OFI 2003: Finding The Correct Species | FFA SAE Edition | Nate Crumbley | Nelson County High School FFA

Nate Crumbley is a chapter sentinel and is just finishing up his junior year of high school.  He has wanted to farm and be part of agriculture ever since he can remember first riding around on a tractor with his grandfather.  This is what first led him to try raising rabbits.  During the year of Covid lockdowns and online school, he had very little to do and lived with his grandparents on their farm.  So, he began raising rabbits as an enterprise of his own.

When school started again the following year, he moved back to his parent's home where he would attend school in person.  Taking care of the rabbits became more of a challenge considering the travel required and the level of attention required.  As a result, the enterprise failed.

Nate was not done, but he knew that he needed to try something different than rabbits.  Through a series of examples, contemplations and research Nate and his grandfather decided to have Nate try raising Dorper Sheep.  This is where Nate found his niche and his passion.  Today he is the owner of Cartwright Dorpers and is operating both a purebred and commercial sheep enterprise.