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 Brayden Cowan of the Thomas Fay Custer FFA representing the southwest area.
Hard work, family tradition, and long-term goals are all part of the story for Brayden Cowan of the Thomas-Fay-Custer FFA Chapter, one of this year’s area stars in ag production. Cowan has built a growing cow-calf operation while also staying active in school athletics and preparing for a future in agriculture.
Growing an 18-Head Cow-Calf Herd
Cowan said his supervised agricultural project is an 18-head cow-calf operation that began when he was just nine years old alongside his two younger brothers. Over time, the brothers split the herd, and Cowan continued building his own cattle business.
“My project is a cow calf operation, I started this operation when I was nine years old with my two younger brothers, and then… I was able to build it up to what it is today now.”
Today, the herd runs on 160 leased acres of grass pasture. Cowan said his family’s cattle background inspired him to stay involved, and he now focuses primarily on Angus cattle. “I believe the market’s a little bit better for them… I just like the black cattle.”
Balancing Athletics and Daily Chores
Like many FFA members, Cowan balances a packed schedule. Between school, track practice, football, and cross country, livestock chores still have to get done each day.
“I wake up, I go to school, and then track practice takes up a lot of the afternoon. However, I do come back, and then I feed these cattle.” He said each cow receives two and a half pounds of cubes daily, with hay added when needed. One of the biggest challenges has been managing time while staying committed to sports and the cattle project. “Cross country took up all Saturdays, and then football took up most of the afternoon.”
Looking Ahead to a Career in Agriculture
Cowan said planning ahead helps him stay organized and grounded. His future plans include attending Northwestern Oklahoma State University to earn a degree in Plant and Soil Science. “I plan on becoming an agronomist after that.” He also plans to continue the cattle operation as a side project before eventually taking over the family ranch in the future.
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.
