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 Zach Allen of the Guthrie FFA representing the northwest area.
From a birthday mower to a growing business, Zach Allen has turned an early work ethic into a standout FFA success story. The Guthrie FFA member has built his lawn care company from the ground up, learning firsthand what it takes to run and expand a business.
Built From the Age of 10
Zach Allen, also known as Zachary Allen, is the owner and operator of A to Z Lawn Care, a business he says began when he received his first mower for his 10th birthday. What started with mowing his family’s home and rental properties quickly turned into something bigger.
“I realized some of these people were just handing out some money to us,” Allen said. “That’s something I was like, hey, I could turn this into a business.” Since then, he has continued adding customers and growing the operation into a full lawn care service.
Managing Growth and Big Goals
Allen says the business is now fully in his hands, and one of the biggest lessons has been learning how to manage people. He currently has seven employees working for him.
“One thing I’ve had to learn was employee management,” Allen said. “Trying to get them to show up and kind of trying to manage them has been one difficult thing, but we’re still learning.”
Customer service is another priority. He says they stay in touch with customers, welcome feedback, and use social media to stay connected. Looking ahead, Allen says one major goal is reaching $100,000 in revenue next year.
FFA Success and Future Plans
Allen’s FFA journey began in eighth grade. Since then, he has competed nationally multiple times, earning top finishes in agriscience and business proficiency events. One of his favorite memories was standing on the national stage.
“It really just excites them and shows how they can do it,” Allen said of younger students watching his success. “I started from when I was real little and just been building ever since.”
Allen has also been accepted to Oklahoma State University, where he plans to pursue a business degree with a focus on finance. He hopes to continue growing A to Z Lawn Care in both Guthrie and Stillwater.
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.
