Our Philosophy

We believe it is our duty to steward the resources God has given us to the best of our abilities. 

It’s been said — regarding resources and mankind — that it is not ours, but only our turn. We firmly believe that. So whether it’s building healthier soils and landscapes, producing adapted livestock, managing habitat for diverse wildlife populations or a becoming stronger family, the goal is always the same — the constant search for being and doing better.

It is important that we don’t want to mine the system, taking and depleting the resource as we use it. Rather, the goal is to give back more than we take; to recycle, regenerate, generate or any other number of words that describe the goal of benefitting the current generation while leaving it better for future generations so that they can have a turn too.

Our History

Markway Ranch was established in 1970 by Marc and Betty Markway and continues to be operated today by their children and grandchildren.

Located in mid-Missouri in the heart of fescue country, we are on the northern edge of the Ozarks and south of the better crop country of northern Missouri. Still, with good grazing management, we grow plenty of quality forage and that is our passion — growing grass and harvesting it with livestock developed to thrive in a forage based system.

We raise hair sheep, cattle, horses and contract graze cows for other producers. Our replacement ewe lambs and rams, and Corriente/beef cross replacement heifers have successfully helped numerous producers improve their flocks and herds. Our performance Quarter Horses are equally at home on the ranch — day working at the local livestock markets or catching wild cattle in wide open pastures — and in the arena for disciplines such as breakaway roping, tie down roping, team roping and barrel racing.

At Markway Ranch, we manage in a holistic manner, mindful of the balancing act of improving the environment, being profitable, and building a better quality of life for present and future generations. We strive to steward the resources God has so generously blessed us with. We hope you will come see us and learn how we can be of service to you.