Age: 17
Parents: Mike and Joneta Looper
Hometown: Greenwood, Ark.
FFA Chapter: Greenwood FFA
Advisor: Roy Cox
What is your favorite aspect of agriculture?
“Like so many of us in FFA, I’ve been raised around animals my whole life and enjoy that part of agriculture best. The truth is I like all animals including beef cattle, chickens, goats and horses.”
Who is the most influential person in your life?
“My dad is the most influential. He works in animal science at the University of Arkansas, and I really respect how well he works with the people in his department. I started 4-H when I was young, quiet and shy. He helped me go from being silent to speaking to people and finally becoming a speaker myself.”
What is your current involvement in agriculture?
“I am the president of the Greenwood FFA chapter and secretary of Dayton 4-H club. I own two beef calves, and I participate in the day-to-day operations of the family farm.”
What are some of your agricultural memories?
“When I was very young, we lived in New Mexico. Each time we would visit my Arkansas family, I would help my grandma feed bottle calves. One day, we were headed to the hutches, and I fell face down in the mud. My uncle was worried and came running to save me. Once they knew I was fine, we continued with our original plan.”
What are your future plans?
“I’m going to begin by majoring in animal science pre-professional at the U of A in Fayetteville. My goal is to become an emergency room doctor. Eventually, I would like to own a small practice and live on a beef farm. Later, in mid-career, I want to pursue medical missions in India and live there helping the people with medical and agricultural needs.”
