Stewards for the Future: Paulsmeyer Farms, Inc.
The rich alluvial soil of the Missouri River bottoms near Chamois in Agri-Ready Osage County holds a legacy of how fourth generation Missouri River bottom farmer, Arthur Paulsmeyer, Sr., stewarded the natural resources entrusted to him. His stories are whispered among the timber stands and meander with the river’s curves that block the end of one field from the beginning of the next. Arthur’s farm evolves but the legacy remains the same: each generation prioritizes leaving the land better for the generations to come.
Paulsmeyer Farms, Inc.
Paulsmeyer ancestors planted their first crop in the Missouri River bottoms in 1837 and put down roots near Chamois in the 1880’s. Arthur Paulsmeyer, Sr.’s farm included crops, livestock, and poultry in the early 1900’s. Today, Paulsmeyer Farms, Inc. encompasses 3500 acres under the care of Arthur Sr.’s grandsons, Roger and Duane, great-grandsons, Matt, Alex, Ben, and Marty, and great-great-grandson, Grayson. The family grows corn and soybeans and has a herd of commercial cattle. The Paulsmeyers employ work ethic and stewardship values instilled in them as they utilize modern technologies to foster their family business.
Adopters of Modern Stewardship
Paulsmeyer Farms uses drones to reduce water consumption, soil compaction, and allow for precise applications. Track implements are used instead of wheeled tractors to protect soil. Autosteer and auto path innovations improve accuracy and limit fuel consumption. Rotational grazing is their standard to allow for forage recovery, biodiversity, and environmental health.
“The best part of growing up on the family farm is experiencing first-hand how food gets to the table,” shares Grayson. “The modern technology we use makes work on the farm so much easier and more efficient.”
Developers of Stewardship
River bottom farming is dynamic. Landforms and land use (such as timber stands) affect growing conditions in fields end to end. The Paulsmeyers have a research mindset that allows them to farm with exactness, optimizing and protecting the land in their care. They collect data that informs decisions for seeding, fertilizer, and pesticides, which can vary within a field. These prescriptions help to eliminate excessive application and over dependence on inputs; they minimize wasting time and resources on things that aren’t effective in the bottom lands.
Reducing Risk with Knowledge
Paulsmeyer Farms leverages generational knowledge of land management, floods, and conservation practices. The farm experienced real change in the historic flood of 1993 that came with a silver lining. The flood created a “blue hole,” a new lake that couldn’t be removed and had been naturally stocked with fish. The family regularly gathers to fish together and enjoy one another’s company.
“We appreciate the lifestyle and the history of the farm,” says Roger. “The lifestyle is about being your own boss and working hard when it counts, but also about taking the time to step back and enjoy the other parts of life.”
Models of Agriculture Innovation
“The 2026 Missouri Agriculture Stewardship Award recognizes the hard work and dedication of our family through the generations. Our farm can serve as an example for others to follow,” says Grayson, who plans to be an eighth generation Missouri River bottom farmer.
The Paulsmeyers were recognized as the Osage County Farm Family in 1990. The farm hosts an annual field day for State Tech college students to experience modern agriculture hands-on. The family has contributed to community development through the Osage County Agritourism Council and Osage County Extension Services.
The Cost of Efficiency
What is the Missouri Agriculture Stewardship Award (MASA)?
This prestigious, annual award recognizes Missouri’s farmers and ranchers who voluntarily employ careful management of land, natural resources and animals entrusted to their care. Missouri agriculturalists set a high bar for responsible stewardship.
“Our uncles wanted us to come back to the family farm, but there wasn’t room to support us,” shares seventh generation Missouri River bottom farmer, Ben.
By reducing inputs with precision and decreasing dependence on mechanization, less Paulsmeyers were needed to operate the farm. If Arthur Sr.’s great-grandchildren were to get the opportunity to carry on the family’s generational legacy of farming, something would have to change.
Models of Servitude
Paulsmeyer Farms, Inc. are members of Missouri Corn, Missouri Soybeans, and Missouri Farm Bureau-all partners of Missouri Farmers Care (MFC). MFC is a joint effort by Missouri’s farming and agriculture community to stand together for the men and women who provide the food and jobs on which our communities depend. MFC annually presents the Missouri Agricultural Stewardship Award to recognize the high bar set in Missouri agriculture for careful and responsible management of the land, natural resources, and animals entrusted to the care of Missouri farmers and ranchers.
Duane served the Missouri Levee and Drainage District Association, is a past president of the Three Rivers Electric board, the Osage County Soil and Water Board, Chamois UMC Finance chairman, the Farm Service County Committee, and was formerly an EMT for the Osage Ambulance District. He was a member of ALOT (Agriculture Leaders of Tomorrow) Class 5.
Roger is the current president of the A-1 Levee District, and has served on the Chamois MFA Board, the Osage R-1 School Board, the Osage Ambulance District Board, and the St. John’s UCC Church Board.
