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MILAN, MO. --
Meet 17 year old Kelsey Eitel of Milan. She was born and raised in her parents farm and has spent her whole life raising cattle and goats. But has had a big interest in horses and been showing them for as long she can remember. She says farm life runs through her blood.

“I’ve pretty much been around it my whole entire life. I’m not sure what else I would have done. I can’t stop doing what I’m doing. I keep going. If I’m sore, I just get back up and keep going.”

Kelsey has showed her horses at fairs all across Missouri and has won awards such as Highpoint and 1st Place. She has also competed in The American Royal and has received much recognition.

“My favorite moment was in 2010 when I won Barrels and Poles in 15 and over. I felt pretty good about that. It’s been one of my biggest accomplishments.”

Kelsey also says it takes a lot of patience and hard work to take care of her farm animals.

“I get up in the morning at about 6am and I go out and do chores. I make sure everyone has enough hay and water. On the weekends when I have races and competitions, I always make sure everything is being taken care of. This is my priority, the farm comes first.”

Kelsey wants to continue working in the agriculture field and continue to raise and show cattle, goats, and horses.

“I plan on having agriculture in my life forever. It’s always going to be there in some way shape or form.”

Other than life on the farm, Kelsey is very much involved in Green Hills 4-H and Milan’s FFA where she serves as President. She wants to go to college next fall and study accounting and business management.

Congratulations Kelsey on being this week’s Ag Kid.