Staff - Pea Ridge Ranch

Pea Ridge Elk Ranch, buy elk meat, breeding


	Doug Pennock is the CEO, which means he gets all of the headaches. Doug (and Jody) were raised on the family farm south of Time, IL. The Pennock family doctor often referred to the children as "those kids who were raised in the barn" as the family had a beef cattle herd, a hog enterprise, and the largest flock of sheep in the state of Illinois. Not too surprising that Doug would then take a break from the animals by joining the Air Guard and learning about the electronics on fighter jet planes, then get a BS in Agronomy with a minor in Ag Economics from the University of Illinois. After graduation Doug worked as a grain merchandiser for A E Staley, Inc. Since his move back to Pike County, he has served as the CEO of the family business, JDL Longhorn, Inc as it expanded. He and his family (wife, Diana, 3 daughters and son) in Pittsfield. Somewhere along the line, he acquired a great sense of humor.

Jody Pennock Heavner is the General Manager at Pea Ridge Elk Ranch and Walnut Knob Outdoors. She is married to Dan Heavner and mother to 3 sons. Jody has a BS in Animal Science and an MS in Animal Science from the University of Illinois. She has several years experience in the Meat Science Lab at the University where she completed her graduate studies. She is currently responsible for the breeding and health programs and the records of all the Pea Ridge elk. When Jody speaks, we listen, because she was an Ag teacher before coming to us and we fear there will be a test. She still makes time for the classroom by teaching at John Wood Community College when she has the time. We are fortunate to have her animal husbandry expertise and enthusiasm. During her college student days, she was "a cattle judging goddess" (at least she brought home a trophy) and enjoyed traveling with the judging team to various parts of the U.S. Jody and her husband Dan, and sons Dalton, Jess and Will reside near Greenpond. The family's current obsession is raising and showing their Simmental cattle.

	Bill and Deb Gruen spent many years as elementary teachers in the Springfield, IL area. They now spend their time educating the public about the wonderful flavor and health benefits of eating elk. Bill is the "chef extraordinaire", while Deb is the "power behind the throne" and always ready to do whatever needs doing. Bill is the salesman and Deb is the brains of the operation, handling the accounting for George Binsky, our distribution division. They can be seen traveling the highways and by-ways of the Midwest, developing new accounts and providing their personal touch to our wholesale customers. In addition to Pea Ridge Elk products, they distribute Butch?s Premium Pizza, symbolized on the truck by the big yellow pig. When they are not "on the job" for Pea Ridge, they enjoy grandchildren and gardening. They stay busy with many projects at the Ashland Methodist Church with the music and youth programs.

Dave Bryant ("Cousin Dave") serves as the Pea Ridge Hunt Coordinator. Cousin Dave is just that, Doug?s Cousin. Dave spent many summers on the Pennock farm as a kid helping work the livestock and pitching in wherever needed. It was on this ground that Dave and Doug "cut" their hunting teeth. He currently lives at Green Pond, near Walnut Knob East and has certainly done his best to become acquainted with the grounds. He can answer any questions you may have about elk hunts or Pea Ridge information in general.

	Norman and Nance Bryant have been Pea Ridge Elk Ranch fans for a number of years. Norman continues to excel with the service he gives his Snack Stick customers. They are always ready to greet or serve new or existing Pea Ridge fans.

Lindsey Smith comes to us from John Wood Community College, where she completed her Associate Degree in Agribusiness. After working with us as an intern, she has now joined our operation as a fulltime Herdsman. Lindsey's duties involve the daily feed and care of the majority of the Pea Ridge Elk Ranch animals. In addition to her livestock husbandry duties, Lindsey is a devoted employee whose love of lawn care and maintenance is rivaled by no other. She can often be seen perched atop her mower with a serene, far away expression. She loves her job! When not at work, she can be found with a fishing pole in hand. We are fortunate to have her with us!