Austin - The Heart and Vision That Started it All
B: Jun8, 1997 D: August 10, 2016
Austin was a gifted student with a quiet strength and a deep love for agriculture. From a young age, he was active in 4-H and livestock showing, working with multiple species and excelling in every arena he entered. But what made Austin truly remarkable wasn’t the ribbons - it was his heart.
Austin started his 4-H showing with cattle and chickens in 2009. When his brother Dakota started showing sheep in 2011, he talked his brothers to try sheep as well. Austin was not a fan of the cookie cutter sheep that is common on the show ring. He researched several breeds with his father. That is when they found the Florida Cracker Sheep. Austin was drawn to them and their history. We bought our first ram in 2013, and Austin started showing him right away. All the kids knew Austin in the show ring because his sheep were different. He put grand champion and reserve champion titles on that ram. Austin was a natural at showing his sheep and always placed well.
He was the kid who helped anyone he saw struggling, even if they were competing against him. He offered encouragement, shared knowledge, lifted others up without expecting anything in return. His compassion extended far beyond the barn.
Austin dreamed of becoming a psychologist, a path that reflected his empathy and desire to help people. His childhood plan to create a ranch that protected heritage animals and preserved Florida’s agricultural history became the foundation of this mission. Every conservation effort, every educational program, and every museum exhibit carries the imprint of Austin’s original dream.
In his final days of life, Austin asked that the work that he cared so deeply about - protecting Florida’s heritage livestock and ranching traditions - be carried forward. Honoring that promise the Foundation was created in his and Trysten’s names to ensure their values, their dedication, and their love for this breed continue to guide every part of our mission.
Austin is the vision, the foundation and the heart of our mission
Trysten - the SOUL of the Future
Trysten’s dedication to agriculture and heritage livestock began early and grew with purpose. He started his 4-H career at just six years old, choosing to work with critically endangered heritage chicken breeds rather than common varieties. Even as a child, he understood that rare breeds needed protection, and he took that responsibility seriously.
Trysten approached 4-H with a level of commitment far beyond his age. He attended every seminar, workshop, and educational opportunity he could, always wanting to learn more about genetics, breed conservation and responsible animal care. By eight years old, he already had set his future; he wanted to become a poultry scientist. His projects, research, and livestock choices reflected that goal from the very beginning.
His passion for conservation extended beyond poultry. Trysten helped select the first Florida Cracker Sheep that came to the ranch, choosing animals based on heritage, purity, and historical significance. His instincts for evaluating livestock were unusually strong, and the decisions he helped make became the foundation of the flock that anchors the conservation mission today.
Trysten was also known for his generosity and leadership within 4-H. He would help anyone who needed assistance - whether a new exhibitor struggling with showmanship or a competitor nervous in the ring. Ringside, he coached, encouraged, and supported others, always wanting everyone to succeed. His commitment to learning was matched only by his commitment to helping others learn with him.
These qualities - curiosity, responsibility, leadership, and a deep respect for heritage livestock - shaped the values that guide the Austin & Trysten Carey Ranch and the Conservation Foundation. His influence is present in every conservation decision, every heritage project, and every step toward preserving Florida’s agricultural legacy.
This is why Trysten is, and will always be, the soul of our future.