"I have grown up with agriculture as a big part of my life and have always enjoyed the people and attitudes associated with an agriculture lifestyle." Kassidy Aldridge, May 2001

"The thing that most influenced me to go into agriculture is stock showing at a very young age and throughout my teen-age years. It gave me a sense of confidence and pride." Stephanie Armstrong, August 2001

"My dad grew up around agriculture and raised me in the industry as well. I have learned to respect the values people in the agricultural field possess and I work to acheive the same level of value in my life." Kori Clark, December 2001

"The people in agriculture are the ones that influenced me. I want to be in an industry where the people involved care about one another." Bryan Cole, December 2001

"I was surrounded by a strong agricultural environment by family and friends who gave me an agricultural heritage that I am proud of." Summer Dean, May 2002

"I got involved in agriculture working on my grandad's farm as a child. Having my dad for an ag. teacher helped tp continue my agricultural experience throughout high school." Jeremy Derington, August 2001

"My brother Matt thought he was simply teaching me how to drive a tractor and process cattle, but he was also teaching me about patience, work ethic and life." Miranda Eastwood, December 2001

"Agriculture is a hand shake, a smile after a rain and neighbors coming together to help one another. This describes honesty, appreciation of nature and lending a helping hand. No other field possesses any combination of these qualities and that is what influenced me to go into agriculture." Steve Estes, May 2001

"I was influenced to pursue a degree in agriculture by my family and my ag. teachers. They advised me to be involved in things I love, and for me, that's agriculture." Kellye Fondy, May 2001

"The person who has influenced me the most is my dad. He encouraged me to meet new people and try new things through our local 4-H program." Will Frederick, August 2001

"The biggest influence on ag. in my life is my dad. Growing up on a farm, agriculture was part of my everyday life." Kathy Greer, May 2002

"I was involved in 4-H and FFA all through school. This allowed me to develop my leadership skills and gain a sense of self. I feel that agriculture has given me so much and I want to stay involved in the field." Kellie Krebs, August 2001

"I believe that everyone is influenced by agriculture in some form or fashion. There are just some that take it to another level." Cade Nobles, May 2001

"I was involved in FFA my freshman year of high school and loved it. FFA was the activity that I enjoyed the most, so I decided I wanted to base my career in it." Annie Parchman, August 2001

"My main influence in agriculture is growing up around all kinds of animals. My mom used to barrel race when she was in high school and that is another influence." Tamera Pruessner, December 2001

"Agriculture has always been an important part of my life. My parents and both sets of grandparents grew up in agriculture. For me to major in agriculture was a given...it is something I've always known and wanted to be involved in." Brenda Schumann

"Agriculture is a way of life. When you get passed the hard work and low rewards, there's still a much more satisfying feel to how things are." Phillip Trammell, May 2001

"The person who influenced me to be involved in agriculture was my father. I believe agriculture made him a man of integrity and honesty, two virtues I try to live by in my life." Walker Wallace, August 2001