Name: Dustin Dixon
Family: Ryan and Diana Dixon
4-H/FFA Clubs: Gentry, Arkansas Ace 4-H Club; Bloomfield 4-H; Siloam Springs FFA
Tell me about growing up on a farm.
"There are a lot of exciting times. It gets tiring sometimes and you always have something to do. Winter, summer or spring you are always going. I have six pigs, goats and cattle. My pigs are crosses and Yorks. I have 16 Boer show goats. I have 25 Angus crosses. I have a pullet chain with the county this year for 4-H at the Curran Feed Store, so I’m raising chickens, too. (Growing up on the farm) has shown me a lot of things; how to run different equipment, be stronger and not to give up on something. You get really close with your family and friends that have farms because you can relate to them really well."
What does 4-H and FFA mean to you?
"4-H and FFA is basically everything to me. It’s my life. I go every day and work with my projects. I go help younger children. That means a lot to me. I like working with kids, getting them to be better leaders, helping them to be the next generation and good leaders for our community." I’ve been an officer for three years. I won state with my proficiency. I’ve won state FFA showmanship with my pigs and meats judging team, (which) helps me be able to know what I am looking for after the meat is processed and how to raise (my animals) for the best quality meat."
What do you want to tell other kids about the ag programs?
"I want them to have a better knowledge of the programs. (FFA and 4-H) are not just about animals. There are many leadership opportunities to grow, to be a person who can help anyone. (Involvement) teaches (kids) leadership skills, to help serve the community and to give back to them what they give to you."
What's in your future?
"I want to go to college, hopefully Oklahoma State University. Maybe I will start with NEO (Northeastern Oklahoma A and M University). I want to double major in Animal Science and Ag Education. I want to be able to go into extension or something with animals and maybe get into the swine industry."
By Pam Lamb
