Production agriculture has been part of Tyler Schnaithman’s life from the beginning. He remembers starting with the simple tasks of sweeping out the barn and filling up water tanks and the excitement that followed when he was soon able to do larger jobs. He also remembers hearing from his grandpa about FFA and how he couldn’t wait for him to join. So, when he entered the eighth grade, the Garber, Okla., resident was more than ready to join the organization and explore all the opportunities that FFA and agriculture had to offer.
Schnaithman began his FFA career with Suffolk and Hampshire ewes and acres of wheat. He had partial ownership in a swather that he used to put up hay. Passionate about his sheep enterprise, he did everything he could to make it as successful as possible. This allowed him to learn the importance of management, record keeping and establishing connections when it comes to marketing. These same attributes helped him with his cattle enterprise, which allowed him to diversify. Soon, he started acres of his own cropland on a cash rent basis.
He has had the opportunity to sell many of his bushels of wheat as certified seed. In addition, producing alfalfa, running heifers on wheat pastures, breeding them and selling them as bred replacements has allowed Schnaithman to establish his own prices.
Studying agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University, Schnaithman said he wants to make sure he is doing his part in helping to feed the world as a family farmer.
Schnaithman is the son of Becky and Lee Schnaithman. He is a member of Garber High School FFA Chapter, led by Joseph McGovran.
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