Tyson Child balances school, work, and growing livestock venture

Tashi Farmilo

In the Pontiac town of Shawville, a remarkable individual has set foot on a path less traveled by his peers. Meet Tyson Child's, a 17-year-old high school graduate who is not only working full-time at a local dairy farm but is also passionately nurturing his own agricultural enterprise, Black Hearts Livestock.

Fresh out of high school and currently employed at a local dairy farm, he has simultaneously embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship, establishing Black Hearts Livestock. Ten purebred Angus cows currently grace his fledgling farm, a number that continues to grow as his passion and expertise flourish.

Child's vision extends beyond the confines of his farm's boundaries. He aspires to cultivate Black Hearts Livestock into a self-sufficient entity within the agricultural industry, recognizing the profound role that agriculture plays in shaping the world. Rooted in a community he has been a part of all his life, agriculture holds a special place in his heart, a sentiment he articulates with conviction.

"Agriculture is what sustains the world, and being able to contribute to this vital process is both a privilege and a testament to hard work," Child's explains.

As he straddles the worlds of farming and education, Child's finds himself in his second year of 4-H, a program renowned for its emphasis on hands-on learning within the agricultural sector. This platform not only imparts valuable life skills but also fosters camaraderie and collaboration among its participants. Child's involvement in 4-H has equipped him with the knowledge and experience to handle an array of responsibilities, from showing his bred heifers to caring for his market steer named Magic Mike. The latter experience has been particularly illuminating, offering insights into nurturing an animal from birth to eventually gracing dinner tables.

Child will be participating in the local 4-H Market auction scheduled for Sunday, September 3rd, at 6 p.m. This event will see the sale of several market steers, including Child's own Magic Mike, at the Shawville Fair Grounds. Visitors will have the opportunity to view these animals throughout the weekend.

Child's aims to leverage the proceeds from the auction to further expand Black Hearts Livestock, inching closer to his goal of self-sustainability. He emphasizes that purchasing a market animal like his not only supports young farmers' aspirations but also brings fresh, locally-raised meat to consumers' tables. In return, supporters receive a picture with the purchased animal displayed at the fairgrounds, along with other advertising perks.

Photo caption: Tending to "Magic Mike": Tyson Child's proves his dedication to his market steer. 

Photo credit: Courtesy of Tyson Child.