Parents: Jim and Jaime Pifer
Hometown: Kansas, Okla.
FFA Chapter: Kansas FFA
Advisor: Clayton Williams
What is your favorite aspect of agriculture?
“I like the sense of community, the brother and sisterhood of agriculture, because food production is a cooperative activity where everyone helps. We couldn’t raise good cattle without a good feed mill or veterinarian, and they wouldn’t have jobs without us.”
Who is the most influential person in your life?
“My dad is the most influential because he teaches me values, as well as practical agricultural information and practices. I really appreciate our bond and how we work together.”
What is your current involvement in agriculture?
“We raise commercial cattle. I originally bought two Angus heifers and recently sold those to buy an Angus heifer of better genetic quality. I will sell my bull calf and hope the next calving is a female so they will be the beginning of my seed herd. I kept my heifer separated until she was old enough to be bred by my dad’s Angus bull. We feed them and rotate pastures as needed. Their daily grain ration is supported by grazing and/or hay. I also help herd the cattle for working while my dad administers shots. We wean at 6 months old and sell calves at the Benton County (Ark.) Sale Barn after adding more muscle and fat on them so they bring a better price.”
What are your future plans?
“I really have no idea what I want to do yet, but I am determined to be the best I can be perhaps in engineering or technical field. I do know, however, I want land and cattle in addition to a career.”
What are your FFA activities?
“I am currently serving as the chapter vice president. Unlike many FFA students here, I don’t show livestock but compete in other events. Last year, I won first in creed speaking in the Vinita PI district, got second in Greenhand quiz and qualified for state. I’m considering doing a prepared speech on the value of FFA regardless of an eventual career choice and will compete in environment and natural resource judging at Connors State College and Oklahoma State University.”
