Family works together to make small beef farm thrive

Beth and Brad Dorsey of Homeland Farms in Moro, Illinois, both grew up on dairy farms that slowly converted to beef operations in the early to mid-1990s.

They’re keeping that tradition alive today with their three children.

The farmstead was established in 1835, and Brad and Beth live in the original homestead. In addition to beef cattle, they grow corn, soy, wheat and alfalfa and grass mix.

The operation is registered purebred Simmentals.

The Dorseys have three children — Claire, who attends Kansas State University for animal science, Jemma, who is a freshman in high school, and Drew, who works full time on the farm managing the row crop operation.

Claire and Jemma show cattle, and Claire helps with the breeding process on the farm.

Beth Dorsey said they are challenges by limited pasture in the area, but they have around 60-65 momma cows. The Dorseys sell their bulls mostly out of state.

When conditions work, they like to plant cover crops on idle ground in the winter months and graze their cattle on them.

Dorsey said it’s difficult to sell just a handful of animals at the sale barn, so a little over 15 years ago they started a freezer beef business.

“It’s not really what we love, but it’s an important part of the production,” she said.