Age: 15
Hometown: Conway, Mo.
Parents: Jason and Mary Ann Keck
Sibling: Hunter
What is your involvement in agriculture?
“I raise and show registered Shropshire Sheep with my family as part of RoKaJo. My first ewe lamb was given to me by my grandpa, Bob Johnson. I have exhibited at local, state and national level shows. Through these experiences, I met Bret Oelke, a partner in Heartland Sale Management, and began working at the Midwest Stud Ram Sale for five years. My main responsibilities are feeding and watering daily; assisting in the lambing barn; and selecting show animals. I am also working on developing my own breeding program with registered Dorsets and crossbreeding them with Shropshires to provide quality club lambs for local youth who want to get into showing sheep.”
What is your favorite part of being involved in agriculture/living on a farm?
“Developing valuable skills for my future, such as managing an operation in order to make some money, how to manage my money, and learning from other producers different management and marketing techniques to improve productivity of my own flock. I’ve also learned a lot about setting, and achieving, goals.
What are your future plans? Do they involve agriculture in some way?
“My future plans are to major in ag law at OSU (Oklahoma State University), with the hopes of being a part of their livestock judging team. I want to help create/maintain domestic and international laws that help family farms.”
Awards: “Many local, county, and state champions and Showmanship honors. But I am most proud of receiving Webster County Senior Showmanship this past July in honor of my grandma, Karen Johnson, who passed away in March. The award was presented by my grandpa.”
