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.
Building a Cow Herd from the Ground Up
Joel Parker of the Cherokee FFA chapter got his start in the cattle business with a simple opportunity from his family.
“My dad gave me a couple of old cows—‘dinosaur cows’ is what I like to call them—and that’s how I really got started.”
From there, Parker turned his supervised agricultural experience into a true cow-calf operation. Beginning his sophomore year, he retained his own replacement heifers and steadily expanded his herd. “Everything I own, I’ve calved out as heifers,” he said.
That foundation has allowed him to build a self-sustaining program, where each generation of cattle is raised from within his own herd.
Learning Lessons the Hard Way
Like many young producers, Parker says some of his biggest lessons came through challenges. One early setback came when using the wrong type of bull on his heifers. “I used a neighbor’s bull that really wasn’t a heifer bull… I didn’t know that, but I figured it out.”
Since then, he’s taken a more strategic approach—studying EPDs and investing in his own bull to better manage genetics.
“You just got to stick with it. It’s not always going to go perfectly as planned… one day it will go perfectly.”
Those experiences have shaped his confidence and decision-making as he continues to grow his operation.
FFA Success and a Future in Agriculture
Parker’s FFA career has been just as active as his cattle project. He credits the organization with helping shape his path in agriculture.
“PENNA 3 is kind of what got me to become the cattleman I am today.”
Among his highlights, Parker was part of a state champion livestock cattle handling team and also advanced to the national level with a proficiency award.
In addition to cattle, he’s developed skills in ag mechanics, even turning a small shop project into a side business.
“This year alone, I’ve made 52 bale rings… and I’m supposed to make 40 more by the end of the school year.”
Looking ahead, Parker plans to stay close to home and continue building his operation rather than attending a traditional college.
“That’s what I want to do—is farm and ranch… and take classes through OSU Extension.”
With a steadily growing herd and a clear vision for the future, Parker is focused on becoming a full-time operator in the cow-calf industry—built from the ground up through his own hard work.
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.
