Age: 18
Hometown: Deepwater
County: St. Clair
Parents: Jim & Stephanie
Siblings: John & Isaac
FFA Chapter: Lakeland FFA
Chapter advisor: Clint Johnson
What is your involvement in agriculture? “I’ve been involved in agriculture through both my family and FFA. We’re not a huge farming operation, but we do raise livestock. FFA has taken that even further for me. Between my SAE projects, contests, and chapter activities, I’ve gotten to learn a lot more about the ag industry and help with events that teach younger students about agriculture. Even though I didn’t grow up on a big farm, agriculture has become a big part of my life just from the work I do and the experiences I’ve had through FFA.”
What is your favorite part of being involved in agriculture/living on a farm? “My favorite part of being involved in agriculture is getting to experience a little bit of everything from working with my show steers for three years and learning how to care for and train them, to volunteering in our school’s greenhouse where I help with planting and keeping everything growing. I also really enjoy the everyday feel of life on the farm, whether it’s being around the animals, spending time outside, or just being part of a lifestyle where there’s always something happening and always something new to learn.”
What are your future plans? Do they involve agriculture in some way? “After graduating, I plan to attend State Fair Community College and then transfer to Missouri State University to major in Agricultural Education. My goal is to become an ag teacher so I can help students discover their own place in agriculture the same way FFA helped me. I want to stay connected to the industry through teaching, working with students on their SAEs, and staying involved in my community. Agriculture has shaped who I am, and I want to build a career where I can give back to the next generation.”
Awards: “I’ve been fortunate to earn several awards and leadership roles through my time in FFA. I placed 1st in the Area Cattlemen’s Speaking Contest and 3rd at Districts, and I’ve received the Chapter Greenhand Award, Star Chapter Farmer, and Star Chapter Agribusiness. I’ve also had the opportunity to serve my chapter in multiple officer positions, including President, Secretary, Sentinel, Greenhand President, and as an Area 7 FFA Officer.”
