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.
We continue our coverage of the 2026 Oklahoma FFA Star Award Finalists today with Avery Kinney of the Oologah FFA 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.
Young agricultural leaders are tackling complex questions that impact livestock health, food production, and the future of farming—and Avery Kinney of the Oologah FFA chapter is doing exactly that through a wide-ranging agriscience project built around animal welfare and practical solutions.
Research Focused on Animal Health and Stress
Kinney says her projects center on reducing bacterial contamination, lowering animal stress, and improving livestock welfare in sustainable ways.
“My projects focus on your bacterial contamination and your ability to reduce your animals stress and improve their overall welfare,” Kinney said. “My main goal is to make sure they’re naturally able to sustain their biological foundation of life.”
She explained that her work looks at using more natural preventative products and improving environments for animals so they can stay healthier without relying solely on medications.
Testing Five Species for Real-World Answers
Kinney’s research spans multiple species, including pigs, sheep, chickens, cattle, and goats. She said she intentionally chose a broad range of livestock so she could gain hands-on experience with animals commonly found in agriculture, especially because she hopes to become an agricultural teacher.
“I wanted to make sure I had hands-on experience with all the livestock that are commonly used within the agricultural industry,” Kinney said.
Among the many studies she conducted, she examined eggshell permeability in chickens, compared indoor and outdoor environments’ effects on pH levels in pigs, studied the use of UV radiation to kill bacteria in dirty barns, and evaluated products marketed to reduce stress in livestock.
She also found that some higher-priced bacterial treatment products did not outperform less expensive options.
“All of these bacterial products, you’re paying more for the same experience,” she said.
Kinney added that one of her favorite projects involved freshly weaned heifers, where veterinarians and community members helped as cattle were worked through the chute.
“That was the most fun agriscience project, and messing with them was such a learning experience,” she said.
Leadership Through FFA and Looking Ahead
Beyond research, Kinney is heavily involved in FFA leadership and competition. She currently serves as president of the Oologah FFA chapter after previously serving as chaplain. She also competes in ag issues, prepared public speaking, veterinary science, and coaches the vet science team.
Still, she says her favorite areas are agriscience and showing lambs.
Looking ahead, Kinney hopes to continue her studies through Oklahoma State University’s Freshman Research Scholars Program and expand her research into natural treatments that could benefit both animals and others facing health challenges.
She also enjoys encouraging younger FFA members to get involved.
“I love just pumping them up,” Kinney said. “They’re teaching me, and I’m showing an interest in them, just really provokes their interest in participating.”
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.
