Sam and Ethel Messer

Sam and Ethel operated Timber Ridge Guernsey Farm in Cairo, Missouri, for over 70 years. They were known for breeding and exhibiting excellent quality Guernsey cattle at the local, state and national shows.

Ethel was born and raised in Cairo while Sam was from Lincoln, Nebraska. They met when Sam’s and his family moved next door to Ethel’s childhood farm home. In November 1950, Sam and Ethel were united in marriage in Laplata, Missouri.

Sam and Ethel milked around 100 head of registered Guernseys. In 1997, the farm was recognized at the Missouri State Fair as the “Distinguished Herd of the Year”. In addition to the dairy, they had a farrow to finish hog operation with 60 sows, a flock of 80 registered Hampshire sheep, 80 Maine Anjou beef cattle, and a large flock of commercial laying hens. They took pride in watching their daughter, grandson, and great grandchildren showing all of their livestock.

Sam was one of the first AI technicians in the state of Missouri. He traveled throughout most of northern Missouri to AI cows, sows, and goats for a multitude of people. He was very sought after for his ability to breed cattle. Sam was among the first people in the United States to begin using the “continental” bulls. He even raised a registered Maine Anjou cattle herd, one of the first in America.

Ethel was always encouraging junior Guernsey youth to succeed. She was always willing to give advice or help wherever needed in the show ring. You could always find her in the Guernsey barn at the Missouri State Fair as she was very loyal in taking her grandson Brian every year to exhibit his cattle and encouraged him to participate in the 4-H dairy judging contest.

Sam and Ethel were also active supporters of 4-H and served as project and club leaders. In the mid 1960’s, Ethel started one of the first urban 4-H club in Moberly, called Mo-Mo 4-H. She also served as 4-H Council President, on the Fair board and the County Extension Council. In 2012, Sam and Ethel were inducted into the Missouri 4-H hall of fame. They were also lifetime members of the American Guernsey Association. Sam and Ethel were also active members of the Woodville Baptist Church. Ethel was also a member of the local Grange and held many offices.

Ethel passed away in August 2021 and Sam in October 2022. They have one daughter, Sandra Jo Messer; a grandson Brian Gates and his wife Peggy; and two great grandchildren Jasmine and Blake Gates, all of Cairo.