Celebration under way: La Grange FFA'er spotlighted

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas

February 21, 2002 -- Katy Fuller of La Grange has some big shoes to fill. She is the fourth generation in her family to be involved in agriculture, and she loves it.

A member of the La Grange High School FFA, she is serving as treasurer, this year, and aspires to be elected to district office in the future.

Her parents, Joe and Melanie Fuller, are animal science graduates of Texas A&M University, and her grandfather and great-grandfather worked with cattle on ranches and in livestock barns. It was sort of a "given" than Katy and her younger brother, Ben, would be involved with animals and agriculture.

"We have a herd of about 24 Brangus heifers. We also have market goats to help raise money for the next year to show heifers," said Fuller.

"I show just Brangus heifers and I hope to show steers, but my mom doesn't want me to."

While their animals are docile once they are halter broken, there's always the chance of injury with the animals, said Fuller. That's what worries her mom.

She and her family attend all of the major livestock shows in Texas and have attended the Nationals in Oklahoma (and won) and shows in New Mexico.

A second year FFA member, Fuller is enjoying everything about the organization; especially, meeting new people and going to shows.

"I enjoy just meeting new people and I feel like I have such an advantage over the people (not in FFA) at this school. I've met so many through FFA, and it's just an awesome experience," said Fuller.

"I feel like I'm ahead, socially, you know, like because my skills are better because I can go out and meet people, like new kids at school ... ," she added.

Fuller and her family moved to La Grange about two years ago, and she said she has told her parents if they have to move, again, she's staying.

Being involved with FFA and the county 4-H have become a large part of her life.

"I like both of them because it's very versatile and it's great to have on your transcript and your college applications," Fuller said of her experience in agriculture.

Cody Dennison, Fayette County Extension Agent for 4-H and Youth Development, had nothing but praise for Fuller. She is one of his livestock judges for hogs, sheep and cattle.

Russell Klump, Fuller's agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, has taught her a lot about poultry, something she didn't know a lot about until arriving in Fayette County and La Grange High School. Fayette County has become a leader in poultry shows, and Klump asked Fuller to judge this year.

Apparently, she is a fast study, since she places in the top 12 contestants at each show, and has gained the respect of Klump and her classmates.

The hardest part of being in agriculture involves time. "The hard part (of agriculture) is the work, and sometimes I want to go do something with my friends, but I have other responsibilities and have to make other arrangements. Also, sometimes, it conflicts with homework and trying to keep my grades up," said Fuller.

When asked if she thought being in FFA is worth all the time and energy, she quickly answered, "It's a great opportunity that students shouldn't pass up. There's so many experiences you go through, and it prepares you for life in general, after getting out of high school. I feel like I'm a lot more mature since I have had a lot of these experiences, and it's just great."