Faith and family help motivate Missouri Farm Families
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The Kevin and Charlotte Rohlfing Family of Rhineland and the Jason and Gina Pollard Family of Leonard were among the Missouri Farm Families honored on Aug. 11, Farm Family Day at the 2025 Missouri State Fair.
Farm Family Day is a partnership with Missouri Farm Bureau and other key agriculture industry organizations.
Nominated families from each county are selected to represent their county for this honor, based on their farming operation, their activity in their community or their participation in 4-H, and upholding the qualities that honor farming’s roots.
- Being honored as Gasconade County’s Farm Family was a special experience for the Rohlfings.
“Farm Families are picked based not only on their farming operation, but also their community involvement and their willingness to continue the legacy of agriculture in Missouri,” Mrs. Rohlfing, a member of Church of the Risen Savior Parish in Rhineland, noted.
Her husband’s and her farming roots stretch back several generations on both sides of the family.
“It’s a way of life we wish to preserve and to pass onto our children, if they so choose,” said Mrs. Rohlfing.
The family grows corn, soybeans, and wheat on their farm, along with raising cattle through all stages of beef production.
The Rohlfings are very involved in their community, taking part in church and school activities and serving in various farming and community organizations.
“‘Faith-Family-Farming.’ This phrase hangs above the front door of our home and sets the values we live by,” Mrs. Rohlfing noted.
She’s convinced that faith and farming go hand in hand.
“Have you ever noticed how many times Jesus mentions planting seeds or the harvest in his parables?” she asked.
She pointed out that farming requires an immense amount of faith — “faith that the seeds you plant will sprout; faith that the weather will cooperate with the work you are trying to accomplish; faith that there will be a good market price when it is time to sell.”
“The two main things I pray for as a farm wife and mother are for the safety of the farmers and for favorable growing conditions for the crops,” she said.
- Mrs. Pollard, a member of St. Mary Parish in Shelbina, said she feels honored and grateful to have her family recognized as Shelby County’s Farm Family this year.
“Agriculture has been a big part of our lives, and we’re proud to be raising our kids in it, too,” she said.
The Farm Family recognition not only honors the Pollards’ hard work but also the way they’re trying to raise the next generation — “to work hard, be responsible and contribute to the community.”
Faith is a large part of how they go through life, including their work. “Whether it’s in the barn or at our jobs in agriculture, we try to live by the values we believe in,” said Mrs. Pollard.
Among these are “showing up,” treating people right and being grateful.
“Raising livestock reminds us daily that we’re not in charge of everything,” she noted. “Sometimes the weather, the animals, or the day just doesn’t go how we planned, and that’s when our faith helps keep us grounded.”
Their children are active in 4-H, with the older two now having joined FFA.
“Through both programs, they’re learning not just how to take care of animals, but also how to lead, serve and be part of something bigger than themselves,” said Mrs. Pollard.
She said it’s been a great experience watching them grow into young people who understand the value of hard work, teamwork and giving back to their community.
She asked for prayers for God to continue watching over families like hers, “along with all the folks working hard in rural communities”; for strength when things don’t go as planned; and for support where it’s needed.
“And thank him for the good days, the quiet mornings, and the chance to raise kids in a place where they can grow up learning real responsibility,” she said.
