Name: Haleigh Bruce
High School: Fair Play (incoming freshman)
Parents: Ronnie and Cindy Bruce
4-H: Woodlawn 4-H (Polk County), advisor Pam Higginbotham
FFA: Randy Lightfoot (Fair Play High School)
How are you involved in agriculture?
"The main thing I do is show cattle. I’ve been showing for two years. I showed a registered Charolais cow/calf pair at the Ozark Empire Fair and won a first in both divisions of the 4-H show. I also showed in the open division and got two second places and a Reserve Grand Champion. I also have two other cows with calves but I don’t show them.
"I’ve been President of my 4-H chapter for several years. I’m involved in other projects too: foods, arts-and-crafts, sketching, and photography."
How did you get involved in agriculture?
"My brothers and sisters each showed cattle. My brother Billy encouraged me to do it. I thought it would be fun. And he has influenced me the most; he liked it the most and stayed with it longer. He helps me out a lot and helps me get ready when I show my cattle."
How much time do you spend working with your cattle?
"During school I get up early to feed them and then do it again in the afternoon when I get home.
"I might start halter-breaking them in December to start getting ready for the next show season."
What is the hardest thing to do?
"Halter-breaking. It takes a long time for them to get the hang of being led around. They usually drag you around before you drag them around.
"Grooming is part of getting ready but you want to show the judges you have been working with your animal, that you have control."
Why is being involved with agriculture important for youth?
"It shows responsibility. Learning how to take care of whatever it is. It doesn’t have to be show cattle, it could be a pet. It is also a chance to meet other people and have fun with your animals too."
By Vince Crunk
