Many Oklahomans are involved in this year’s National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, competing in various events. One of those includes Whitney Glazier of the Lomega FFA Chapter.
Glazier is a finalist in the American Star in Agricultural Placement. Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster had the chance to catch up with Glazier and talk about the competition, as she will know the final standings on Friday evening.
Each year at the National FFA Convention & Expo, four FFA members are honored with American Star Awards for outstanding accomplishments in FFA and agricultural education. The American Star in Agricultural Placement is awarded to the FFA member with the top agricultural placement SAE in the nation.
“When I got started, it was working on the family farm,” Glazier said. “I did that ever since I was little, and it started long before my time in the FFA. It was just natural to keep doing that and to use my work on the family farm to be able to run for proficiency SAEs and eventually the American Star.”
On the family farm, Glazier said one of the biggest skills she learned was how to manage an operation and identify any problems that may arise with machinery breakdowns and more. Through working on her family farm, Glazier said she learned that it is okay to ask questions.
“It is always better to ask questions now than to get into a situation where you are not sure what to do, which can cause accidents and could sometimes lead to you getting injured or broken machinery,” Glazier said.
Glazier also worked at the Wheatland Veterinary Hospital in Kingfisher for two years.
“One of the biggest things I learned at the vet clinic was not only being able to work with the animals within your care but learning more about how to develop that patient-client relationship and knowing how to talk to the owners of the patient whether it is small or large animals,” Glazier said.
Another important skill Glazier said she learned at the clinic was being able to explain treatment options to patient owners.
Glazier said she has always wanted to be a veterinarian, so having the chance to work at the clinic reaffirmed that decision.
Glazier said she currently works at the agronomy station at Oklahoma State University and has been there for two years. At the agronomy station, Glazier said she has participated in wheat research and more.
To watch Whitney Glazier talk about her work experiences for the American Star in Ag Placement competition, CLICK HERE.
Our coverage of Oklahoma FFA engaged at the National FFA Convention is being powered by Oklahoma Farm Bureau. Watch for our stories and interviews from Indianapolis on our Website, Daily Email, our statewide Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and our Social Media Channels. Click here for the OKFB website to learn about how they are making a difference in lives of Oklahomans. Oklahoma Farm Bureau supports the youth of rural Oklahoma year round- and reminds you- Together- We Are Rural Oklahoma!
