Youth News
Introducing Parker Cantrell of the Skiatook FFA Chapter, Your Northeast District Star in Agribusiness
Thu, 20 Apr 2017 14:22:21 CDT
During the month of April, the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and Oklahoma Farm Report is spotlighting the twenty District Stars of Oklahoma FFA that are among the highest achievers in the organization. The stars come from the five districts in four categories- Star in Ag Placement, Star in Agriscience, Star in Agribusiness and Star in Production Agriculture. Last week, we spotlighted the five district stars in Agriscience- this week we move on to the Agribusiness Stars for 2017.
Since the fourth grade, Parker Cantrell of the Skiatook FFA Chapter has worked to prove himself as a talented entrepreneur, with an aptitude for animal physiology. Cantrell's aspirations have been validated this year, recognized by Oklahoma FFA as the Northeast District Star in Agribusiness for the success he's created in not one, but two agribusiness ventures.
"I currently operate two businesses that I own," he said. "The first one would be a small feed sales business that really revolves around five different custom mixes that I make as well as Vitaferm mineral products. The other is a bovine reproduction service which includes artificial insemination and other reproduction services."
Cantrell developed his own feed products specifically formulated for different species and genders of livestock, to achieve certain desired results in each. But his real interest is in animal reproduction and veterinary medicine.
Since shadowing a vet technician in the 4th grade, Cantrell has dreamed of similar career path. He has followed that dream taking the necessary steps along the way to open doors and gain the experience he'll need one day as a bovine embryologist. In 2014, he trained and became a certified AI technician and has since built a successful enterprise offering breeding services to his clients.
"This includes travelling around to my various customers and ensuring their cattle are maintaining pregnancies, but also checking heat," he said, underscoring that timing is very important when it comes to bovine reproduction. "I often conduct farm visits to get to know my customers' operations and their end goals a little bit more. Get to know what they want out of their cattle to where they can maximize their own genetics and in the end, maximize their profitability."
Cantrell hopes to continue following his dream after high school. He plans to attend Oklahoma State University to pursue a degree in animal science with a pre-vet option that will hopefully lead to admittance to OSU's vet school.
You can hear his entire conversation with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays, by clicking or tapping on the LISTEN BAR below.
A complete list of the District Stars can be seen on the Oklahoma FFA website by clicking or tapping here.
Our salute of the 2017 District Stars of the Oklahoma FFA is brought to you by American Farmers & Ranchers, proud to support Oklahoma's youth. Visit the AFR website by clicking or tapping here to learn more on how AFR supports the young people of Oklahoma, and how AFR can provide you with quality insurance for your home, auto, farm, and life.
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