Age: 17
Hometown: Mountain Home, Ark.
Parents: Doug and Amber Richard
FFA chapter: Norfolk FFA
Advisor: Lyn Cotter
What is your favorite aspect of agriculture? “I prefer the livestock part to anything else because I’ve always had an interest in animals but didn’t realize how much I could do with them until I joined FFA. I started with showing goats and really loved them. I showed goats for two years and am now showing Shorthorns.”
Who is the most influential person in your life? “My ag teacher, Mr. Cotter. He pushed me out of my comfort zone, especially when I started doing public speaking, prepared speech, creed and discussion meets. He also teaches me hands-on how to best take care of my animals to show them properly. Perhaps even more importantly he takes me to many of my competitions, even if it’s not convenient for him. I tell him where I would like to go and then he says we can make that work.”
What is your current involvement in agriculture? “I am currently the vice president of our chapter and was part of the discussion meet. I’m also on the meats team, and will show two Shorthorn heifers and the steer. My daily routine includes getting up and feeding both my show animals and our chickens in the mornings and then working with the cattle in terms of showing after I do my homework. One of the most important things I have learned is the time and effort any endeavor in agriculture takes such as teaching them to lead. Mr. Cotter is there every step of the way.
Awards: “Two years ago, I got first in district in creed speaking. I’ve also won reserve grand champion at the state level with red pullets and reserve grand champion market goat at the Fulton County Fair. I have also won Chapter Star Greenhand and Star Chapter Member.”
