Name: Austin Beushausen, 17
Parents: Lendall & Malinda Beushausen
School: Lebanon High School
FFA Advisors: Josh Toops, Craig Evans and Sam Lower
SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience): Chickens
What have you accomplished in FFA?
“I went to the FFA Leadership Camp and got the Star Camper Award. I was on the FFA meats team last year. Currently I’m in the Ag Mechanics I class, working with metal.”
How did you get started raising chickens?
“We were on vacation in Tennessee 2 1/2 years ago and we saw an older gentleman who was on the side of the road selling them, so we decided to stop in and buy some of his chickens.”
How have you expanded your operation?
“I started out with just a little coop and now we have a good 50’x40′ area for them to run around in. At one time I had close to 50 chickens. We sold some, so now we’re probably closer to 15. I buy my chickens through Cackle Hatchery in Lebanon, Mo., and raise them myself.”
Future plans: “I plan to go to college, hopefully at Mizzou (University of Missouri-Columbia), and become a veterinarian, then open my own clinic in Lebanon.
Other activities and interests: “I wrestle; I play golf; I’m on the football team. I also spend lots of time on my truck.”
Story and Photo By Jane Kinser
