Brandon Chapman
Age: 18
Parents: Kathy and Doug Chapman
Hometown: Carthage, Mo.
FFA Chapter: Carthage FFA
Advisors: Chris Cloud, Tom Howard, Justin Mauss and Brandon Duff
What is your favorite aspect of agriculture?
“I really enjoy the conventions and the opportunities to meet new people combined with learning about new products and methods. At the 2014 FFA Convention, I learned how to advocate by telling my story to people who don’t know much about agriculture.”
Who is the most influential person in your life?
“When I saw a picture of my dad showing a steer at the county fair, I was hooked. My mom is always there to support me and was a modified car racer, one of the few women. She taught me you can always accomplish what you want to do if you work hard and stay focused.”
What is your current involvement in agriculture, including your daily routine?
“In the summer, I feed my heifers and tie them up so they get used to standing for a long time. That is when I work their hair with combs. They graze until about 3 o’clock when I repeat the procedure and feed them again. I feed the pigs in the morning and train and feed them again later in the day.”
What are some of your agricultural memories?
“At my first Junior Nationals in 2002, my heifer didn’t like the wash rack. It was new, unfamiliar and concrete. It had a grate where the water goes through and she simply would not cross it.”
What are your future plans?
“I would like to attend Missouri State University where I plan to major in agricultural education. I want to become a teacher and will live wherever I can get a job.”
