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GREEN CITY, MO -- Meet 14-year-old Zachary Ayers of Green City. Agriculture has played a major role his whole life. He is a third generation farmer and helps his family with their successful cattle business. His family also has a strong background in horses and has been involved with it since as long he can remember.

“I had cousins who grew up riding horses. My dad grew up riding horses. When I was three, I got my first pony, and it’s been something I’ve liked every since,” Ayers said.

Zachary is a member of the Green City 4-H Workers. He has competed and showed his horses at the Green Hill and 4-H Shows including, the Missouri State Fair. He has won First Place in Barrels and Poles on numerous occasions. But there is a lot of responsibility with taking care of his horses to prepare.

“I get up every morning and feed them and bring them into the barn. We put them in the stalls and feed them oats and hay. Then we let them out at night,” Ayers said.

Zachary said the best part of working with his horses is meeting new people and making friends at the shows.

“It’s the whole reason why I go is to meet new people who like horses and see their differences and alike,” Ayers said.

Zachary said agriculture has helped him to appreciate farm life and is planning to move forward in the field.

“I’ve grown up around it my whole life and I’ve never known anything different like living in a big city. This is what I want to do,” Ayers said.

When not working or caring for his horses, Zachary participates on his school's basketball and track teams. He is also part of student council and band. He will be joining the Green City FFA in the fall.

He is planning to attend to the University of Missouri and wants to become a veterinarian.

Congratulations Zachary on being this week's Ag Kid.