Age: 18
Parents: Kent and Tresa
Hometown: Huntsville, Ark.
FFA Chapter: Huntsville FFA
Advisor: Jerick Hutchinson
What is your favorite aspect of agriculture?
“I really enjoy cattle because each one has its own personality which makes showing and raising cattle fun.”
Who is the most influential person in your life?
“My dad taught me about everything I need to know in agriculture. He taught me how to maintain cattle health, including feeding, making sure they have supplements such as mineral, and working them spring and fall. He also taught me how to maintain and use machinery.
What is your current involvement in agriculture?
“My morning chores include feeding Dally, my show heifer, and busting ice during the winter. After school I feed hay to my 12 head of beef cows and then work for Shrum Enterprises, which has 250 momma cows. I’m under a special program where I go to school for half a day and then go to work at Shrum’s feeding the cattle, tagging calves, helping work them in the spring and the fall and working during the summer helping with the hay. In terms of FFA, I’ve been on various judging team; such as livestock, ag mechanics, dairy products and forestry. I’ve served as president of our chapter for the last two years and like the position because I can have a say in the success while helping organize fundraisers and activities.
What are some of your agricultural memories?
“I especially remember when I was only in first or second grade feeding hay when there was a snow day. I loved it because I got to help dad feed hay instead of going to school. When I was about 7, a cow was in the bottom field by herself and we were trying to load her to take her to the sale barn. She was mad crazy. My uncle, Trent, finally roped her and she dragged him down the field through the woods. They finally tied her to the trailer. She was so mad that my uncle got into the trailer and got her to chase him in there while my dad closed the trailer door on her and my uncle jumped out the side gate.”
What are your future plans?
“I plan on going to Connors State College in Warner, Okla., to study animal science and finishing by transferring to the University of Arkansas or Oklahoma State. Eventually, I hope someday to have the opportunity to buy my grandpa’s farm and raise purebred Angus cattle. First, I’d like to work at a purebred ranch to get more experience in raising purebred cattle and selecting animals for the breeding program for a couple years before I start my own operation.”
