Youth News
Introducing Colt Cunningham of the Locust Grove FFA Chapter, the Northwest District's Star Farmer
Fri, 28 Apr 2017 10:20:41 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 Agribusiness- this week we move on to the Production Agriculture Stars for 2017.
Last but certainly not least, we end our coverage of the 2017 Oklahoma FFA District Star contestants with Colt Cunningham, the Northeast District's Star Farmer from the Locust Grove FFA Chapter.
"I have a LimFlex cow herd with old show heifers and cattle that I've bought at sales across the country and I've used artificial insemination and embryo transfer to manage and run my cow herd," Cunningham said. "Also, I have five or six horses that I haul to rodeos and rope off of and go to cuttings, too."
With his father living the life of an auctioneer on the road more often than not, Cunningham says he's had to pick up the slack to keep his and his family's homestead running. In doing this, Cunningham has learned a great deal about life, work and what it takes to be successful.
"A lot of responsibility has fallen on me to become better at decision making and being more dependable on my own," he confided. "I had to just learn how to take care of stuff on my own and handle situations and get it done right. I haven't always been able to turn to somebody else - I've had to learn to become pretty self-dependent."
During his FFA career, Cunningham has served his chapter for the last two years as its president, and before that, as treasurer. He has taken part in many activities including livestock judging. In fact, as a sophomore, Cunningham won the state horse judging contest.
After graduating, Cunningham has agreed to attend Clarendon College in Texas on a rodeo scholarship. From there, he plans to attend Oklahoma State University to earn a Ph.D. in ruminant nutrition with aspirations of one day overseeing the mixing of rations at feedlots across cattle country.
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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