Age: 12
Parents: Shawn and Amanda Price
Hometown: Charleston, Arkansas
FFA Chapter: County Line
Advisor: Ron Koch
What is your project?
“I show different kinds of pigs: Durocs, Spot, Yorkshires and crosses. I buy my pigs in May when they weigh about 40 pounds and my project is to raise and show those pigs.”
How did you get started with agriculture organizations?
“Mom and Dad have some friends named Connor and Dalton Palarino who showed but are now in college. They got me and my sister Madison interested and she may be even more interested than I am.”
Favorite moments:
“Last year I won grand champion overall at the North Franklin County Fair. The reason I won was because we got a really good pig that the owner was going to keep for breeding. Fortunately for me, the night before we wanted to buy the pig he decided he was going to sell him. The pig was sound on his feet and had no hump on his back. When I showed him I made a point of walking with his head up. I also won the service Skillathon which tests general knowledge of the pig world including breeds, meat cuts, tools, feed etc. This year I had a Duroc I never could break to walk which is not all that surprising since we buy meat pigs that we sell after the showing season.
What do you do to help out on the farm?
“I love sorting cows on my Quarter Horse, Dunny, and also sort cows with my dad during rodeo season for roping competitions. When Dad’s gone Mom drives me over to feed the cows, and I always help with haying. During pig raising and showing season, I feed the pigs twice a day and walk them at night. I am also responsible for washing the pigs once a week. My dad raises dogs and I water and feed them too.
What is the most important thing you have learned through belonging to 4-H and now FFA?
“The most important thing I have learned so far is you need to take care of the animals first. You need to give them the same kind of care you want somebody to give you.”
What are your future plans?
“I’ve got time to make up my mind but right now I want to be a horseshoer or work in a feedlot because you get to ride horses and be with cattle. I really like horses and cattle.”
What are your favorite things to do?
“One of my favorite things to is going hunting and fishing with my dad. We hunt for dove, turkey, deer, ducks and geese as well as hunting hogs with dogs. I also like fishing for crappie on the riverbanks. I love showdeos where I compete in flags, poles, barrels, keyhole, goat tying, barrels and pickup.”
