Listen to KC Sheperd talk with Kaylee McAlister ahead of the State FFA Convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
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 five area stars in Agriscience 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, which will take place on May 7th and 8th in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
This week, our coverage of the 2024 Oklahoma FFA Star Award Finalists continues with Agriscience competitor Kaylee McAlister of the Stillwater FFA chapter representing the Central Area.
“My project that I am most inspired by is my lubricant projects that I have conducted,” McAlister said.
When it comes to the best lubricant product for clipping blades used for livestock, McAlister said she found that petroleum-based products work the best as opposed to ethanol-based products. Based on her lubricant project, McAlister said she created a second project that tested how much bacterial growth takes place on livestock clippers.
“That one has the exact opposite outcome,” McAlister said. “I actually found out that ethanol-based products worked better on killing all of the bacteria due to the fact they are mainly from alcohol. Because of the alcohol content being so high, it actually dries the clippers and causes the anti-friction layer to rub.”
McAlister said clipper blades can exceed 108 degrees in eight minutes, so it is critical to reapply the lubricant. For her final project, McAlister studied the most common types of bacteria that grow on livestock clippers.
Following high school graduation, McAlister said she plans to pursue a major in agriculture.
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.
