Built to Last: Freymuth Family Farm
A Farm Shaped by Change
Nestled outside Bellflower in Agri-Ready Designated Montgomery County, Freymuth Family Farm is a story of resilience, adaptability, and commitment to Missouri agriculture. Today the operation reflects the energy of multiple generations, but its foundation was shaped by thoughtful decisions made to protect the future of the farm.
The Freymuth family originally farmed in Agri-Ready Designated Lincoln County near Troy, where Dennis Freymuth grew up on his parents’ farm. After returning from military service, Dennis and his wife, Janet, eventually moved back to the farm, where they began building their own farming enterprise and raising their family. As urban sprawl and development began pressing closer to the farm, Dennis and Janet made the difficult decision to relocate so agriculture could remain at the center of their livelihood. The move to Montgomery County allowed the family to continue farming with the space and flexibility needed to keep their operation viable for future generations.
Though the farm has evolved over time, the work ethic and values established by Dennis and Janet remain evident in every part of the operation today.
A Management-Focused Cattle Operation
Today, the farm is carried forward by Aaron Freymuth and his wife, Stephanie, who help manage the operation alongside Dennis and Janet. Dennis and Janet’s daughter, Nancy, and her husband, Carl, are also an active part of the Freymuth family’s story.
The Freymuths manage a commercial cow-calf herd using an intensive rotational grazing system. Pastures are carefully monitored and cattle are regularly moved to promote forage regrowth, soil health, and animal performance.
“Our grazing program takes a lot of planning and attention to detail,” Aaron says. “It’s worth the effort to know we’re doing what’s best for the cattle and the land at the same time.”
The family puts up their own hay each year to feed cattle through the winter months. This approach allows them to maintain consistency in feed quality while remaining closely connected to every aspect of their operation.
Who is Freymuth Family Farm?Freymuth Family Farm is a family-run operation near Bellflower in Montgomery County, Missouri. The Freymuths raise Dorset Advantage and crossbred sheep with an emphasis on quality, and sound structure for youth show projects. The family also maintains a commercial cattle herd as part of the overall farm operation. In addition to raising livestock, the Freymuths host an annual sheep sale and a youth sheep showmanship clinic. Updates and sale information can be found on Facebook at Freymuth Family Farm.
Youth at the Heart of the Operation
Aaron and Stephanie are raising their children, Izzy and William, on the farm, where livestock plays a central role in daily life. Cattle are the backbone of the farm, but sheep have become a defining part of its story. The family added sheep to the operation when it became clear that Izzy wanted to carve her own path in agriculture.
“My dad grew up showing calves, but when I was 8 years old, I wanted nothing to do with that, so I convinced him to get me show sheep,” Izzy says. “It was supposed to only be for one or two years, but I fell in love with it and now we have more than 20 ewes.”
What began as a few sheep grew into a full family enterprise. Today, the Freymuths raise a flock made up primarily of Dorset Advantages and crossbred sheep. Izzy and her brother, William, are heavily involved in the care of the animals and exhibit them at county and state fairs, as well as national shows. Through daily chores and time in the show ring, both have gained hands-on experience in livestock care, time management, and responsibility. William also raises a market steer each year, building on the livestock experience that runs deep in the family.
Sharing Knowledge Beyond the Farm
As their involvement in the sheep industry has grown, so has the Freymuth family’s desire to give back. Each spring, they host a lamb sale on the farm, welcoming buyers from across the region and providing youth with quality animals to exhibit.
As the Freymuths looked for ways to better support young exhibitors, the idea for a sheep showmanship clinic took shape. The clinic is hosted in partnership with the Kemper family, longtime friends who are also actively involved in the sheep industry.
The clinic focuses on practical instruction, including animal handling, fitting, and presentation, as well as the fundamentals of good sportsmanship in and out of the show ring. Participants have the opportunity to bring their own sheep while working directly with experienced exhibitors, asking questions, and practicing what they’ve learned in a supportive environment.What began as a small, hands-on learning opportunity has grown into a well-attended event that draws families from multiple counties.
“The showmanship clinic is really beneficial as a value-add for our lamb customers,” Izzy says. “When youth buy a show animal their first year it can be a daunting task. When people buy from us, they really appreciate that when they call us, we will answer their questions and do our best to help them. I’ve gone out to farms and helped kids between the showmanship clinic and their county fair, and that kind of service builds repeat customers.”
For Izzy and William, the clinic is also a chance to give back to a community that helped shape their own experiences in livestock showing.
“We’ve had so many people take time to help us over the years,” Izzy said. “Hosting the clinic is a way to share what we’ve learned and encourage younger kids who are just getting started in their own livestock projects.”
Carrying the Farm Forward
Through thoughtful management, youth involvement, and a willingness to adapt, the Freymuth family represents the strength of Missouri agriculture. From rotationally grazed pastures to the show ring, the operation reflects the work ethic and values Dennis and Janet established years ago, now carried forward by the next generation.
The Freymuths are members of Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, and Missouri Sheep Producers. These organizations are partners of Missouri Farmers Care.
Agri-Ready Montgomery CountyIn #Agri-Ready Designated Montgomery County, agriculture, food and forestry contributes $121.9 million in total value-added products, supports more than 1,800 jobs, and adds $134.7 million annually to household incomes according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study.