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 Agricultural Production 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 concludes with Agricultural Production competitor Chloe Silka of the Locust Grove FFA chapter representing the Northeast Area.
Silka said her projects involve goat production, beef production, and small animal production
“My beef production SAE began with a herd of commercial cattle that my parents helped me purchase from a young age,” Silka said. “As time grew, I went on to purchase more cattle, as well as show heifers, which are eventually retained back into my operation.”
As for her goat production SAE, Silka said it began with market wethers she showed at local and state levels. Eventually, Silka said she gained an interest in the breeding side of things, which led to her own herd of breeding does.
“My small animal production SAE began with registered Border Collies that I would market on the local and state level through Facebook groups and newspapers,” Silka said. “Eventually, I began buying and selling Australian Shepherds, which I have found to be a lot more consistent in terms of their sales and production rates.”
Throughout her project, Silka said she has learned how to evaluate livestock and the importance of communications and marketing in the industry.
After high school graduation, Silka said she plans to attend Connors State College on a livestock judging scholarship, and then finish her bachelor’s degree at Oklahoma State University. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Silka plans to attend veterinary school and specialize in both large and small animals.
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For more information about the 98th Oklahoma State FFA Convention, click here.
