Age: 16
Parents: Wade and Aylesa Rapp
Siblings: Nick Rapp, Nolan Rapp, and Layne Rapp
Hometown: Schell City, Mo.
FFA Chapter: Northeast Vernon County FFA Chapter
Advisor: Brett Neil
How have you been involved in agriculture over the years?
“I was born and raised on a family farm — Rapp Farms. We raise wheat, soybeans, and corn. We also have black Angus cows that the family owns. Out of the herd, we always take a couple each year to start feeding to be our beef animals. Being on the farm has really triggered my love for everything in nature. I love to help out with the cows and I have bought my own heifer for my supervised agricultural experience.
The Northeast Vernon County FFA meats team got to go to Columbia, Mo., for state competition. The meats evaluation contest consisted of a knowledge test, judging classes, judging class questions, meat identification and a meats formulation problem. I finished in the top 10 individuals at it with our team finishing sixth. At the district in Springfield, Mo., I placed in the top 10 while our team placed third.”
What is your favorite part of being involved in agriculture/living on a farm?
“Living on a farm is such a blessing. It installs good qualities in you like responsibility, time management and perseverance. I love everything to do with agriculture. My family is so amazing. They are what makes the farm experience so amazing. Nature is very relaxing and I find myself lost in the beauty of the crops, cows and sunsets.”
What are your future plans?
“I plan to go to college, but I am not sure about what I want to pursue for my career. I do plan to help my family farm even if it is later in my life.”
What is the best advice about agriculture you have received from adults?
“My family teaches: God is the number one most important thing in life, family second, but farming is right up there, also. Faith. Family. Farming.”
What advice would you give to other young people who want to be involved in agriculture?
“Always pursue your dreams and goals. Never let anything stop you from achieving those goals.”
