Age: 17
Parents: Scott and Tammy Melton
Hometown: El Dorado Springs, Mo.
FFA Chapter: El Dorado Springs FFA
What is your involvement in Agriculture?
“I live on a farm and we have cattle, horses, and breed and raise Beagles.”
What are some of your responsibilities on the farm?
“I help do chores on the farm like feed and water the animals. We don’t own a bull so I help watch the cattle and see when they are cycling to watch for the right period. Take care of the dogs and help when they have puppies.”
What do you like about living on the farm?
“I like how it has taught me different lessons. It’s a special way of life. In tending the animals, I have learned if you give to them it will come back to you – like in life. I feel if I work hard I can do anything I set my mind to do.”
What is your involvement with your FFA Chapter?
“I work through the SAE Ag program and have livestock including cattle and Beagle dogs. In leadership and Ag Ed, I talk to the local fouth grade for an hour about agriculture and where our food comes from. I make presentations to civic groups to promote agriculture and FFA. I received the second-place Missouri FFA Agricultural Education Proficiency Award at the 90th Missouri FFA Convention and have attended a lot of leadership conferences and public speaking events.”
What are your plans for the future?
“I plan to go to the University of Missouri and get a four-year education-majoring in ag marketing with a minor in ag management. I would like to get a job where I can be an advocate for agriculture. I would travel and tell how agriculture changes life and people and affects everyday life.”
Why is it important for your generation to be involved in FFA?
“The average age of farmers is 58. As farmers get older, we don’t want the tradition to die. You can’t go forward without knowing your history. Young people need to know responsibility to feed the world and it would not be possible without agriculture.”
