Name: Kacie Clonts
School: East Newton Senior
4-H Group: Member of 4-H, formerly Spring Valley 4-H at Diamond, new club formed, East Newton 4-H. Vice-President of East Newton FFA
Family: Parents; Tracy and Maryann Clonts, sisters; Emaleigh and Abby Jo
How are you involved in agriculture?
"I’ve always had animals. Uncle Mike and cousin Katy are the reason I started showing animals. I show Simmental Angus cattle, Crossbred lambs and chickens."
What are the challenges in ag right now?
"The costs have went up a bunch. I’ve had to cut back on the number of animals I show, because of feed costs. I have a job at a nearby farm where I work, quite a bit in the summer, but also during the school year."
Who inspires you?
"Uncle Mike and Katy. She graduated from East Newton. Now she’s married and has gotten her husband into showing. We all go together, which I like because of spending time with family and old friends. I really like making new friends. We can show four chickens at a time. We went to the Gala at Springfield fair and placed 5th, which is pretty good. I took lambs to the State Fair again this year. Mike helps me a lot with the lambs by helping pick show animals, then with grooming and getting ready for show day."
Why is agriculture important?
"Everyone uses it. If it wasn’t for farmers, no one would have food."
What are your plans for the future?
"I'm going to go to Crowder College next fall, they have a good Ag department. I have plans to go to Mizzou for veterinarian training after that. I really like being with animals.” Kacie's show lamb prolapsed a couple years ago. "They took her to the vet in Sarcoxie," Kacie said, “It didn’t bother me except feeling bad for her. Animal blood doesn’t bother me.”
By Leta Dunlap
