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Miscanthus Production Offers Financial Security for Missouri Farmer
On 34 acres outside Lockwood, Mo., Wanda grows Miscanthus giganteus for MFiber as a resource for supplemental income.
Her involvement with Miscanthus production began in 2011, when her late husband, Allen, started the project as a way to secure the future for Wanda. Allan had been diagnosed with cancer some years earlier and believed that Miscanthus production would offer a worry-free source of income for his wife.
“I like that Miscanthus is a hands-off crop,” stated Wanda. “I don’t have to replant it every year, or bale or haul it. MFiber takes care of the crop which is perfect for me and I love watching it grow.”
Wanda retired in 2014 from the Lockwood Farmers Exchange in Lockwood, Mo., where she worked for 26 years. “I met a lot of people working there. I learned a lot about them, about their faith and what was going on with their families,” reminisced Wanda.
Wanda is no stranger to the farm. She grew up on dairy farm and though she swore she would never marry a farmer, life had other plans. Allen and Wanda indeed had a farm together. However, around 2005 Wanda, along with help from her children, ran the day-to-day operation on their family farm while her husband worked over the road. “I miss watching the calves in the spring but I don’t miss the stress of raising cattle,” said Wanda, who now rents out most of her pasture ground.
When Wanda isn’t on the farm she enjoys being part of the local Women in Agriculture group and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
MFiber is proud to work with farmers like Wanda. By working with local farmers we are able to ensure product traceability and sustainability while at the same time providing a consistent and reliable pet food fiber ingredient.
Lynzee Glass, Director of Communications
Lynzee Glass has always had a passion for agriculture. Lynzee grew up in a small southwest Missouri town on her parents’ beef cattle operation. Her true appreciate for agriculture was developed during her involvement in FFA (Future Farmers of America). Lynzee attended Missouri State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural communications. After graduation Lynzee worked as the managing editor of Ozarks Farm and Neighbor newspaper, a regional livestock publication, where she had the opportunity to share the stories of Ozark farmers. Throughout that time, Lynzee was published over 100 times. Under her direction as managing editor, Ozarks Farm and Neighbor was award first-place in newspaper- general excellence by the Livestock Publications Council. She has also been recognized in the industry for her writing and photography skills.
Today, her role as Director of Communications gives her the opportunity to continue working in agriculture. Lynzee oversees the website, social media, event planning, marketing and advertising.
When Lynzee is not at the office she can be found volunteering within her church, serving as the marketing chair for Missouri State University Darr School of Agriculture Alumni and spending time with family and friends.