Age: 17
Hometown: Rolla, Mo.
Parents: Ken and Alicia Stricklin
4-H Club: Little Piney 4-H
Club Leader: Joyce Williams
FFA Chapter: Rolla FFA
Advisor: Cord Jenkins
What is your involvement in agriculture?
“I have been in 4-H for seven years; three years as president, three years as vice president and then one year as secretary. I’m the current president of the Phelps County 4-H Council, and I served one year as vice president. I am also currently serving as at the national level as a State 4-H Innovator team member, one of three from the state. I am serving as an ambassador with the Missouri Pork Association. I show livestock at the local, state and national levels. I show swine, sheep and goats.
“I had 18 show pigs on feed, market and breeding, and two lambs and a goat. This year, I have reeled it in a bit. This year, I want to get out and try something new and get out to some of the jackpot shows with breeding sheep and goats. We farrow out eight to 10 sows. I try to show some of the pigs we breed, but we sell pigs at 50 to 60 pounds to provide quality pigs for other kids for their projects, and we also supply fat hogs to our locals in the community and we supply fat hogs to the local slaughter house.
Lena and her family help youth exhibitors who buy pigs from with feeding, care and showmanship tips. The Stricklin family helped formed the Southern Missouri Jackpot Series to allow young competitors the opportunity to participate in a series closer to home.
What is your favorite part about being involved in agriculture?
“I am very passionate about pigs and the industry. I love teaching youth, seeing them compassionate and enthusiastic about their project. My favorite part is seeing them have their own success stories and gaining soft skills like confidence, responsibility, work ethic and dedication, and seeing them win banners and wearing those buckles proudly at jackpot shows.”
What are your future plans?
“I’ve been accepted to State Fair College and become a dental hygienist, which will allow me to pay the bills and be involved with my swine hobby and working with kids.
“Once I graduate, I plan to come back home and take over as 4-H leader. I can still be involved in ag and raise livestock because I don’t think I can ever walk away from it.”
She added that by coming back as a leader, she can continue working with the No Limits program at the Missouri State Fair, which matches swine exhibitors with special needs children to show pigs at the Missouri State Fair.
