Located near Palmyra, Missouri, in #Agri-Ready Designated Marion County, the Lehenbauer family farm stands as a symbol of generational dedication to teamwork and excellence. Mark and Amy Lehenbauer, alongside his father and brother, work hand in hand to ensure the continued success of the family business. At the heart of the operation is its commitment to diversification—growing soybeans, corn, wheat and hay while managing a cow/calf herd and beef and hog finishing operations. Together, the Lehenbauers showcase the enduring strength of family collaboration in modern agriculture.

Early Adopters

To keep each facet of their farm running smoothly, the Lehenbauers proudly adopt agricultural technologies early that streamline farm work or aid the preservation of their land and soil for the next generation. They have been planting cover crops for over two decades. Fifteen years ago they built a barn for their finishing cattle, a concept that is still not commonplace. Five years ago they began adapting to cloud-based information platforms that record animal health information, feed consumption, and growth rates while utilizing the TMR (total mixed ration) process to take the guess work out of mixing animal rations.

Many of the conservation ideas they have adopted could be harder to spot. The Lehenbauers invested in a tile system and utilize landforming, a minimally invasive practice of reshaping soil to mimic native topography, as strategies for erosion control.

“We work hard so the facets of our farm complement each other,” Mark shared. “We can’t grow crops on every acre we have, but those acres make great pasture. It makes sense for us to also be in the cattle business.” 

The Lehenbauers utilize the manure from the cattle operation to add organic matter to their soils and fertilize their growing crops. The family plants rye as a cover crop that protects their soils from erosion and is chopped into feed for their cattle. The Lehenbauers add value to their products before they leave the farm and target markets that will give their farm an economic advantage. The soybeans they produce are sold to become seeds for the next year’s soybean crop and they raise their finished beef to become U.S. Premium Beef. Crops and grains are a main contributor to #Agri-Ready Designated Marion County’s $336.1 million output and more than 2,100 agricultural jobs according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study.

Representing Farmers

Mark represents Missouri soybean farmers as a member of the 2024 Race to the Plate Farm Team, an advocacy outreach partnership with the St. Louis Cardinals. 

“It is great that agriculture organizations partner together to offer opportunities that make a difference to the public,” said Mark.  “Today’s consumers are further removed from the farm and have less opportunities to understand what happens on the farm. The Race to the Plate Campaign gives consumers a touch point with our industry.” 

“Our kids loved the opportunity to interact with Fred Bird,” Amy continued. “The Race to Plate campaign is so unique because people wouldn’t often pair professional baseball and farmers as partners.”

Many Hands Make Light Work

Amy returned to the family business full-time after previously working an off-farm job. She was emboldened to make the change after participating in Annie’s Project, a program offered by University of Missouri Extension designed to help women in agriculture gain skills in leadership and business. 

“I did not just want to return to the farm for the flexible schedule and to stay at home with my kids, although that was a bonus,” said Amy. “I knew I could add value to our farm as a business partner and Annie’s Project gave me the confidence to step forward and contribute to the farm on a full-time, professional basis.” 

Amy focuses on the farm’s livestock endeavors and handles human resources and employee needs. 

“We have found that it makes a real difference to be in tune with our employees. Taking time to recognize employee birthdays or accomplishments goes a long way. When we welcome employees to the farm, I make sure that they receive training and introductory time to help them orient to our business. It pays to connect with the people who help our farm business to succeed.”

Serving Agriculture

Mark serves as the chairman of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, a partner of Missouri Farmers Care. 

“What I appreciate the most about serving on the board is that the group is farmer led,” stated Mark. “Thirteen Missouri farmer leaders are directly making the decisions about how our soy checkoff dollars are being spent. I can see the benefits and developments of those decisions long-term. Years before my time of service, board members decided to support and adopt policies concerning the development and marketing of biodiesel. Because of those decisions, now my board colleagues and I get to have discussions about sustainable aviation fuels. I love that the decisions we are making today will make a difference for producers in the future.”

More About Mark & Amy

“The kids are involved on the farm day-to-day,” Amy shared. “Each of them have found a way that they feel very driven to participate.” 

The kids are ages 12, 10, 8 and 2. They are members of 4-H and enjoy showing cattle. Mark and Amy actively contribute to their community through the efforts of their church and school. They are involved in the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources alumni activities and their local Community Foundation.

Agri-Ready Marion County

Marion County is one of over 70 Agri-Ready Designated Counties in Missouri that are committed to fostering agricultural opportunity, promoting ag literacy, and driving economic development. The Agri-Ready County Designation program connects counties with Missouri Farmers Care to encourage and protect agriculture and secure it as a thriving component in our state’s economic future. Missouri Farmers Care 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. Through this partnership, counties like Marion are working to strengthen the agricultural sector and enhance its impact on local economies.