Livestock shows inspire young people to carry on the legacy of agriculture.

My name is Luke McMullen and I am currently a 17 year old junior at Dixon High School doing independent study. I am currently a three year member of Dixon High FFA and a first year member of Maine Prairie 4H. I am also a member of the California High School Rodeo Team District 3. I just competed at Challenge of Champions in both Boys Cutting and Tie Down Roping. This year I am raising 2 wether lambs, Wolfe and Jeffrey, and one breeding goat- Whitney. I have showed all 3 animals at a couple jackpots this year, Triple Crown Showdown and Northern Exposure. I have placed fairly well winning, my market classes, as well as reserve champion light weight black twice, and middle weight reserve champion once. I have also placed 3rd overall black face and also 5th overall lamb show A at Northern Exposure. I have been placing well with my breeding goat too, placing as high as 5th overall breeding doe.

This is my 9th official year showing livestock, but I have an older brother and have helped kids in our barn show animals my entire life. My confidence has grown tremendously in the show arena and that is why I decided to continue with a 2nd specie- goats to show again this year. I am currently on the honor roll and carry a GPA of 3.67. The independent study schedule allows me to train daily for my rodeo events as well as work with my show animals. I currently spend about 10-12 hours a week with my show animals as well as help teach other novices how to care and train their animals.