Ashlyn Jackson
Parents: Darren and Andrea Jackson
Hometown: Lincoln, Ark.
FFA Chapter: Lincoln FFA
Advisors: Kevin Barenberg and Sarah Hale
What is your favorite aspect of agriculture?
“Because my dad works at the co-op in Stilwell, Okla., I really like the nutrition aspect of agriculture. With my show pigs, I adjust nutrition according to the individual animal body structure such as using Paylean to promote muscle development.”
Who is the most influential person in your life?
“My dad is the most influential because he pushes himself as hard as he pushes me to be the best I can be. He gets up at 4:45 (a.m.) and cooks breakfast and does chores before going to work.”
What is your current involvement in agriculture?
“I have three show pigs and just finished the Arkansas Junior Swine series, which is comprised of four shows with pigs from a number of states. The purpose is to practice for the Washington County and the Arkansas/Oklahoma State Fair, as well as the American Royal. The series allows me and the pigs to practice both class and showmanship categories. I also feed and work the cattle, which are purchased at 300 pounds. I also work on a six-house broiler chicken farm and have done so for the last four years. In particular, I would help set up and adjust equipment, working 30 hours a week in the summer and 20 hours a week during the school year.”
What are your future plans?
“I am going to attend the University of Arkansas with a major in agriculture business and a minor in poultry science. Right now I am considering being an agricultural loan officer so I can help others develop their own farms or a poultry field tech because I already have a good knowledge base and want to help people produce the best chickens while understanding the process and the decisions that are made by the field techs.”
