Ag At School
When I joined Lecanto High School, I eagerly signed up for Agriscience Foundations 1 during my freshman year. By sophomore year, I had moved on to Agricultural Technological Operations 2 and officially joined FFA, which opened up a world of opportunities and solidified my commitment to this path. Showing the chapter steer gave me hands-on experience and helped me realize that I wanted to pursue this journey for myself. This year, through hard work and dedication, I managed to save enough money to buy my own steer. I'm incredibly excited to bring my project, Clifford, to fair week.
My FFA Experience
Being part of the Lecanto Senior FFA Chapter has been an incredible experience. It’s a supportive community where I’ve made countless friends and enjoyed endless learning opportunities. My advisor, Mr. Steve Richardson, always looks for ways to help us grow, whether it's through field trips, hands-on projects, or expanding our knowledge in agriculture, technology, and more. I truly appreciate his dedication to our growth and the numerous doors he has opened for us.
Before joining FFA, I had never fully understood the concept of showing animals at the county fair, even though I had attended many fairs as a spectator. I followed in the footsteps of a friend who showed steers, and with her help, I was able to dive into the process and learn the ins and outs of preparing an animal for the fair. My first experience last year was so positive and inspiring that I knew I wanted to do it again. This year, I'm even more prepared and excited to make the most of this opportunity.
My Short Term Goals
At the end of this journey, I plan to use the knowledge and money I’ve gained to support myself in my final year of showing. My goal is to save enough to buy my own vehicle, as well as fund my next livestock project. Showing animals has taught me discipline, responsibility, and resilience, and I’m looking forward to putting everything I’ve learned into practice for one more year.