Dakota Fodge
Age: 17
Hometown: Branson, Mo.
Parents: Michael and Rebecca Fodge
Sibling: Jackline Mclean
What is your involvement in agriculture?
“We raise cattle, hogs, chickens and crossbred goats. We currently have some Duroc and crossbred hogs in a small farrow to finish operation. We also have Angus cattle that we raise, and we sell our chickens.”
What is your favorite part about being involved in agriculture?
“My favorite part is working with the hogs, they are like dogs. I really enjoy being outside with the animals. I also really enjoy building houses and shelters for the animals, and building new pens for them. I design them and build the housing and pens. I like seeing things come together and seeing how the design works.”
What are your future plans? Do they involve agriculture in some way?
“I will graduate from high school in 2018 and I plan to go to college for civil engineering. Civil engineers work closely with communities on just about everything. I want to start off at Ozarks Technical Community College to get some of my credits, then transfer to Montana State University in Bozman, Mont., to finish my degree. When I get out on my own, however, I still want to have animals around.”
What is the best advice about agriculture from an adult?
“My mom always says to treat the animals like family. If you don’t, you don’t get a bed to sleep in. She loves her animals. She also always told me not to be afraid to ask others for help if you don’t know something.”
