For DeWitt Central FFA members Delaney, Kalli and Cooper Barber, dairy farming is more than just a project — it’s a way of life.
Through their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), the siblings have developed essential skills in livestock management, genetics and daily farm operations. Their hands-on experiences with dairy cattle are preparing them for future careers in agriculture while also promoting awareness of the industry.
Milking Their Opportunities
The siblings work together on their family dairy farm outside of DeWitt, Iowa. Growing up on their family farm fostered their passion for dairy cattle. “I got started in my SAE because I enjoy being around the animals,” says Kalli Barber, who’s a junior in high school. “I started showing when I was in kindergarten and made it my SAE when I joined FFA.”
According to Kalli, having siblings to help with chores makes the work a lot easier. “My favorite part of my SAE is I get to do it with my family,” she adds. “We all work together by splitting up the chores and other jobs. In the wintertime, I grain the show heifers, Delaney gives them hay and Cooper is in charge of feeding the calves. During the summer, we all work together to tie the heifers up and walk them, but I do the washing and Delaney and Cooper clip.”
Senior Delaney Barber credits FFA with helping her develop important skills for her future. “FFA has helped me develop my communication skills through the various competitions I have competed in,” she says. “This carried into my SAE project, as I am better able to effectively communicate and network with the people I have met at shows.”
Delaney has won numerous awards through her SAE, such as Reserve Grand Champion of the International Junior Red & White show at the World Dairy Expo and Grand Champion of the Junior Red & White show at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in 2024.
“My SAE has shown me the various job opportunities that are out there in the dairy industry,” says freshman Cooper Barber. Traveling to different dairy competitions and expos has exposed Cooper to all of the different opportunities in the agriculture industry, he says, and he’s enjoyed learning from industry professionals.
Delaney, Kalli and Cooper Barber at the Iowa State Fair.
An “Udderly” Amazing Team
The three have grown closer through their SAE projects, as working with each other for so long has helped them develop into a team. “Everyone has their own role and part that they play,” Delaney says.
No matter the challenge, they always find a way to keep “moo-ving” forward together.
