Age: 16
Parents: Randy and Kelly Barton
Hometown: Gamaliel, Ark.
FFA Chapter: Mountain Home FFA
Advisor: Josh Baker
What is your favorite aspect of agriculture?
“It’s a tie between public relations and animals, especially goats. I connect well with the goats and believe there really like dogs but more energetic and weirder. I like public relations in terms of both advocacy and education. You can’t advocate if you don’t educate first.”
Who is the most influential person in your life?
“Mr. Baker, my advisor, got me started on my career path when I attended his survey of agriculture class where I could see how he broadened students’ perspectives on ag in the real world and how varied ag could be. I went in wanting to be a vet, but when I saw how he connected and I believe I can connect well too, I am now working toward a different path.”
What is your current involvement in agriculture?
“I am the vice president of our chapter and have always been an FFA or Junior FFA officer. I show goats, but have moved from dairy to Boer goats because I gain more connections within the industry. I also help with my family’s chickens so we can give eggs to the food pantry.”
What are your future plans?
“I’m going to go to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville for ag education and ag policy. Both departments are good, and I already have contact with Dr. Jill Rucker in the ag education area. Then I’m going to go to law school and am considering Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio or Tulane in New Orleans to study law and earn masters’ degrees in ag law and in food science law.
What do you like best about living in the country?
“I like the peacefulness and roominess and use that as a sanctuary to stay in touch with myself.”
What advice would you give to someone younger?
“What I would say would depend on the individual kids. I would try to connect on a personal level to see what they like and then show how those interests connect to ag.”
I am very proud of my sister. I always knew when she was younger that she was going to grow up being whatever she set her mind too. She is strong willed and motivated.