Haley Imhoff: Feeding Schools, Families and the Future
By: Gentrie Davis
Haley Imhoff is proof that determination, hard work and a passion for agriculture can build something remarkable near Blackwater in Agri-Ready Designated Cooper County. She has grown Rolling Hills Livestock from a pair of Charolais heifers she purchased as a child to managing more than 130 head of cattle today. Her farm is deeply rooted in family, community and the future of Missouri agriculture.
Started as a Childhood Dream
Haley’s story began with a dream that started long before she realized it. As a young girl, she became attached to a little white heifer on her family’s farm. Years later, after seeing Charolais cattle at a livestock show, she knew that she wanted to become a seventh-generation farmer.
“I got in the truck after the show and told my parents I wanted to raise those big white cattle,” Haley says. “We found a local breeder, and when I was 9 years old, I bought two heifers.”
One of those original heifers, fittingly named “Miss Real Deal,” is still part of the herd today.
Growing Rolling Hills Livestock
Haley sold her childhood horse and purchased two cattle. Her venture has steadily expanded over the years through careful planning, reinvestment and learning. Today, Rolling Hills Livestock includes show cattle, commercial cattle and direct-market beef sales that reach local consumers, restaurants and schools throughout the area.
Haley credits her business growth to her willingness to adapt. In 2020, as supply chain concerns caused many consumers to question where their food came from, she shifted part of her operation to focus more heavily on market cattle and direct beef sales.
Feeding Community Through Local Beef
At the same time, she saw an opportunity to improve school lunch programs in her own community.
“The kids didn’t like the burgers they were being served, and honestly, neither did I,” she remembers. “So I talked to our superintendent about maybe doing something different.”
That conversation opened the door to a local beef initiative through a grant program sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture with partners, Missouri Beef Industry Council and Missouri Department of Agriculture. The program supports schools purchasing locally raised products. Since then, Rolling Hills Livestock has supplied multiple market animals to the Pilot Grove School District, bringing locally raised beef directly to students’ lunch trays.
The Family Behind the Farm
Haley knows success in agriculture does not happen alone. She describes her family as the backbone of everything she has accomplished.
“My mom, dad, and brother are constantly helping make hay, checking cattle and doing whatever needs done,” she says. “There’s no way I could do this without them.”
That support is especially important as Haley pursues one of the highest honors in the National FFA Organization. This year, she is Missouri FFA’s American Star Farmer candidate, recognizing the scope and success of her Supervised Agricultural Experience.
For Haley, the honor represents more than an application.
“It made me realize how big of a deal this all really is,” she says. “A few years ago, I just had two heifers and was learning as I went. Now I’m supplying schools, selling to local consumers and helping younger kids get started showing cattle.”
Finding Her Voice Through FFA
FFA has also played a major role in shaping her confidence and leadership.
“I was a very shy little girl,” Haley shared. “Walking into that FFA classroom changed everything. Suddenly I was leading my chapter, running for office and pushing myself to do things I never thought I could.”
Even with her accomplishments, the realities of farming remain challenging. Haley faces rising input costs and limited access to affordable land. Last year, after her great-grandparents’ farm became available for purchase, she made the weighty decision to take out first-time farmer and USDA loans to keep the land in the family and continue expanding her operation.
Leaving Her Mark on Missouri Agriculture
Haley says the farm is exactly where she wants to be even as she balances coursework at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
“This is where my heart’s at,” she says. “I’m not your average college student, and that’s okay. Being home and doing what I love is the biggest blessing.”
Whether she is checking cows at 3 a.m. during calving season or supplying local beef to her community, Haley represents the next generation of Missouri agriculture. A future built on resilience and a deep commitment to caring for both livestock and people.
Haley is a member of the Missouri Club Calf Association, Missouri Charolais Association, American-International Charolais Association, American Junior Hereford Association and National Junior Angus Association. She is a member of the Missouri Junior Cattlemen’s Association. Missouri Cattlemen’s Association is a partner of Missouri Farmers Care.
Agriculture, including agri-food, forestry and related industries, contributes $68.7 million in value-added products, $169.2 million in output, supports 1,417 jobs and adds $88.6 million to household incomes in Cooper County, according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study.