KIRKSVILLE, MO -- Meet 16-year-old Matt Kelly of Kirksville. Agriculture was something his family took pride him as his parents and grandparents had a big interest in raising cattle. Matt always had an interest in the field but it didn’t kick in till he got involved in the Kirksville FFA and decided to continue with the family tradition. He said cows are his buddies.
"When you are out here twice a day every day, you get a feeling towards them. You come to an understanding with them. You want to spend more time with them. It's really rewarding to go to the shows and feel like this is my animal," Kelly said.
For the past two years Matt has shown his cattle at the NEMO Fair and has gone home with 1st Place and blue ribbons. According to Matt it takes a lot of hard work and responsibility to take care of his cows and prepare them for the shows.
"I come out here and I and I feed them and walk them. I tie them I come out to help them respect the halter. It's important to clean their hair so it can help it grow," Kelly said.
Matt has also been able to share some funny and memorable moments with his cows.
"One jumped over the fence and got loose. The ran loose for a little bit. We had to track them down and get them back in," Kelly said.
Matt wants to continue working in agriculture and wants to keep its importance alive.
"I’ve enjoyed learning all about it and what agriculture has to offer. It's a growing industry. I see a really bright future for agriculture," Kelly said.
When not working with his cattle, Matt keeps himself busy with being on the Kirksville High School’s wrestling team or go out hunting.
He is planning to attend the University of Missouri after graduation to study Ag business and animal science.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKTVO