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 Jacob Boswell of the Boswell FFA representing the Southeast area.
Young agricultural leaders often build their futures one project at a time, and for Jacob Eastwood, that foundation has been built through cattle, leadership, and a strong family work ethic. The Boswell FFA member was recently recognized as an area star in ag production, reflecting years of hands-on experience in the livestock industry.
Building a Cow-Calf Operation
Eastwood said his supervised agricultural experience project centers on owning 19 head of commercial cows in a cow-calf operation he runs alongside his father. “So I own 19 head of commercial cows,” Eastwood said. “ I run a cow-calf operation with my father.”
His project goes beyond simply owning cattle. Eastwood explained that calves are weaned and then retained until they reach around 800 pounds, allowing the family to add value before marketing them. Daily chores include feeding yearlings grain rations and supplying cows with alfalfa and grass hay through the winter months. “In the winter, you’ll wake up about 8 a.m. and start feeding our yearlings,” he said. “We feed them about eight pounds apiece every day.”
Learning Patience and Livestock Skills
Through the project, Eastwood said he has learned how to handle livestock more effectively and understands the value of calm, efficient cattle management. “Make sure you have good facilities and just stay calm,” he said. “That is one of the biggest things I see people get wrong. The calmer you can stay, the calmer it keeps them.”
He credited much of his success to the support of his father and family, who have helped him grow both his herd and his confidence.
Leadership Through FFA
Eastwood’s FFA career began early when he joined as an eighth grader and immediately stepped into chapter leadership. He said he first served as sentinel and has since been chapter president for four years. “Through that, bringing me up, I’ve learned how to be a better leader,” he said.
Beyond cattle production, Eastwood stays active in livestock judging, showing heifers, steers, and hogs, and building ag mechanics projects. After graduation, he plans to attend Murray State College before transferring to Oklahoma State University to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine. “I hope to keep growing my operation after I get out of college,” Eastwood 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.
