Bailey Bishop
Age: 16
Parents: Carmen and Brian Waterman and Jim and Tami Bishop
Hometown: Eldridge, Mo.
FFA Chapter: Lebanon FFA
FFA Advisors: Craig Evans, Chuck Simpson and Tommy Inman
Involvement in Ag: “I show Hampshire sheep. I had two at the Laclede County Fair, which were seven months old. I also had four at the Tri County Fair in Richland, a couple of weeks prior. As a family, we mostly raise Black Angus on 220 acres out in the Eldridge area.”
Bailey continued, “Last year, as an SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) project, I had a cow and calf and I sold the calf. I’ve got another three cows and two calves now, all commercial.”
What do you like about Hampshire sheep?
“These are show sheep, meat sheep. I really like their good looks and their muscling. This is my third year in FFA but my first year to show sheep and I really like it,” Bailey added with a big smile.
Are there any disadvantages to working in this?
“It requires the investment of a lot of time and money.”
Future plans: “I plan to go to college, either at Missouri State University or College of the Ozarks with a possible major in ag business and a minor in ag education.”
What is your favorite part of working with animals?
“I like learning how to care for the live animals and the dedication needed to do it. It’s taught me a better way to handle my money in that you have to keep accurate records. I like the hands-on teaching involved. It teaches a good work ethic and I like the fact that in doing this, I’m helping to feed America.”
