06/10/2026
From Iowa Dairy Roots to Arkansas Pastures: A Farmer’s Lifelong Journey
Recently, I had the chance to interview the 2026 Montgomery County Farm Family of the Year Paul and Sherry Waller and Family. I was able to visit them on their family farm and see their operation. Below is the essence of their story. I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I did interviewing Paul and Sherry.
For one local cattle producer, farming is more than an occupation, it’s a calling shaped by generations, hard work, and faith. From humble beginnings on an Iowa dairy farm to building a working cattle operation in Arkansas, Paul’s story reflects both the challenges and enduring values of family agriculture in a rapidly changing industry.
The farmer’s roots trace back to his great-grandfather, who began raising crops and dairy cattle in Iowa. That tradition continued through his parents and into his own life. “We grew up dairy farming,” he recalled. “Holstein cows, milking with old bucket milkers at first. Then came pipeline systems as technology improved.”
Alongside dairy operations, the family raised hogs and cattle, selling livestock locally. Like many family farms of the era, it was diversified and labor-intensive. “We’d raise calves, fatten them, and sell cattle every year. It was just the way of life,” he said.
But change eventually came. After years in dairy, he and his wife made the decision to leave the business and relocate to Arkansas in the mid-1990s. What began as an effort to step away from farming didn’t last long. “You can’t ever take the farming out of you,” he admitted with a smile. Within a few years, he was back at it—buying cattle, backgrounding them on small acreage, and hauling them back to Iowa to finish on family farmland.
That cross-state operation became routine, but it also highlighted the evolving realities of agriculture. Rising costs, long distances, and industry consolidation gradually forced adjustments.
By the early 2000s, he began rebuilding locally, starting with a small herd of “mama cows.” In 2012, he and his family purchased a farm in Montgomery County, though it didn’t come easy.
“By 2016, the family fully relocated there to manage daily operations more effectively.
Today, the farm supports approximately 135 head of cattle, though maintaining adequate land remains one of the biggest challenges. “You can’t put that many cows on 120 acres,” he explained. Leasing land is increasingly difficult as property values rise and population growth brings development into rural areas.
“In the past, farms stayed in families. Now, land’s harder to find, harder to afford,” he said.
Beyond land access, he points to industry consolidation as one of the greatest changes he has witnessed. The rise of large corporations in dairy and hog farming reduced opportunities for smaller producers. “It got where you couldn’t even sell your hogs unless you were part of a big system,” he said. “Same thing happened with dairy- limited buyers, strict controls. It felt like a monopoly.”
He worries that similar trends could impact cattle production in the future, though he remains encouraged by emerging local and farm-to-table markets. “People are trying to build local systems again,” he noted, citing interest in selling beef directly to consumers. However, a lack of nearby USDA-certified processing facilities continues to limit those efforts.
Despite the challenges, technological advancements have improved efficiency. Modern tractors, fencing equipment, and feeding systems have reduced labor demands compared to earlier generations. “We used to do everything by hand-square bales, feeding daily, cleaning barns. Now technology saves time, but it’s still a lot of work,” he said.
To supplement income, he also operates a custom fencing business, balancing that work with farm responsibilities. Days often begin early and stretch long into the evening. “We do the fencing during the day and farm work when we get home,” he said. “You just figure out how to get it done.”
Family remains at the center of the operation. Children and in-laws contribute when needed, and tasks are shared rather than assigned. “We just work together as a family,” he said. “That’s how farms have always been.”
He believes that farm life instills responsibility and values that are increasingly rare. “Kids raised on farms learn work ethic and accountability,” he said. “People want to hire farm kids because they know how to work.”
Looking ahead, he hopes the farm will remain in the family and continue to grow sustainably. Improving pasture quality and expanding local marketing opportunities are among his goals.
“I’d like to see more local production, where we can sell beef right here instead of sending everything off,” he said.
For now, the reward comes in simpler moments- watching cattle graze, seeing a sunset over the rolling hills, and continuing a way of life he believes is worth preserving.
“It’s a blessing to be here,” he said. “We’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, but the heart of farming hasn’t changed. It’s still about the land, the family, and doing the best you can with what you’ve been given.”
