Oklahoma FFA is experiencing significant growth and success, with a strong focus on scholarships, leadership development, and preparations for a landmark centennial celebration. In a recent interview, Farm Director KC Sheperd spoke with Jacey Fye of the Oklahoma FFA Foundation to discuss the organization’s latest achievements and future plans.
“FFA in Oklahoma is really important because it is training our future youth for agriculture, knowing where their food, fiber, and natural resources systems come from,” Fye said, highlighting the organization’s foundational mission. With approximately 370 chapters and a growing membership of around 30,000 students, the state’s FFA association is one of the largest and most active in the nation.
Scholarships and National Recognition
The Oklahoma FFA Foundation has had a banner year for scholarships. At the recent state convention, the foundation was able to fully fund all proficiency and career development event awards, a first for the organization. This meant every state winner in those categories received a $1,000 scholarship. Additionally, the four state star winners were awarded scholarships of over $29,000 each.
Oklahoma students are also making a name for themselves on the national stage. Fye noted that the state has a national finalist for the Star Farmer of America (Ryder Klaasen, of the Hydro-Eakly FFA Chapter), along with numerous proficiency and agriscience projects that have advanced to national competition. The state is expected to have one of the largest contingents at the upcoming National Convention.
A Return to Camp and a Centennial Celebration
FFA’s commitment to leadership training is as strong as ever. Alumni Leadership Camp, a beloved tradition, is now back at Camp Tulakogee, under a new 50-year lease. The camp, led by former state FFA president Kelly Barnes, welcomed approximately 1,500 students across four sessions. “Every member says it is the happiest place on earth,” Fye said, recalling the camp’s special atmosphere and the popular tradition of “Happy Grams.”
Leadership training is also a key component of the Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT) conferences, which are being held across the state. Fye attended the Southeast Area Conference in McAlester, the first of five area conferences designed to equip chapter officers with the skills they need to lead their local communities.
Looking ahead, the Oklahoma FFA Association is preparing for a monumental event: its 100th state convention on May 5th and 6th, 2026, in Tulsa. This will be a historic moment for the organization, as Oklahoma FFA’s first meetings were held in 1926 at the state fair. The centennial celebration will precede the national organization’s own centennial, offering a special chance to celebrate Oklahoma’s rich agricultural education history.
A Proud Legacy
The conversation also reflected on the success of former members, with both Sheperd and Fye praising Cooper Kline, a past state officer and foundation intern. “To watch Cooper run the team and run the meeting was just so impressive,” Fye said. The success of members like Kline, both in the organization and beyond, speaks to the positive impact of FFA.
According to Fye, the continued growth and success of Oklahoma FFA and its students are a reason for optimism. “It makes you feel good about the future of Oklahoma, the future of our country, really,” she concluded.
