Name: Whitney McCollum
Parents: Preston and Jackie McCollum stepbrothers: Jack, JimBo and Eddie Hicks
Groups: Westville 4-H (President), Adair County 4-H (President), Westville FFA, Oklahoma Angus Association, American Angus Association
What animal do you show?
“I’ve shown cattle for the past eight years, and this is the first year I’ve shown chickens. I’ve also entered a lot of stuff in the buildings, like sewing, posters, photography and electronics. I’ve also done speeches and demonstrations.”
What awards have you won?
“I won the grand champion golden sex link pullets at the Fort Smith (Arkansas-Oklahoma) Fair this year. I’ve won grand and reserve at the county level Angus show. I’ve also won showmanship at the county fair every year but one.”
What are your responsibilities on the farm?
“Feeding and watering. I keep an eye on the animals to make sure they are healthy. I help dad with everything. I gather the eggs and feed hay.”
What is the best part of growing up on a farm?
“Probably just being in contact with the animals all the time. Whenever you have a calf that needs to be bottle fed, it is really awesome. It’s great to go out there and say I helped raise these.”
What do you see as your future in agriculture?
“I want to raise and breed my own cattle – keep the heifers and sell the bulls. Hopefully, my kids will show registered Angus and chickens. They will learn responsibility like I did."
By Sarah Hale
