Oklahoma Cattle Women scholarships are helping support the next generation of agricultural leaders, with this year’s recipients sharing a common passion for livestock, veterinary medicine, and advocating for the agriculture industry. The scholarship winners—Sadiee Wright, Taryn McCaa, and Chloe Silka—each have deep roots in Oklahoma agriculture and plan to continue serving the livestock industry through careers in veterinary medicine.
Sadie Wright Balances Dairy and Beef Production
J.B. and Betty Smith Scholarship recipient Sadiee Wright brings an extensive agricultural background to the table, describing herself as both a multi-generation farmer and dairyman. “Well, I am a sixth-generation farmer, but I think it’s a sixth-generation dairyman, but a seventh-generation farmer,” Wright said. “We own 2,500 acres where we run beef cattle, and we have wheat, and then I have my own 30-head dairy cattle herd. That’s Jerseys, Holsteins, and Brown Swiss.”
This fall, Wright will attend Oklahoma State University, where she plans to major in animal science with a pre-veterinary emphasis.
Beyond managing her own dairy herd, Wright has earned national recognition as a Brown Swiss ambassador. She explained the competitive selection process. “The National Brown Swiss Association has the opportunity where you can go in and be an ambassador for them,” Wright said. “You send an application, and from there they pick the top five. We had people from Iowa, Wisconsin, and even Missouri.”
The finalists then completed interviews and answered questions before a live audience. As ambassador, Wright said she helps promote both the Brown Swiss breed and agriculture as a whole. “Our duties, we go to each of the five national Brown Swiss shows,” Wright said. “We’re really advocating for the Brown Swiss breed, the dairy industry as a whole, and being able to let people know more about agriculture in general.”
Taryn McCaa Plans to Become an Equine Surgeon
OCW Industry Scholarship recipient Taryn McCaa credits her upbringing on an Oklahoma ranch for inspiring her career path. “I am a second-generation rancher from Elmore City, Oklahoma,” McCaa said. “I grew up involved with cattle and horses. My dad used to train cutting horses, and so I’ve been on the back of a horse since before I could walk.”
She said those early experiences expanded into working with livestock across her community. “I started working with our cattle, and then local farmers and ranchers around that area,” McCaa said. “I was also involved in 4-H and FFA throughout middle school and high school and was able to continue my education now at Oklahoma State.”
McCaa is currently studying animal science with a pre-veterinary option at Oklahoma State University and has a clear vision for her future. “My plan is in about a year from now to submit my application to Oklahoma State’s vet school,” McCaa said. “Hopefully, a year from that, I will be able to attend their vet school, and then eventually do an internship with Oak Ridge Equine Hospital to become an equine surgeon.”
Chloe Silka Continues Lifelong Passion for Livestock
Legacy Scholarship recipient Chloe Silka said her agricultural journey began on her family’s cow-calf operation near Locust Grove. “I grew up in Locust Grove, Oklahoma, on my parents’ cow-calf operation, showing livestock and heavily involved in 4-H and FFA,” Silka said.
Her involvement in livestock judging helped shape her educational path. “I was on a livestock judging team in high school that was extremely competitive, which led me on to Connors State College, where I also competed on the livestock judging team,” Silka said.
While at Connors State, Silka stayed active across numerous student organizations. “I was involved in PLC, SGA, Cattle Women’s, and pretty much every other club you can think of,” she said. “The Cattle Women obviously led me here to this scholarship.”
This fall, Silka will continue her education at Oklahoma State University with plans to become a veterinarian. “This fall, I plan to attend Oklahoma State University, where I will earn a pre-vet degree and hopefully go on to vet school to be a large animal vet with some small animal as well,” Silka said. “I also plan to be on the livestock judging team at Oklahoma State.”
Investing in Agriculture’s Future
Although each recipient comes from a different agricultural background—from dairy production and cow-calf operations to ranching and equine work—they all share a commitment to advancing Oklahoma agriculture through veterinary medicine. The Oklahoma Cattle Women’s scholarships recognize students whose agricultural experiences, leadership, and career goals position them to serve the state’s livestock industry for years to come.
The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation (OCF) recognized outstanding students during the Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen’s Association (OJCA) and OCF Awards and Scholarship Luncheon on Saturday, July 25, at the 74th Annual Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) Convention and Trade Show in Tulsa.
The 2026 scholarship recipients included: McKenzie Boyer of Claremore, Oklahoma, Guy Shull Memorial Scholarship; Konner Shebester of Alex, Oklahoma, Kubota Top Scholarship; Ashlee Purvine of Fay, Oklahoma, Kenneth Holloway Memorial Scholarship; Chyann Emerson of Tuttle, Oklahoma, Bobby Jones Memorial Scholarship; Baylee Wilbourn of Tuttle, Oklahoma, and Rebekah McElrath of Calhoun, Georgia, Steer Carcass Challenge Scholarships; Elizabeth Chambers of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, and Collin Adamo of Moore, Oklahoma, OCF Distinguished Scholarships; Lucy Carman of Laverne, Oklahoma, Layne Meriweather Memorial Scholarship; Caitlyn Ramsey of Waurika, Oklahoma, Creede Speake Memorial Scholarship; Hadlee Ohm of Alva, Oklahoma, Ray Kimsey Memorial Scholarship; and Jordyn Bertrem of Shawnee, Oklahoma, who attends the University of Oklahoma College of Law, and Aaron Broyles of El
Reno, Oklahoma, who attends Oklahoma State University, Richard Gebhart Leadership Legacy Scholarships for students pursuing education beyond a bachelor’s degree.
“The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation is proud to support students with educational scholarships that help prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders,” said Michael Kelsey, OCA Executive Vice President. “These recipients have demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication and a passion for the cattle industry. We are honored to invest in their futures as they continue their education and work to strengthen agriculture.”
The OCF is committed to investing in future leaders who will strengthen Oklahoma agriculture and the beef industry through higher education. This year’s luncheon was made possible through the generous sponsorship of U.S. Premium Beef.
The OCA is the trusted voice of Oklahoma’s cattle industry, representing beef producers in all 77 counties while advocating for policies that strengthen the state’s cattle business. For more information about OCA membership, the theft reward program or upcoming events, call 405- 235-4391 or visit www.okcattlemen.org.
