Age: 12
Hometown: El Dorado Springs, Mo.
County: St. Clair
4-H: Osage River 4-H
Parents: Bob and Susan Abbott Lawson
What is your involvement in agriculture? “My family owns and operates a cattle and row crop farm. I was raised going along on the chore route and riding in the tractors. I was involved in 4-H as a baby when I would go to the meetings with my mom, who was a volunteer. I got my first chickens at age three. They were egg layers. I sold some eggs and have the first dollar I ever made from agriculture framed in my room. I started showing broilers as a Clover Kid and still do show them. I also own my own small herd of cattle and show Black Angus heifers in 4-H. In addition to showing broilers and egg layers, I also show ducks, geese and pigeons.”
“It was a goal of mine to win at the Missouri State Fair for several years with my broilers and make the Sale of Champions. I accomplished that goal in 2024 and am so thankful for that experience. On the local level, I was thankful to win Grand Champion and Reserve Champion broilers, Grand and Reserve Champion Angus heifers and poultry and beef showmanship.”
What is your favorite part of being involved in agriculture/living on a farm? “I like living on the farm where there’s space I can hunt and have all the poultry and cattle I want without close neighbors not liking a crowing rooster. I like animals, especially farm animals of all kinds. They are cute to look at and also useful for food.”
What are your future plans? “My future plans are to stay in 4-H. Someday I hope to manage the family farm.”
Awards:
2024 Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Market Pen of chickens at the Missouri State Fair.
2024 Grand and Reserve Broiler Pen, Land O’ Lakes Youth Fair
2024 Grand and Reserve Champion Angus heifers Land O’Lakes Youth Fair
2024 Land O Lakes Youth Fair Poultry and Beef Showmanship.
2025 Grand Champion Broiler Pen Land O’Lakes Youth Fair and Stockton Youth Fair
2025 Grand Champion Market Pen of chickens at the Missouri State Fair
