Age: 15
Parents: Richard and Melissa Enslow
Hometown: Neosho, Mo.
FFA Chapter: East Newton FFA
Advisors: Steve Loveday and Brian Nelson
What is your involvement in agriculture?
“My dad was an ag teacher before I was born. He actually was one of the people who started the Sencea, Mo., program. After I was born, he switched to teaching science so he could be more involved with me. I’ve been involved in the Newton County Fair, and agriculture programs like 4-H and FFA since I was little. I started in 4-H as a Clover Kid when I was 5, then switched over to FFA when I got into high school. I’ve raised Beefmaster cattle and Boer goats pretty much all of my life. I show goats at the Newton County Fair, at the Lamar Fair, Ozark Empire Fair and the Missouri Fair. We’re looking at showing our Beefmasters, but my dad doesn’t feel like we have too many that are tame enough to be good at the local shows, but we are going to be going to the Ozark Empire Fair.”
What do you like about being involved in agriculture and living on a farm?
“I really like it because agriculture goes back to my roots. My whole family is involved in agriculture, so we have lots to talk about when we get together.”
What are your future plans?
“I want to be a veterinarian because animals really interest me. I want to go to Crowder College to get my vet tech degree, then go to Oklahoma State University to get my doctorate in veterinary medicine. I want to work with small ruminant animals and specialize in goats because there aren’t many goat vets around here. I also like to see all of the advancements in agriculture and what we can do with that.”
What advice do you have for other young people who want to be involved in agriculture?
“Ask as many questions as possible because the more you ask, the more you learn. You can also learn from the mistakes of other people and not make those same mistakes. Also, join 4-H and FFA; you will learn a lot.”
