Age: 19
Hometown: El Dorado Springs, Mo.
Parents: Matthew and Rachel Stauffer
Siblings: Marshal Stauffer
4-H Club: Union Hall 4-H
Club Leader: Lisa Manning
FFA Chapter: El Dorado Springs FFA
Advisor: Amy Green
What is your involvement in agriculture? “My parents own a small cattle operation outside of El Dorado Springs. Ever since I can remember I would be out in the pasture, feeding sows and checking fences with my parents. As I got older, I joined 4-H and started showing cattle. Over the years our operation has grown in quality, with the implementation of AI. Throughout this process I help to check for signs of heat, select certain bulls for certain cows and help preg-check the cows. As I have gotten older I also took on raising my own wether-genetic style goats to sell to other 4-H and FFA members.”
What is your favorite part of being involved in agriculture/living on a farm? “My favorite part of being involved in agriculture is the community of people that I have come to love and grow up with over the years. It’s no secret that being part of the agriculture industry and raising animals is tough, and it’s the best feeling when you have that community there to have your back in those difficult times. Having shown animals for the past eleven years I have learned that ribbons will fade and buckles will collect dust but the friendships you’ve started and the memories that you’ve made will last forever.”
What are your future plans? Do they involve agriculture in some way? My future plans are to attend Missouri State University to major in Agribusiness with a minor in Horticulture. I would also like to continue my family’s cattle operation as well as continuing my goat operation.”
Awards: “Throughout my time in 4-H and FFA I have received numerous accolades, including winning the Missouri FFA State Creed Speaking contest and making it all the way to semifinals at the FFA National Convention, placing sixth in the state for Advanced Prepared Public Speaking, placing sixth in the state for Employment Skills, and having several state qualifying teams and district winning teams.”
