Age: 12
Parents: Brad and Mandy McAlister
Hometown: Green Forest, Ark.
4-H Club: Carroll County 4-H Beef Club
Advisors: Kristin and Clayton Whitmore
What is your 4-H project?
“My 4-H project is showing cattle. I show Maine Anjou, Chianina Hereford and Angus in breed classes.”
How did you get started with 4-H?
“My mom and dad thought it was a good idea, especially when I showed an interest in showing. My first show cow was a commercial heifer, weighing about 700 pounds that I pulled out of a pasture when I was 9 years old. Her name was Fancy. I broke her mostly by myself and I learned a whole lot about patience and responsibility.”
Favorite 4-H moment or awards?
“I have several. I won Grand Champion Maintainer Female at the Fort Worth Stock Show. Last year, 2016, I was the Grand Champion Junior National Showman in Grand Island, Neb. I also received the Effort Award at McPeak’s Be a Champ Camp. This award is given for the camper with the best work ethic and motivation. It is the greatest honor you can receive at camp. Also, I won several end of the year awards with Arkansas Junior Cattlemen’s Association, including Rookie of the Year. I worked really hard for that one. I also won with my heifer, Jiggy at county, district and state.”
What do you like about showing and competing?
“It’s fun because I love to compete, not to mention winning, but making friends in different states is really neat too.”
What do you do to help out on the farm?
“I have to feed and water my cows in the morning and in the evening. They also have to be exercised every day. I have to clean their stalls every day, too. Every time I go to the barn I work my cow’s hair. After I get home from school, my cows get washed and blow-dried. Feeding our herd cattle, fixing fence and bush hogging, as well as cutting and raking hay are other things I do.”
What would most people be surprised to learn about you?
“I was on the All A Honor Roll, even after missing so many days traveling to Kansas City, Denver and Fort Worth to show cows. I also say a prayer before every show.”
What are your future plans?
“My beef club went to a program in Oklahoma where they showed and explained embryology. I like cows and find embryology very interesting so that’s what I want to do.”
