Here, a joint venture between two men turns logs
into a value-added product that area farmers welcome
with open arms. Rooted by their faith and justness,
partners Lavern Ropp and David Peachey work in
earnest behind the scenes with their team. Formed in
2012, the duo today ships premium quality bulk and
bagged shavings mostly to turkey and chicken growers
within a 200-mile radius of Webster County.
A labor of love of sorts, the men behind Eagle
Ridge Shavings bring their love of agriculture to the
table through their sustainable craft.
FROM THE GROUND UP
Born and raised in the Seymour area, Lavern’s father
ran cattle and built houses in Springfield. It was a
trade Lavern continued until about 2000.
Once out of the hammer mill, the shavings are blown into a
chamber and then metered into a furnace to dry. A computer
system helps maintain the proper drying temperature. Once dry,
the product is around 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
6 HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2017
“I was looking for an opportunity to work at
home,” Lavern explains.
Some three years later, Lavern landed his first
flock of turkeys through a contract with what is now
Cargill.
“Raising turkeys was something that I just really
enjoyed. I still do,” Lavern says.
When it became difficult to acquire bedding for
the poultry houses, Lavern thought starting a wood
shavings company would be a good investment.