During the month of April, the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and Oklahoma Farm Report are spotlighting the 18 Area Stars of Oklahoma FFA, who 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 three area stars in Agribusiness in 2024.
One Star Finalist featured in the coming days from each of the categories will be named the State Star Award Winner during the 98th Oklahoma State FFA Convention coming up on May 7th and 8th in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
This week, our coverage of the 2024 Oklahoma FFA Star Award Finalists begins with Agribusiness competitor Ross Turner of the Oologah FFA chapter representing the Northeast Area.
Turner is the owner and operator of Turner Stock Dogs, where he trains dogs on a month-to-month basis. His operation primarily consists of Border Collie dogs, but he also works with other breeds.
“The most important thing I have figured out is to be patient and read each dog individually,” Turner said. “I compare it to how a teacher can read their students in figuring out what exactly that dog needs, how much pressure you can put on that dog, and what kind of pressure the dog needs to get to where you want them to be.”
After working with a few different cow dog breeds, Turner said he enjoys Border Collie dogs for their quickness, strength, and intelligence. Turner added that part of his strategy is he does not turn dogs out on stock until they are around one year old.
“I find they are a little more mature by that point, where they can handle some training and some criticism without getting their feelings hurt and giving out on you,” Turner said.
Turner plans to continue his operation through college and then grow his business in terms of his breeding program and the number of outside dogs he takes in each month. Turner added that he is grateful for the help and inspiration he has received from so many along the way.
After graduating high school, Turner will attend Connors State College on a livestock judging scholarship, then after his time there he plans to finish his bachelor’s degree in agribusiness at a four-year college.
Your coverage of the 2024 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 98th Oklahoma State FFA Convention, click here.
