Bailey Shepherd
Age: 18
Parents: Eb and Trisha Shepherd
Hometown: Mountainburg, Ark.
FFA Chapter: Mountainburg FFA
Advisor: Jim Hall
What is your favorite aspect of agriculture?
“FFA is a main part of my life. I especially enjoy going to events like leadership conferences, showing pigs and supporting my fellow leaders. As vice president, I go where I am needed.”
Who is the most influential person in your life?
“My ag advisor, Mr. Hall, is like a second father and is always there to talk to. He’s taught me many life lessons with perhaps one of the most important being that leadership is not a title but rather the opportunity to lead and help others achieve their goals.”
What is your current involvement in agriculture?
“I am a senior and work on many projects, such as our newsletter. I also take care of the pigs daily by cleaning the pens, giving baths, feeding and watering and deworming with the help of my dad and Mr. Hall. I recently attended the Arkansas leadership conference in Hot Springs at Camp Couchdale, where I was forced out of my comfort zone particularly when playing games or dancing in front of everyone. Though uncomfortable at first, I really gained confidence from the whole experience.”
What are some of your agricultural memories?
“My earliest memory is bottle feeding a calf named Annabelle. I also particularly remember being at the fair with FFA and helping a woman with her sheep. She gave me perfect instructions, but as soon as I got to the washing platform, the sheep was so slick with soap she ran away while I ran after her. She ran into everything and messed it up like something you’d see in a comedy TV show. I finally tackled her. I was a mess too, but I got her.”
Awards: “Two of the most important are the Star Greenhand and animal chapter awards, as well as the dance team All-Star award and being Miss Mountainburg in 2016.
What are your future plans?
“I am trying to choose between being an active teacher or perhaps earning more money as a cardiovascular technician. I also want to get married and have a family while being a better Christian and contributing to my community.”
