Shalani by the Plow

What are you most excited about for your state officer year?

Traveling around the state and interacting with members! I love seeing how other chapters do things and meeting new people. I am also so excited to learn more about Idaho agriculture, especially from areas further away from my hometown.

What college, major, and future career are you planning?

I am taking a gap year this year to be able to spend more time serving the members of Idaho FFA. In the fall of 2020, I will be attending the College of Southern Idaho to study Animal Science. It is my hope to focus on Animal Nutrition and with that degree become a Large Animal Nutritionist.

Tell about a meaningful experience you have had in FFA?

One of my most meaningful experiences was being able to introduce my sister, Kiana Wilcox (Idaho FFA State Treasurer 2009-2010), for her retiring address. At the time I was only 9 years old, and going up on stage terrified me. When I was up there, though, I could see how excited all the members were, and that got me excited about joining FFA when I got older. That experience has stuck with me throughout my entire FFA career, and it reminds me why I continue to be engaged in the program.

What do you do outside of FFA?

I live on a farm and ranch raising beef cattle and growing grain, potatoes, and hay. I spend a lot of time working and being with my family. We love riding our horses, camping, hiking, snowboarding, skeet shooting, and just spending time up in the mountains where our cows graze for the summer. I am also very involved in my church, and I enjoy spending time with my friends.

What is your SAE Project?

Since I live on a farm and ranch, I have the opportunity to work - especially during the summer when I fix fence, check water, vaccinate calves, and help move the cattle. In addition to my job working with the cows, I also own eight head of SimAngus composite bred cows/calves. I have also shown steers for the last three years at the Madison County Fair, and I drive truck during potato harvest in the fall.

What is your mission for the year?

My mission is to really step out of my comfort zone to grow as an individual. Through my enthusiasm I also hope to encourage other members to step out of their own comfort zones and become the best version of themselves.

Is there something else you would like FFA members to know about you?

I love cheesy jokes and ice cream. No matter how cold it is or how full I am, there is always room for ice cream. The only way to make that ice cream better is to laugh at a cheesy joke while eating it :)