For Sawyer Ayres, the farm has always been more than a place to work. It is where his passion for the outdoors began and where he has built some of his favorite memories.
The Garden Plain High School student grew up helping his dad with cattle and completing chores around the farm. Those early experiences eventually developed into a lifestyle he hopes to continue after high school.
“My passion for the outdoors definitely began when I was a kid just doing simple things like helping my dad with cattle or doing chores with him around the farm,” Ayres said.
Today, Ayres spends much of his time farming and ranching, embracing the responsibilities that come with working outdoors. While the work can be demanding, he enjoys the lifestyle and the opportunity to spend time away from the distractions of everyday life.
“The most appealing thing about the outdoors nowadays is probably just being able to get away from all the commotion and just being yourself and taking in the beauty of nature,” Ayres said.
For Ayres, being outdoors also provides a sense of peace. He said spending time away from the busyness of school and other responsibilities has made him appreciate the time he gets to spend on the farm even more.
“I personally enjoy it and it ain’t much of a big deal to me to be left alone for some time,” Ayres said. “I think it gets more peaceful once you’ve been away and realize what you missed out on.”
His appreciation for farming and ranching is also tied to the memories he has made along the way. One that stands out happened on a cold, rainy winter day after school when Ayres and his cousin had to tag calves.
“It was cold, but man, we had some fun getting them caught,” Ayres said.
The job turned into an experience the two still remember. They used a four-wheeler to get close enough to the calves before attempting to wrestle some of the larger ones to the ground.
“Some of them cows about got us, but it was all worthwhile for the memories we made,” Ayres said.
Those experiences have helped shape Ayres’ view of the outdoors and his plans for the future. While many of his classmates may be preparing to leave the farm behind after graduation, Ayres sees agriculture playing a major role in his life.
“I see the outdoors playing a major role in my life after high school,” Ayres said. “I plan on probably farming and ranching out of high school, and that is for a majority outdoors and reliant on the weather.”
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