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 Rylan Arnold of the Madill FFA representing the southeast area.
Young entrepreneurs are finding real-world success through FFA projects that turn hands-on skills into growing businesses. For Rylan Arnold of the Medill FFA, that opportunity came through the dirt work industry he had known since childhood.
Building “On the Level” From Experience
Arnold said he got his start through an eighth-grade placement SAE, working for local excavation businesses and learning the trade firsthand. “I’ve been in the dirt work industry my whole life,” he said. “I started my eighth-grade placement SAE working for Mortensen and Gravel and Hale Excavating.”
As he gained experience, Arnold saw a chance to create something of his own. “I seen the opportunity to start my own business,” he said. After visiting with his ag teacher and parents, they launched On the Level Dirt Work and Property Improvement.
A Business With Something New Every Day
Arnold’s project centers on dirt work, grading, and property improvement jobs that can change from one day to the next. He explained that one day might involve final grading, while another could mean building roads, preparing pads, or washing concrete in a neighborhood.
That variety has helped him grow professionally. “I’ve really learned how to just talk to people,” Arnold said, noting that customer communication is one of the biggest lessons he has gained. He also said adaptability is essential because “stuff’s always changing,” especially when weather can quickly affect outdoor work in Oklahoma.
Bigger Goals Ahead
Arnold plans to continue expanding the business over time. “I plan on growing my business into more when I have more money saved up,” he said, adding that he hopes to buy additional equipment at auctions when the time is right.
His next step is attending Southeastern Oklahoma State University to pursue an environmental safety degree while also working toward a CDL so he can haul more equipment. Even during college, Arnold said the business will remain part of his future. Through FFA, he hopes younger students see what is possible when hard work and opportunity come together.
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.
