Our story

It all started when two kids (literally, we were 16!) fell in love. Sounds a little sappy, right? Well, it is—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Before we ever said "I do," our lives were already intertwined with shared values, a love for livestock, and dreams of what our future together might look like. Joey was raised on a ranch, and from an early age, he knew that ranching was his calling. We were high school sweethearts, and after graduation, Faith pursued her passion for agriculture, eventually earning a bachelor's degree in Animal Science and Ag Business from Missouri State University.

At the ripe old age of 19, we tied the knot and set off on a new adventure, moving from the mountains of Colorado to the heart of the Midwest—Missouri, to be exact. That was over 11 years ago! Since then, we’ve added two wonderful kids and a whole lot of animals to our crew.

In 2016, we began raising commercial beef cows on a lease property, and by 2019, we officially became the Smiling Bovine Ranch. Our kids even have their own small herds, which started with bottle calves they raised themselves. Along the way, we’ve become more than just ranchers—we’re active in our community as 4-H Club leaders, and as youth group and Sunday school leaders at our church. We’re also proud members of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association.

We’ve taken more than a few leaps of faith with our ranch and have always been blessed. Our latest move was no different. In 2018, we built our dream home with no plans of ever leaving… And then God laughed.

In 2023, we began the long process of purchasing our dream property (because, let’s be honest, it’s about the land, not the house), and we finally closed on it in July 2024. The entire process tested our faith, our commitment to each other, and our dedication to our cattle—and it continues to shape us today.

Our journey has been one of love, laughter, and a whole lot of learning, and we’re grateful for every moment of it.