Our Story

Welcome to Beef Gerke, where cows meet construction, farming meets family chaos, and sustainability is always on the menu (alongside some premium Angus beef).

The story of Beef Gerke began with a handshake deal and a surprising twist. Jon Gerke, the mastermind behind this bovine adventure, once received a group of Angus cows as payment for a construction project. While most people would expect a paycheck, Jon got moo-ney in its purest form. What started as an unconventional barter soon grew into a dream to build something bigger—both for his family and their future.

Jon and Missy Gerke have been married for five whirlwind years and are the proud ringmasters of a circus starring five energetic kids: ages 19, 13, 4, 2, and 3 months. Together, they’re raising their herd of children and Angus cattle on the rolling pastures of the Gerke Family Farm in Harrisonville, Missouri.

Jon comes from a long line of dairy farmers, learning the value of perseverance and the satisfaction of a hard day’s work from his grandparents. Missy, on the other hand, grew up surrounded by livestock and homegrown produce, honing her skills in both farming and multitasking (a must when raising five kids).

At the heart of the Gerke Family Farm is a commitment to Adaptive Farming, a sustainable approach to raising Angus cattle that prioritizes the health of the land, the animals, and the community. Adaptive farming isn’t just a method; it’s a mindset. It’s about learning to work with nature rather than against it—rotating grazing pastures to improve soil health, using innovative techniques to reduce environmental impact, and ensuring the cattle are raised humanely and responsibly.

For Jon and Missy, adaptive farming is more than just a way to grow their business. It’s a way to teach their children the importance of caring for the world around them. On the Gerke Family Farm, every fence mended, field tended, and calf raised is an opportunity to show the kids how hard work and stewardship can lead to something truly rewarding.

Beef Gerke isn’t just about beef; it’s about building something for the next generation. Through the practice of Adaptive Farming, Jon and Missy are ensuring that their family farm is not only sustainable but also a thriving example of how agriculture can coexist with nature. They want their kids to see the beauty of working the land, the value of resilience, and the joy of creating something meaningful—one pasture, one cow, and one laugh at a time.

At Beef Gerke, we’re raising more than just cattle—we’re raising future farmers, dreamers, and a legacy rooted in sustainability and heart. Whether you’re here for premium Angus beef or just a laugh at our expense, we’re happy to have you as part of the Gerke family story.

Come visit us in Harrisonville, where the cows are happy, the grass is greener, and the kids are (usually) chasing chickens instead of each other.

From our family to yours,
Jon, Missy, and the Gerke Gang