• Age: 17
• Hometown: Neosho, Mo.
• County: Newton County
• Parents: Mark and Marla Davis
• Siblings: Cassie (15), Jake (13) and Jesse (13)
• FFA Chapter: Neosho FFA
• Chapter Advisors: Kelin Kruse, Austin Steele and Jennifer Thogmartin
• 4-H Club: Round Prairie
• Club Leader: Kelly Shilling
What is your involvement in agriculture?
“My family and I are part of a multi-generation farm. Our family raises commercial crossbred beef cattle, crossbred feeder pigs and are going to start raising registered Duroc, Hampshire and Yorkshire show pigs. I show beef cattle and swine at our county fair and am regularly active in 4-H and FFA. I am also involved in community service activities through FFA, such as planting flowers in the park and around the square and serving several times at HOPE Kitchen, a local non-profit food ministry. I am active in my church and do multiple activities in the community.”
What is your favorite part of being involved in agriculture, and what are your future plans?
“Breeding and raising livestock, showing our cattle we raise on the farm and raising pigs. I love working and learning new things in agriculture every day. After high school graduation, I plan on attending Crowder College for the veterinarian technician program while still farming.”
What is the best advice about agriculture you have received?
“My parents told me we each have our own talents, but sometimes we have to do jobs we are not so talented in and have to ask for help and it has taught me that it’s OK to ask for help.”
What advice would you give other young people who want to be involved in agriculture?
“Don’t stop, even if something doesn’t go as planned.”
Awards: Star Greenhand, Outstanding Sophomore, Greenhand Degree, Chapter Degree, state qualifying team in livestock judging, and qualified for the premium sale at the county fair.
