification scores were achieved in both breeds, including excellent cows. Mericrest Kewpie was International Champion at the World Dairy Expo three times. Reserve Champion won twice, and was named top producer among the breed champions one year. She scored 95 points and, in one lactation, produced over 30,000 pounds of milk. Her likeness is painted in the center of the production mural of the Dairy Hall of Honors representing Milking Shorthorns. Her herdmate, Sancrest Sparkler Sue, represents the Jersey breed in the same mural.
DHIA records show that the Sancrest Farms herd consistently ranked among the top herds in Missouri, especially in production of protein and fat. Sancrest Farms has owned or bred at least 75 All-Americans and production class winners. The bull, Ridgewood Orvals Promise, was an All-American winner five times and national champion four times. He sired at least 30 All-Americans. Bulls have been sold to national studs and semen to Australia and Canada.
Bobbi received a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Southwest Missouri State University, now Missouri State University. She was a teacher for five years. Her 40 years with the Jersey/Milking Shorthorn cattle involved artificial insemination, record keeping, advertising, and marketing, as well as hands-on work. She served on the board of the Missouri Jersey Cattle Club; edited the club’s magazine for 11 years; and was secretary/treasurer at parish and state levels.
Mike and Bobbi joined with 16 other milk producers in 1978 to form Central Equity Milk Cooperative with the objective of increasing income by pricing milk on a component basis. Bobbi has served as secretary of the coop since 1999. The cooperative has grown substantially with members in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
Son Phil Rauch joined Mike and Bobbi in operations of Sancrest Farms a few years ago. Current farming operations consist of raising heifers, beef cattle, and hay production. Their milking cows are housed at Sho Me Jerseys in Billings, Missouri. Bobbi is secretary for Billings Farmers Sales Association.
Sancrest Farms has supported the University of Missouri Research Center at Mt. Vernon by donating cattle and providing semen for the breeding program. The Rauchs are members of M.U.’s Jefferson Club and active in St. Peter’s Evangelical Church.
Bobbi’s favorite 4-H sponsored program is known as Cow Camp. She encouraged the Southwest Dairy Foundation to sponsor Cow Camp and distributes promotional items for the Foundation at fairs and picnics.
Mike represents the Milking Shorthorn Society as trustee for the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors Foundation and has been its president for over 18 years. Bobbi began as a trustee, representing the Missouri Jersey Cattle Club, and has served as recording secretary.
Mike and Bobbi are parents of Melissa Dover, Shannon Squibb, and Phil Rauch. Grandchildren are Matt and Meaghan Dover and Ryan and Clayton Squibb. The Rauch progeny live in the Billings area and are also active in the dairy industry.