The balancing act: Mike Wallace places importance on teaching and farming

GEORGE — Mike Wallace is a man of many titles. He’s as an animal science teacher, Future Farmers of America advisor (FFA) and wrestling coach at Quincy High School, owns a livestock operation, and is a husband and father as well.

His busy lifestyle may seem daunting to most people, but to him, it is all part of a careful balancing act that he is absolutely adamant to maintain.

Instilling in his students and others an understanding and appreciation for agriculture, as well as producing quality heads of cattle are two things he takes much pride in. And though his workload stays full, he continues to love what he does and looks forward to what the future holds.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Mike grew up in Cheney, and developed a love for agricultural life at an early age.

“My dad was my ag teacher,” Mike said. “As a kid I showed pigs. I showed cows when I was in school… I love cows… I’ve always loved cows.”

After high school, Mike attended Washington State University where he graduated with a degree in biology. He moved to Spokane shortly thereafter and got a job as a welder. Eventually though, he decided to become a teacher after his dad convinced him he could do everything he loves to do every day.

Mike began his teaching career at Moses Lake High school where he taught for a year. He then took a job at Quincy High School where he’s been teaching for 24 years.

He and his dad taught together for about seven years, though not at the same school, before his dad retired. Mike admits that he relied on his dad’s advice, and would often call him on his breaks at school to discuss ideas and ask him questions.

Mike’s wife, Kelly, teaches physical education at QHS. The two met in college, and are parents of four boys.

LAST LINE OF DEFENSE

Mike said he enjoys challenging his students and often encourages them to prove him wrong if they disagree with something they are taught.

He once had a student tell him that she was in his class to make him miserable Mike explained. But instead of trying to change her mind, he simply told her that he was interested in hearing her views. And by the end of the year, that student had developed a better appreciation for agriculture.

“I don’t tell kids what they have to think,” Mike said.

Mike is often surprised when students question where specific Ag related food like bacon and such comes from, and maintains that agriculturalists are the biggest proponents of battling starvation.

“We’re the last line of defense between us and starvation,” said Mike. “It’s scary that people believe what they see on TV.”

As an FFA advisor, Mike enjoys the opportunity to talk with his students while traveling to venues. He also enjoys running into his former students and hearing about life after school.

“He is the best animal science teacher I’ve ever seen,” said Rod Cool, who also teaches agriculture at QHS. He first met Mike while attending WSU, and has been teaching for 31 years. Rod explained that he commends Mike’s quality of teaching and the way he runs his classroom.

Mike and Rod are also the coordinators for the young teacher’s symposium that is structured to give hopeful new Ag instructors the insight and knowledge needed to become successful teachers.

Mike said there are no politics involved when instructing the new teachers. He and Rod agree that teaching really is a calling, and adds working in the private sector can be very lucrative. And so they simply give it to them straight and try their best to retain good Ag teachers.

“I’m pretty passionate that new Ag teachers have a solid foundation to start on, and have the recourses needed to be great Ag teachers,” said Rod. “We do our best to give them what they need to survive and thrive.”

CROSS W CATTLE COMPANY

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mike and two of his former students own and operate the CROSS W CATTLE Company.

Mike got his start in the cattle business 12 years ago when he bought six cow calf pairs and one heifer. His business at that time was called Wallace Stockyard & Cattle Company.

“It (the herd) slowly grew from there,” said Mike.

The Wallace family lived off of Adams Road at the time and before they knew it, they had outgrown their home and were looking to move. Then a friend told them about a place with 20 acres in George that had gone up for sale.

“It just kind of fell together,” said Mike.

A couple of years ago two of his former students approached him about going into business together and offered to match Mike in cows and equipment. And thus, Cross W Cattle Company was born.

“It’s really beneficial they are there,” said Mike.

Today, Cross W Cattle Company has a herd of 150 cows. Mike said he hopes to expand the business, buy more land and eventually break into the registered cows market.

FAMILY AND FUTURE

Mike and Kelly have been married for 26 years. Their sons have grown up raising steers to show at fairs.

Quincy High School is in the process of building a new school. Mike is especially excited about the new Ag department that is also in the works.

The new department he explained will include a barn where students can raise animals. This will be especially beneficial to students who might otherwise not be able to raise animals at home.

“I have to thank my advisory committee for that,” said Mike. “And the superintendent and school board for hearing community input to include the barn for the students in the new building.”

As for Mike, he plans to maintain his balancing act as long as he can. And if there comes a day when he is unable to do so, It’ll be time to retire he said.