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 Harley Holman of the Garber 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.
FFA members often build projects that teach responsibility and science, but some go far beyond the show barn. For Harley Holman of the Garber FFA, a cattle genetics project has grown into research that could help families affected by a rare inherited disorder.
Holman, one of the area stars in agriscience, said her project focuses on Maple Syrup Urine Disease and its connection to Hereford cattle genetics.
From Hereford DNA Testing to a Medical Partnership
“My project is over my research regarding Maple Syrup Urine Disease within Hereford cattle and newborns,” Holman said. She explained that the project began in 2022 when the Hereford Association required DNA testing for certain disorders. After that, researchers from UMass Medical Center contacted her about two females in her herd that were carriers of the disease strain closest to the human version.
“Ever since then, I’ve been partnered with them in hopes that we could eventually form and create a cure within the human mutation,” she said. Holman said her role centers on the livestock side of the research. She helps care for the cattle involved and works to locate other breeders with carrier females or bulls that can provide genetics for future study.
Raising Awareness About a Rare Disease
Holman said learning about the condition has been eye-opening, both for cattle producers and families.
“I think just learning more about this disease has been fascinating to me,” she said. “Knowing it can affect my herd… but it’s also been eye-opening seeing within humans what’s most common and why it’s most common in certain communities.”
She noted that many people do not realize newborns are screened for the disorder shortly after birth.
In people, she said the disease prevents proper protein digestion and can lead to severe complications such as brain swelling and organ failure if unmanaged. In cattle, affected calves may die within 72 hours of birth.
FFA Foundation and Future Plans
Holman credits FFA for helping shape her journey. “I started FFA in eighth grade, and truly it is home to me,” she said. “It has been a great sense of community for me.” She also thanked her ag teachers and her mother for supporting the project.
Looking ahead, Holman plans to attend Oklahoma State University, major in agricultural communications, minor in animal science, and pursue a career in embryology.
Most importantly, she plans to stay involved in the research. “It’s one of those things, knowing that I am playing a part to save the human race and supporting families affected by Maple Syrup Urine Disease,” Holman said. “I’m not going to let go of it.”
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.
