Age: 17
Parents: Justin and Chana
Hometown: Clifty Ark.
FFA Chapter: Huntsville FFA
Advisor: Jerick Hutchinson
What is your favorite aspect of agriculture?
“I like working with horses and cattle. I breed and show cattle, and train horses for ranch work and roping. For the last two years, people have been bringing me horses to train, but I trained my own horses long before that.”
Who is the most influential person in your life?
“Like a lot of people, my dad has been the most influential because he always encourages me to do good and to make sure I have everything I need. He also keeps me in line if I look like I’m going off the right path.”
What is your current involvement in agriculture?
“I raise my own cattle, as well as helping my dad. I help others work their cows as an income. At home, I feed and water and pretty much do whatever needs to be done. I only keep records on my own 17 cows, which are Herefords and Beefmaster crosses. Sometimes I use family bulls and sometimes I AI. When I AI, I look for a low-birthweight for the heifers and always for qualities that produce a good show calf. I currently have three horses of my own that I take care of, plus one I am working with for someone, which means caring for it and training it.”
What are some of your agricultural memories?
“I particularly remember an incident the spring when a bull jumped the fence and I used one of my horses to rope it. Early on, a bay horse named Festus threw me when he got spooked, which taught me a lesson I have never forgotten.”
Awards: “I almost always have a reserve or grand champion at our local fair, usually with a registered Hereford heifer. I also compete in ranch rodeos for money. Events include roping, tying down calves, trailer loading, sorting and branding. Last year I won trailer loading at a ranch in in Huntsville.”
What are your future plans?
“I really don’t need a college education to become a successful rancher because I’ve already learned a lot, have a starter herd and my folks to help me when I need it.”
