Toecky Farms
The Toecky herd has been well respected by local dairy producers. They are recognized by fellow dairymen as a top source of breeding bulls in south central Missouri. Tom and Becky Durst have been striving for excellence since their dairy began. The Durst’s are long-time breeders of quality Holstein cattle. They have been active in district, state, and national Holstein shows and activities for several decades.
The main focus of their operation has always been the improvement of their herd genetics through breeding. The Toecky herd has been a closed herd for many years. Therefore, all of their genetic improvement and advancement come through strategic and targeted mating decisions. Each cow family and lineage is studied and determined what the most applicable mating would be. The Durst’s have combined type along with excellent management of their herd to achieve high production as well. Receiving the Holstein Association’s Progressive Breeder Registry (PBR) award for six years is truly an honor. They also rank among the top in the state for their BAA score every year. Their production records and classification results support this categorization. In 2021, the herd’s DHIR lactation average was 28,207M, 979F 853P. The BAA was 106.8. They received the Holstein Progressive Breeder Award in 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2021.
The Toecky herd finds the greatest joy in being awarded the Premier Breeder at any show they attend as a testament to their outstanding breeding program. While the emphasis has been on breeding a functional working cow herd, it should be noted that the Durst’s have been very successful in the show ring too. In 2021, Toecky won the following All Missouri awards: Spring Yearling, Senior Two, Junior Three, Senior Three, first and second place futurity winners and Grand Champion.
The Durst’s have also had a huge impact on the youth. Becky is a huge supporter for the youth of our industry. The farm has also donated a raffle calf for the Missouri Holstein Juniors to support their participation in dairy bowl competitions, public speaking, and national convention participation. Tom and Becky are the first to realize the industry won’t survive without the encouragement of our youth. They have also hosted the area FFA judging contest.
The Durst family has imparted the love of agriculture and the dairy industry on their children, several of whom are still involved in either the home operation or have dairy operations themselves: Adam and wife Christy, Amber and husband Chris, Andrea and husband Tommy, Candy and husband Judd, Chrissy, and Gus.