During the month of April, the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and Oklahoma Farm Report are spotlighting the 17 Area Stars of Oklahoma FFA that are among the highest achievers in the organization.
The stars come from the five areas in four categories- Star in Ag Placement, Star in Agriscience, Star in Agribusiness, and Star in Agricultural Production.
This week, we spotlight the five area stars in Ag Placement in 2023.
One Star Finalist featured in the coming days from each of the categories will be named the State Star Award Winner during the 97th Oklahoma State FFA Convention coming up on May 2nd and 3rd in Tulsa, Okla.
This week, our coverage of the 2023 Oklahoma FFA Star Award Finalists begins with Ag Placement competitor Caleb Willoughby of the Byng FFA chapter representing the Southeast Area.
“I have three basic SAEs,” Willoughby said. “I have forage production, fruit production, and beef production. It keeps me pretty busy through the entirety of the year.”
Willoughby works for his family’s operation, where he helps with the beef side year-round, bales hay in the summer, and picks pecans in the fall. Willoughby said he is grateful for the support he has received from his family and his ag teacher during this project.
Regarding the hardships and rewards of his project, Willoughby said the weather has been unfavorable at times, but seeing his hard work pay off is worth it in the end.
“I plan to go to Oklahoma State University this fall,” Willoughby said. “I am going to double-major in ag business and animal science and go on to get my vet license and also my embryology license to come back and resume roles as the farm and open up an embryo transfer center.”
Our coverage of the 2023 Oklahoma FFA Convention is sponsored by Hilliary Communications- who deliver the latest cutting-edge communications services supporting tens of thousands of customers across 22 counties throughout Oklahoma, Texas and Iowa. The company offers internet, voice and HilliaryTV. Hilliary Communications continuously researches the marketplace for innovations and strives to improve underserved areas, offering services that exceed customer expectations. Click here to learn more about Hilliary Communications.
For more information about the 97th Oklahoma State FFA Convention, click here.