Born on Jan. 23, 1973, in Bucks County, Pa., to Wilbur N. and Rebecca B. Hendricks, Trent expressed an early interest in animal husbandry, setting the foundation for a career in animal agriculture, vertically-integrated dairy, cheesemaking and regenerative ranching.
Trent married his best friend and soulmate Rachel Rebekah (Bluemink) Hendricks in 1996. Together, they raised six children and created a series of family businesses, including Hendricks Farm & Dairy in southeastern Pennsylvania.
In 2010, the family moved to Koshkonong, where they restored land for grazing and managed a large cattle ranch, dairy, meat and dairy processing plant. They later purchased land in Koshkonong where they established Cabriejo Ranch, which provides grass-fed lamb and beef as well as land stewardship services—including ecological outcome verification and vegetative management for solar companies—throughout the midwestern and southeastern United States.
Faith and family were central to Trent’s life. He trained and mentored his children to run the ranch’s day-to-day operations, including business decisions and livestock management. Described by many as a visionary & thought leader, Trent generously provided expertise on land stewardship and livestock production to national non-profits and food companies. He was a Missouri hub leader for the Savory Institute and served on several agricultural boards, including the American Grassfed Association, the Grassfed Alliance, and the American Solar Grazing Association.
Trent is preceded in death by his father, Wilbur, who was proud of his son’s accomplishments and spent some of his final days at the ranch in Koshkonong, surrounded by loving grandchildren.
Survivors are Trent’s wife Rachel; son Reuben; daughters Lillian, Helena, Gisela, Jordana and Isabella; mother Rebecca Hendricks; and siblings Denise (Tim) Baum, Todd (Karen) Hendricks, and Tim (Sara Lee) Hendricks.
A private memorial service attended by family was held Oct. 8 at the ranch and a scholarship fund has been created for Trent’s children. Donations to the Hendricks Family Educational Fund may be made directly by contacting the West Plains Bank at 417-256-2147, or can be made online via GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/f/trent-hendricks.
