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 Agricultural Production 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 continues with Agricultural Production competitor Brant Failes of the Cherokee FFA chapter representing the Northwest Area.
“I have 120 acres of farm ground that is mainly wheat,” Failes said. “I run stocker cattle across that wheat as well as have a herd of commercial cows.”
Failes said he was lucky to catch some good rain on part of his wheat crop, but the other part of his crop did not receive as much.
“I got my first bottle calf when I was four years old,” Fails said. “I kept that bottle calf as a cow, and that is kind of what kicked off my operation. Since then, I have bought some replacement heifers. The cow side of it is kind of what started my operation.”
Some of the hurdles Failes said he faced this year included the drought and finding good help. Failes said he is thankful for the help of his family for always giving him industry knowledge and advice when he needs it and helping him along the way.
“I plan on going to Northwestern and getting an ag business degree, then coming back and continuing to grow my farming and ranching operation,” Failes said.
Your 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.