Age: 18
Hometown: Jasper, Mo
Parents: Jared and Faith Jeffries
Sibling: Blake Jeffries
FFA Chapter: Jasper FFA
Chapter Advisor: Jared Jeffries
Involvement in Agriculture: Baylee grew up participating in a local 4-H group and has now been a member of the Jasper, Mo., FFA Chapter for four years. She currently serves as chapter president and has competed on the horse judging and entomology team at local and state contests. The SAE she chose for FFA her freshman year was growing a garden to harvest and make salsa. She plants tomatoes, jalapeno peppers and bell peppers in her raised garden and makes and cans about 40 to 50 quarts of mild/sweet salsa each year. She then sells it to friends and family, and advertises it on Facebook to sell to those in surrounding communities. She continues to grow her business each year with returning and new customers.
What is your favorite part of being involved in agriculture?
“My favorite part of being involved in agriculture is not only the experience but learning more about it. I am in three ag classes this year and it is a lot of fun to learn alongside everyone. I also enjoy learning a lot about agronomy.”
What advice would you give to other young people who want to be involved in agriculture?
“The best advice about agriculture I’ve received is the same that I could give. It is to not be scared and put yourself out there because in the end if you don’t, you’re just going to regret it. It is all about the experience. My advisor has helped me get involved in FFA and participate in a lot of the activities because they are not only educational, but they are super fun as well. The lesson I’ve learned of putting myself out there has really improved my SAE business of selling salsa.”
Future plans: Baylee plans to attend college to play volleyball, and pursue a career in dental hygiene, but she hopes to always be able to live in the country.
Awards: Star Greenhand Award, State Proficiency Finalist in Vegetable Production her junior year, first-high individual at a local horse judging contest with FFA and has participated in the state contest with her horse judging and entomology teams.
