Lavern. Today, he farms part-time
in addition to managing much of
the day-to-day operations at the
Eagle Ridge.
“When we started, there was
just one building here,” David
says.
Eagle Ridge Shavings has
come a long way from its modest
beginning five years ago. In its
infancy, the mill was home to only
a shaver and conveyor.
“I’ll never forget when we
got our first big order,” Lavern
says. “First, we were looking
for customers, and then all of a
sudden it just broke loose.”
Early on, the business
focused on producing green
product. An old sawmill is the
foundation of the operation.
Additional buildings, equipment
and technology have helped bring
the operation full circle with 10
employees now helping shell out
350 yards of shavings per day.
A 120 foot by 160 foot building
was constructed on the back side
of the property to store rice hulls
and serve as a mechanic shop.
The main building houses the
shavers, dry product and bagging
equipment.
Key to the operation’s success
includes a dryer system installed
to help cut down on moisture in
Tyler Ropp (left) helps manage the
family’s cow herd and turkey operation.
Lavern Ropp enjoys raising tom turkeys
for Cargill. They produce about four
flocks each year, growing the day old
poults until they reach between 45 and
52 pounds.
8 HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2017