Name: Ethan Williams, age 12
Family: Parents Shannon and Angela Gregory, sister Elizabeth Gregory, age six, and brother Kadence Gregory, age two
School: Alma Middle School, seventh grade in Crawford County
How long have you been raising animals?
“I’ve raised cattle since I was seven,” said Ethan. “I started with chickens and rabbits when I was only five.” Ethan’s mother Angela Gregory said that Ethan’s first bovine was Harvey, a dairy bull calf. “He loved taking care of the calf,” said Angela. “He asked if we could get rid of the rabbits and the pygmy goats and just do cows and chickens.”
What’s your favorite part about raising cattle?
“Just owning them,” said Ethan. “It’s fun. It’s rewarding. Last year I took 14 cattle to the Crawford County Fair. When you raise cattle, you can get a lot of money. I sold one for $1,100 at the fair.” Right now, Ethan has seven head of mixed beef cattle while his 6-year-old sister Elizabeth has three cattle of her own.
Who supports you in raising cattle?
“I get a lot of support,” said Ethan. “Most of them family.” Ethan’s grandmother Cheryl Gregory is the 4-H program assistant for Crawford County. Ethan’s first beef cow, Ruger, was given to him by neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Gill. So far, Ethan has gotten two calves out of Ruger, including one steer he sold to sister Elizabeth. Neighbors Gary and Jo West help Ethan with round bales to feed his herd. Ethan used money he made off his cattle to erect fences in the pasture of another neighbor David Peevy, who agreed to let Ethan graze his herd in the pasture if Ethan paid for the fences.
Story and Photo by Roy Hill
