Age: 18
Hometown: El Dorado Springs, Mo.
Parents: D.J. and Brenda Ford
Sibling: Emily Ford
FFA chapter: El Dorado Springs
Advisors: Jill Chapman and Jay Martin
What is your involvement in agriculture?
Amy Ford served as president of the El Dorado Springs FFA Chapter and the Area IX reporter. She has participated on a variety of Career Development Events (CDE) including meats, Nursery and Landscape, Ag Sales and Floriculture.
“Through this, I have gained many skills to help me ‘Agvocate’ while out in the public setting. I have taught many elementary students about agriculture through the Partners in Agriculture Learning program,” Amy said.
As part of her Supervised Agricultural Experience, she purchased four head of beef cattle. This will allow her to provide an additional source of income to help sustain her family.
What is your favorite part of living on a farm?
“Seeing the results of hard work and love that is put into the animals. It is such a miracle every time a calf is born, for it is God that creates each animal. I also love the fact that you can raise an animal, knowing what is put into it, and feeding your family with that product.”
What are your future plans?
“I plan on getting a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education by attending College of the Ozarks. I want to do this because of the impact that ag teachers have on their students. The impact is long-lasting, and we need those who will impact the future, especially those in agriculture. I want to own a large herd of beef cattle and raise a family that has a high respect for agriculture.”
Who has been your biggest influence and why?
“My biggest influence has been Landon Leonard. He was a junior when I was a freshman and we happened to be on the same Meats contest team. Landon helped me for countless hours learn the cuts of meat, test questions and how to master placement classes. We ended up getting on stage at state that year. After that, we served on the same officer team, I watched him earn his State and American degrees, and become a great leader. I have always strived to be like him by working hard, helping those that are uneasy, and serving those around me,” Amy said.
