Joeli Hardy’s agricultural triumphs

Madisonville Senior Joeli Hardy has been busy nonstop since the last time we sat and talked. She has shown at the biggest shows in the state: Houston, San Antonio and Fort Worth.

Fort Worth started things off for Joeli and the Hardy family. She ended up first in her class of the Red Angus May Division. She finished seventh in her class in San Antonio and in the top eight of her class in Houston.

“I’ve been so busy, and I am so thankful to have my mom by my side, always pushing me,” said Joeli Hardy.

Joeli is also making significant steps in the agricultural world through the Texas FFA Ford Leadership Scholars Program. This community service-driven professional development program is designed as a partnership between the Texas FFA Foundation and Ford Motor Company.

Through this program, Joeli created the Madison County Hay Relief Project. This project will benefit kids involved in Madisonville FFA and 4H and those affected by natural disasters. With the help of Madison County Sidewalk Cattlemen’s and others, Joeli finally has a location for the hay barn that will make a difference in our community.

Joeli is lining up about 20 hay producers to donate three to five hay bales to kids who cannot provide their own for three years. Over the next few weeks, Joeli will be going door to door, searching for donations to help start building construction.

Next week, Joeli and other Ag Ambassadors will be able to attend the Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers Association meeting, presenting speakers.

In the fall, Joeli will be attending Texas ACM University, continuing her showing career and studying to further her education in the agricultural world.

For more information about the Madison County Hay Relief Project, contact Joeli Hardy at joeli. hardy2030@gmail.com.