Age: 15
Parents: Danny and Jennifer Yandell
Hometown: Heavener, Okla.
FFA Chapter: Heavener FFA
Advisor: Jeremy Krebb
What is your favorite aspect of agriculture?
“Showing livestock, with pigs being my animal of choice so far. I got into showing pigs because my friend, Carly, was showing and I decided I wanted to do that too.”
Who is the most influential person in your life?
“My mom Jennifer because she is strong when life problems come up, such serious family illnesses. She has always been a role model and taught me how to handle problems, especially when I lost Nikki, my favorite barrel racer. I had her since I was 5 and she had to be put down when I was a preteen because she was too weak to eat or drink. My mom was strong for me and I learned I needed to be strong for everyone around me just like my mom.”
What is your current involvement in agriculture, including your daily routine?
“I feed the sows and show pigs, and my barrel racing horse Pepper. Right now, our sows are two crosses and one Hereford, but we will add a York next year. After feeding, I sit in the pen with the piglets to calm them down so they get used to people whether that’s for me showing or for those who buy our pigs. I also practice barrel racing in a pasture at home. In fall 2019, I’m running for vice president of my FFA chapter.”
What are some of your agricultural memories?
“The first pig I showed was named Boots who died unexpectedly when I was 12. Fortunately, my father found her instead of me. I also remember watching my first litter of show pigs being born, and I had to pull one because I was the only one there and had the smallest hands. Getting the opportunity to save a life was pretty amazing.”
What are your future plans?
“I am considering being a vet or perhaps training barrel horses. I’m unsure because may not want to go to school long enough to become a vet. I still have time to figure all that out.”
