• Parents: Jesse and Lindsey Sweet
• Siblings: Codi (11), Chloie (10) and Charlie (7)
• FFA Chapter: Diamond FFA
• Advisors: Benny McWilliams and Maura Renfro
What is your involvement in agriculture?
“For as long as I can remember, my family has been involved in showing and going to fairs. When I was young, I showed a heifer because that was what my grandparents had. I would go to their house every day to work with it. After that, we raised and showed sheep in 4-H. One year we showed sheep, goats and pigs, but we decided to slow down and start focusing on market goats these last few years. We do spring jackpots and little shows that pop up here and there. I have shown at the American Royal and show at the state fair in Sedalia every year. Last year, I won showmanship at the state fair. We also go to the Ozark Empire Fair Gold Buckle Extravaganza.”
What is your favorite part of being involved in ag/living on a farm?
“I like living on the farm where there is a lot of open space. I like traveling with our animals to the different shows and showing with my siblings. The shows are extremely competitive, and I’m a competitive person. It is also nice to keep busy in summer with the animals.
“Our daily routine with the goats every morning before school is that we clean out their pens, feed and water and do daily health checks to make sure there is nothing wrong with them. When we get home from school, we clean the pens and water and feed them again if needed then walk and brace them making sure they know what they are supposed to do once showtime comes.”
What are your future plans?
“I definitely love being around young kids, so I want to be one of those people who comes back to help out at the fairgrounds every year. I want to go to college for possibly psychology or graphic design. I am not sure I could have a whole setup with the animals like my parents do, but I don’t think I could live without having one or two animals nearby. You’re kind of hooked once you have animals. I’m used to having a goat to take care of now.”
