Age: 14
Parents: Will and Tamara Lane
Hometown: Siloam Springs and Maysville, Ark.
FFA Chapter: Siloam Springs
FFA Advisor: Glen Walker
4-H Club: Outdoor Adventures 4-H
Leader: Cindy Philpott
What is your favorite aspect of agriculture?
“I like the people I connect with whether at junior nationals, FFA conventions or different cattle shows because we share common interests and learn from each other.”
Who is the most influential person in your life?
“My dad is the most influential because he’s taught me cattle showing and led me into shooting for the Ozark youth shooting team, which has given me a good work ethic and persistence. Equally important, though is that he has taught me how to interact properly and easily with people, a life skill not everyone learns.”
What is your current involvement in agriculture?
“I’m pretty busy. We have a Shorthorn show cattle farm in Maysville, Ark., though we have our house in Siloam Springs. I show and shoot, as well as help out daily on the farm doing chores. I not only wash, feed and water the cattle, but I also train their hair so they show the best.”
What are your future plans?
“Right now, I would like to get the best grades I possibly can so I can get college scholarships. My plan is to earn a degree in aviation before joining the Air Force and becoming a pilot. Later, I may return to farming because I love it.”
What is most memorable about your competitions?
“People are the most memorable. We met Kevin and Michelle Rieff from Vaughn Community near Gravett at the Arkansas Junior Cattlemen Show. We have become friends with Kevin who helps us at a variety of shows. I am also vice president of the Arkansas Junior Cattlemen’s Association, where I work on fundraising to help support the state in putting on shows and providing scholarships.”
What advice would you give to someone younger wanting to start in 4-H or FFA?
“I would explain that participating in these programs is lots of fun but even more importantly offers opportunities for experience in a huge variety of areas, all of which teach life skills as well as specific skills. The variety ranges from shooting to showing to cooking and robotics.”
