The state of Oklahoma is blessed to have four Star Finalists at the national level being recognized at the 2024 9th National FFA Convention this week. One of the four is Gage Slagell, Star Finalist in Ag Placement. You can listen to Gage and Ron Hays talk about his career on his grandfather’s farm that has already brought him success at the state and national level- including being named as the 2023 Oklahoma State Star in Ag Placement.
Slagell’s supervised agricultural experience has beenworking for Triple S Farms in Hydro, Oklahoma. Triple S Farms focuses on producing watermelons, sweet potatoes, potatoes, cantaloupe, wheat, soybeans and peanuts. They produce roughly 360 acres of watermelons and 40 acres of cantaloupe.
Triple S Farms is owned by Slagell’s grandfather and his great-uncle. Slagell said he is grateful for the help he has received with his project, especially from his dad and grandpa.
“They are constantly pushing me to do better,” Slagell said.
Slagell is involved in all aspects of Triple S Farms. He assists in packaging, marketing and shipping the crops. During watermelon harvest, he oversees the whole operation to ensure everything is working smoothly and has learned the importance of leading through example, Slagell added.
Learning the importance of trying new ideas has been his biggest learning experience, Slagell said.
“Although there are somethings that don’t work the majority of the time, I learn a lot of valuable information from these new ideas,” Slagell said. “It has really pushed me to start doing the same and to try many different things for my future.”
The National Champions in the four Star categories- including in Ag Placemnet- will be awarded Friday evening on the convention stage in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Click here to see the website for the National FFA Convention for 2024 in Indianapolis.
Our coverage of Oklahoma FFA engaged at the National FFA Convention is being powered again in 2024 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 the lives of Oklahomans. Oklahoma Farm Bureau supports the youth of rural Oklahoma year round- and reminds you- Together- We Are Rural Oklahoma!
