Age: 15
Parent: Lanna Miller
Hometown: Hartford, Ark.
FFA Chapter: Hartford FFA
Advisor: Johnny Harp
What is your favorite aspect of agriculture?
“My favorite part is the progress I see in everything around me. Watching something change and develop and grow, whether it’s a show animal or a local neighbor’s operation, fascinates me.”
Who is the most influential person in your life?
“My ag teacher and FFA advisor Mr. Harp because he has shown me and led me to many things I would not have otherwise experienced such as the classes I take and showing animals. Our school is really big on showing hogs. I now show a Hamp/York cross hog and a Suffolk cross sheep.
What is your current involvement in agriculture?
“I live in the country, but on a small piece of ground. Every day both in the morning and the evening I feed and water my sheep and hog. Then I walk the sheep for 20 minutes a day and shear her every three weeks and I walk my hog every day or two. With the help of the veterinarian, I draw blood before shows to check for health issues as part of registration. I also help administer shots.”
What are some of your agricultural memories?
“My grandfather had a small crop and chicken farm, and I remember when I was 5 or 6 helping him pick tomatoes and gather eggs. Those chickens used to peck at me so I wore a baseball glove to protect my hands. When I started showing at my first sheep show, it was scary but fun because I got to demonstrate all the practice and work. I didn’t do as well as I would’ve liked but really appreciated the experience. Another important memory is when I went to nationals in 2017 in Louisville, Ky., with my sheep and a fellow student named Sarah Jackson. Once, the second or third time I walked one of my pigs, she escaped and I lured her back in with oats.”
What are your future plans?
“I really am not sure what I want to study when to go to college, but I will probably go to the University of Arkansas in Fort Smith. Right now I’m considering business and leadership. One thing I do know I that I want to do is to travel, especially in the United States.”
Seth would get off the school bus at his Grandfathers house, come in and ask his Grandfather if he would like a hot pot of coffee. Bring his cup and ask the rest of us visitors that day if we would, then bring each one a cup. Seth is one of the best kids I have had the pleasure to know. Thanks for the coffee Seth.