Raising Champions

FSLM caught up with Hallie Hackett and asked her about life and what it’s like being in FFA and 4H

Name: Hallie Hackett
Age: 17
Daughter of: Shelley and Aaron Hackett
School: Hooks High School

How long have you been involved in FFA or 4-H?
I have been involved in FFA and 4-H for nine years. 

Who or what influenced you to raise and show animals? Do you raise different animals or mainly steers?
I saw a magazine cover with a girl showing, and immediately knew that I wanted to show, too. I convinced my dad a year later to let me show. Since then, I have raised heifers and commercial and market steers.

What is involved in raising a grand champion for a Project Show? 
Raising any animal is a day-in, day-out challenge, but raising a grand champion makes it even more difficult. Managing feeding, washing, health, and location of my cattle is all very important. I have to work with my steer every day to ensure that both of us will be prepared to enter the ring. 

We noticed you are involved in different organizations throughout the state. (AJSA, FFA, Texas Beef Ambassadors, etc). Explain what these are and why you enjoy working with others in state leadership positions. 
I currently serve as the President and Queen for the Texas Junior Simmental/Simbrah Association and a trustee for the American Simmental Association. With these positions, I am able to host our state and national shows and assist with events throughout the year. I also serve as an Area VI FFA Vice President. As an area officer, I facilitate workshops and camps throughout the year and help with any FFA events. As a Texas Beef Ambassador, I am able to connect and advocate for the beef industry. These positions are an amazing opportunity for me to be able to meet so many new people and create new connections. I am also able to be an influence on younger members and guide them.

Why should young people get involved in school agriculture programs? 
Being involved in school ag programs is an amazing opportunity for young people. There are so many chances for students to learn new things and experience things that will help them later in life. Contests, office positions, and ag classes allow students to be able to discover possible careers, meet new people, and learn new skills. A friend of mine recently said that “stock show is the vehicle that takes you to greater things.” While the awards will lose importance, the memories made and lessons learned will last a lifetime. 

What award have you received that you are most proud of?
I would say that I am proudest of being elected as president of the TJSSA. Although it isn’t an award, I had to put in a lot of work to be able to achieve the position. Being able to be a role model for other juniors and serve my association is a great honor. 

Where do you want to attend college and what do you plan to study? What do you see as a future career?
I plan to attend Texas A&M University and major in animal science. I also plan to apply to the vet school at Texas A&M, and pursue veterinary medicine as a career. 

Who are your role models?
My biggest role model is Mrs. Martha McCrary. Mrs. Martha is my breeder and who I got my first show heifer from nine years ago. She has always been willing to help me in any way. I would not be the person that I am without her guidance, compassion, and love. I also look up to my parents. They have always been by my side and have done everything to ensure that I can do all that I do. My parents have helped me succeed and accomplish all that I have. 

What life lessons have you gotten from raising and  showing animals?
Raising and showing animals has taught me many things. I have learned that hard work is necessary to succeed. Being able to put in work and persevere no matter what happens is what will determine who succeeds. I have been able to learn how to take whatever is given to me and make the best of it. My animals have taught me so much about perseverance, dedication, hard work, and leadership.