Oklahoma FFA students have demonstrated exceptional work in and outside of the classroom, leading them to be recognized as American Star Award Finalists in every category by the National FFA Organization in Indianapolis, Indiana.
In the race for the 2024 top achievement awards, Oklahoma stands out as the only state to have finalists in every category. They have made their mark in the American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement, and American Star in Agriscience categories.
Allyson Arthur, from Chickasha FFA in Chickasha, OK, has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious American Star Award in Agribusiness.
In collaboration with her father, Arthur created a custom show drench for livestock called All N when she couldn’t find a suitable one for her show cattle. Drawing on her knowledge of livestock nutrition and metabolism gained through FFA, she experimented with various ingredient combinations, tackled packaging and storage obstacles, and achieved remarkable results with the product, including winning Reserve Grand Champion Steer at the Oklahoma State Fair. Motivated by this success, she decided to make her product available to others, and today, All N is sold through 75 dealers nationwide and on her company’s website.
Arthur is responsible for managing the digital and event marketing aspects of the business. This experience has motivated her to pursue a major in marketing at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, where she is also a member of the softball team. Her ultimate goal is to take over the business from her father and become the sole proprietor.
Arthur expresses his appreciation for the practical learning experiences offered by the SAE programs. He emphasizes how these programs allowed him to apply the theoretical knowledge he gained in real-world situations.
“I have gained valuable knowledge and skills that have empowered me in building my business and exceeding my goals. I have learned the process of submitting a business plan to secure a line of credit, and I have also spent time with a local CPA to gain a deeper understanding of the tax structure for small businesses. Additionally, I have acquired expertise in market analysis, customer segmentation, and implementing effective promotional strategies. All of these experiences have been instrumental in my entrepreneurial journey.”
Larahmy Blakley, a finalist for the American Star Farmer award, hails from Oolagah, Oklahoma. As a member of the Oolagah FFA, Blakley has showcased her exceptional skills and dedication to farming.
Blakley acknowledges that although her future path in life is still uncertain, she is certain that production agriculture will play a significant role in it. She believes that the knowledge she has acquired in animal health and nutrition will be extremely valuable for her future endeavors.
Blakley, a passionate supporter of production agriculture, aims to engage with at least two individuals at every farmer’s market he attends, enlightening them about the process of food production. Currently, Blakley is pursuing a career in animal nutrition at Northeastern Oklahoma College.
During his tenure, he held positions as an FFA Chapter Officer and served on notable boards such as the Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen’s Board, National Junior Maine-Anjou Association Board of Directors, and the American Farmers and Ranchers Youth Advisory Council.
Gage Slagell, a member of the Hydro-Eakly FFA from Hydro, Oklahoma, has been selected as an American Star Finalist in Agricultural Placement.
Gage Slagell has been actively involved in his family farm, Triple S Farms, since he was just seven years old. Over the years, he has taken on increasing responsibilities and has developed a deep understanding of various aspects of farming, such as production, marketing, and distribution. His SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) in Diversified Crop Production has allowed him to concentrate on important areas like soil health, crop rotation, yield improvement, and the implementation of sustainable practices.
Major corporations, such as Frito Lay and Walmart, depend on Triple S Farms for their supply of potatoes and produce. Slagell, the farm’s owner, has implemented various strategies to boost profitability. For instance, he has successfully marketed imperfect watermelons through local channels. Additionally, instead of purchasing costly new machinery, Slagell has found innovative ways to retrofit and rebuild the farm’s older equipment for efficient crop harvesting.
Slagell credits FFA for the numerous opportunities that have shaped his life. According to him, the organization has not only instilled in him a strong work ethic and honed his public speaking skills, but it has also provided him with cherished memories and even opened doors for him to pursue trap shooting in college. Without FFA, Slagell wonders what his life would have looked like today.
Slagell, a student of agricultural business at Conners State College, has joined the trap shooting team.
Rylee Smith, an exceptional member of Oolagah FFA from Oolagah, OK, has been recognized as an American Star Finalist in Agriscience.
Rylee Smith, a finalist in Agriscience from Oolagah, OK’s Oolagah FFA, has been recognized for her outstanding achievements.
In eighth grade, Smith discovered her passion for science and agriculture through her involvement in FFA. It was during this time that she realized her love for food science. One of her most notable projects involved researching the impact of adding water-soluble Cannabidiol (CBD) oil to the water supply of broiler chickens. The aim was to determine whether this addition could lead to weight gain, especially after the legalization of hemp production in the Farm Bill.
In further research, scientists have explored various approaches to preserving the vitamin C content in oranges, examining the effects of soil quality on both cattle and plants, implementing strategies to prevent oxidation in apples and reduce food waste, and conducting trials on different tomato varieties to enhance crop yield. These studies aim to enhance agricultural practices in order to meet the global food demand.
Smith’s work at OSU has enabled the donation of over 50,000 pounds of produce, valued at over $75,000, to the local food and resource center in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Smith, an avid agriscience enthusiast, is dedicated to tackling food insecurity on a global scale. Through various innovative projects, he strives to minimize food waste by implementing enhanced storage techniques and enhancing the nutritional value of our food. Smith firmly believes that his agriscience SAE projects hold the potential to address and alleviate the pressing issue of food insecurity both domestically and internationally.
As a junior at the Ferguson College of Agriculture at Oklahoma State University, she excels in her studies as she pursues a double major in Agricultural Education and Agricultural Communications. With an impressive 4.0 GPA, she not only dedicates herself to academic excellence but also actively engages in various extracurricular activities. As a Freshman Research Scholar, she conducts valuable research, showcasing her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field. Additionally, she showcases her determination and team spirit by participating in rowing competitions. Her involvement as an officer in Block and Bridle illustrates her leadership abilities and passion for the agricultural community. Looking towards the future, she plans to further her education by pursuing a master’s degree in international agriculture after graduation.
The process of selecting the winners for the Awards is a meticulous one. It involves a careful evaluation of all the nominations received and a thorough review of the candidates’ qualifications and accomplishments. The judging panel, comprised of industry experts and professionals, takes their time to consider each nominee and assess their contributions to their respective fields. After much deliberation and discussion, the panel selects the winners based on merit and excellence. The Awards process aims to recognize and celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions and achieved remarkable success in their respective industries.
Sixteen finalists from four categories will undergo interviews by a panel of judges prior to the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, scheduled for Oct. 23-26, 2024. The winners will be publicly announced during the sixth general session on Friday, Oct. 25, at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The American FFA Degree recognition program and the American Star Awards are sponsored by Cargill, Case IH, John Deere, and Syngenta.
For more information about the American Star Awards, visit FFA.org/Stars.
The National FFA Organization and Foundation: A Closer Look
The National FFA Organization is a national youth leadership development organization with over 1,027,200 members in 9,235 local chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its main goal is to empower students by fostering premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the National FFA Organization, you can visit their official website at FFA.org or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
The National FFA Foundation (FFA.org/Give) collaborates with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that acknowledge FFA member achievements, cultivate student leaders, and uphold the future of agricultural education. As a distinct nonprofit organization, the foundation is overseen by a board of trustees comprised of the national FFA president, educators, business leaders, and individual donors.
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