During the month of April, the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and Oklahoma Farm Report are spotlighting the 17 Area Stars of Oklahoma FFA, who are among the highest achievers in the organization.
The stars come from the four areas in four categories – Star in Ag Placement, Star in Agriscience, Star in Agribusiness, and Star in Agricultural Production.
This week, we spotlight the three area stars in Agricultural Placement in 2026.
One Star Finalist featured in the coming days from each of the categories will be named the State Star Award Winner during the 100th Oklahoma State FFA Convention, which will take place on May 5th and 6th in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
This week, our coverage of the 2026 Oklahoma FFA Star Award Finalists begins with Agricultural Placement competitor Parker Simic of the Garber FFA chapter representing the Northwest Area.
FFA students across Oklahoma are building real-world skills through hands-on projects, and for some, those experiences are rooted right at home on the family farm.
Starting Small, Growing Responsibility
For Garber FFA member Parker Simic, his Ag Placement project has grown alongside him throughout his high school career. What started with basic responsibilities as a freshman has turned into a much deeper role in the operation today.
Parker Simic’s agricultural placement project is rooted in his family’s farming operation, where he has been actively involved since his freshman year. Over time, he has taken on increasing responsibility, starting with basic maintenance and working his way up to operating equipment during planting and harvest. Today, his role includes running the grain cart, assisting alongside the combine, and handling day-to-day equipment upkeep—especially during the winter months.
A Family Operation at the Core
That progression reflects years of hands-on learning, much of it guided by family. Simic says the opportunity came directly from his dad, and it quickly became something more than just a task—it became a long-term passion.
“My dad walked up to me one day and said, ‘You want to come out and help out with the family farm?’”. “I said absolutely. So since that day, I’ve been helping out, it’s just been a thing that I’ve always been doing.”
Life on the Farm
Day-to-day responsibilities vary with the seasons, but they all contribute to keeping the operation running smoothly. Winters are often spent in the shop, while summers mean long days in the field during harvest.
“Most of the time during winter, fixing up equipment, and in summer, when doing harvest, I’m in the grain cart, operating that mainly all day long,” Simic explained.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Simic plans to build on those experiences through further education before returning home to continue the family legacy.
“I plan on going to NOC and getting an associate’s degree in precision ag, and then possibly continuing at OSU… and then coming back to the farm and farming alongside my brother, grandpa and dad,” he said.
Influences and Life Lessons
He credits his father as the biggest influence on his project and his future in agriculture.
“The biggest help… would have to say would be my dad. He’s the one who really got all this started,” Simic said.
With a foundation built on hard work, family support, and years of practical experience, Simic says he’s not just preparing for a career—he’s preparing for a lifetime in agriculture.
“I plan on farming with my brother for the remaining years of my life,” he said.
This year’s 17 Area Stars will each be recognized on stage in the fifth general session of the 100th Oklahoma FFA Convention May 6th in Tulsa and each will receive a plaque and $500 cash award co-sponsored by the Blue and Gold Sausage Co., Sirloin Club of Oklahoma, Masonic Charity Foundation, McDonald’s of Oklahoma, Davis Farms, The Chickasaw Nation, Oklahoma Farm Bureau and the Noble Research Institute.
The Star in each category will each receive $29,484 in scholarships or capital grant funds through a $3.2 million gift from the Carl C. Anderson Trust. The late Carl C. Anderson, after whom the State Star awards are now named, was born in Naples, Oklahoma, in 1911. One of 10 children, he dropped out of high school to earn money and support his family. From those modest beginnings, the Anderson Corp. grew across the country as well as in Canada and South America.
Our coverage of the 2026 Oklahoma FFA Association State Convention is sponsored by Oklahoma Farm Bureau, proud to support the young men and ladies of the Oklahoma FFA as they strive for excellence in all they do. Oklahoma Farm Bureau- We Are Rural Oklahoma.
Learn more about the 100th Annual Convention of the Oklahoma FFA by clicking here for the convention highlights.
