National Future Farmer

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Mechanical ability learned In vo-ag shop work and on
fhe farm Is helping Jimmy keep equipment on the job.
Bv Joe Dan Bovd
Show steers first attracted Jim to the ranks of FFA and
In 1952 he showed these champions at the Atlanta show.
dov\rn on the farm
depends on Jim's ingenuity. He recently used scrap metal
to construct a mechanical tree planter for custom work and
has put out 118,000 seedlings for community residents.
Last year the McMullan crops included 40 acres of corn,
8 acres of oats, 20 acres of mile, 25 acres of wheat, and 53
acres of pasture. Six dairy cows and four brood sows comprised
their active livestock operation, while both shared
plans for purchasing more feeder steers later.
Not everything is on a full partnership basis, however.
Jimmy is beginning to venture on his own more often as he
gains additional experience. The younger McMullans are
working with 4.000 layers on a contract basis.
His five-acre cotton crop is also being worked and financed
separate from partnership enterprises. Another
large segment of Jimmy's private undertakings include six
head of beef cattle valued at more than $1,200.00
But Jimmy McMullan doesn't have a one-track mind.
Although farming does dominate his thoughts, he has done
his share in the leadership field. He began by participating
in high school athletics until his farming operations grew
too big. Jefferson FFA Chapter members saw fit to elect
him parliamentarian in 1951, and for the next two years
chose him as president.
Having attended both state and national conventions.
Jim was adequately qualified to serve the Georgia Associa-
tion as vice president during the 1955-56 school year.
During his tenure, he participated in a week-long good
will tour of Georgia businesses, spoke at the state Farm
Bureau Convention, and appeared on many local chapter
programs.
He's now a member of the Methodist church, a past presi-
dent of the Methodist Youth Fellowship, and a member of
June-July, 1958
the local Farm Bureau organization. The mature-minded
McMullans have a two-year-old daughter. Cheryl. It's
Jackie's wish and Jim's goal to give Cheryl the adxantages
of a "childhood in the country."
HERE'S JIMMY'S ADVICE TO FUTURE FARMERS
Decide Early. Decide what you want out of life as early
as possible. Then start working toward it. But make the
decision now; you'll need a pattern to follow.
Stick to It. If you are sure your decision is sound and
there's no question in your mind about it. stay with your
guns. Don't let anyone talk you out of it. It's your life,
and happiness conies only from doing that which satisfies.
Work Late. Forget the eight-hour day and minimum
wages. In the early stages of farming, you may have to
work harder than most people. Extra work will pay off in
any occupation, however. The pay check isn't the only
reward either.
Provide Service. Co-operation is an integral part of FF.-X
work. Carr\- that principle into your occupation and all
phases of everyday living. Go out of your way to help
others and insure your own future by doing it.
Accept .4dvice. Don't be afraid of taking advice. Go
out of your way to get qualified advice and help. Farmers
have available to them rich sources of technical informa-
tion. Don't fail to use it, but don't abuse the privilege.
Contact vo-ag teachers and government technicians onh
when you really need their help. Give the other fellow
a chance.
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