Name: Amanda Bacon
Parents: Craig and Debbie Bacon
Clubs: Viney Grove 4-H, Washington County Livestock, Teen Leaders, HarBer High FFA
How are you involved in agriculture?
“I raise registered Polled Herefords and market lambs. I show at local, district, state and national shows. Each year I also buy market hogs and breeding hogs to show. My mother and father both showed, and wanted us to carry on the tradition. I’ve created my own passion for it though. I like spending time with the animals. Johnny Gunsaulis, our county agent, has started a program where senior 4-H’ers get a basic 4-H jacket and then, as we get awards, we add them to the jacket. My team just won the 2010 Beef Quizbowl, so we’ve had that added to our jackets.”
What are your responsibilities?
“I care for my animals daily and work to get them ready to show. During lambing season, I go check for lambs and make sure they get up. When I was younger my older brother and sister were at home, but with both of them out of the house, most of the duties fall to me.”
What are your future plans?
“I plan on attending Oklahoma State University, and intend to major in agricultural business and communication. I’d like to help my sister with her company, Rural Route Creations, a website design company for farms, ranches and other businesses. This summer she was the official photographer for the Missouri State Fair, and I got to work in her office and help edit photos. It was an amazing experience.”
Why should youth be involved in agriculture?
“I think agriculture is a part of everyone’s life, even if they don’t realize it. It teaches things that you don’t learn anywhere else, and makes you a better person.”
By Stephanie Burroughs
