Youth News
Introducing Tyler Wilkinson of the Calumet FFA Chapter, Your Southwest Area Star in Ag Placement
Tue, 03 Apr 2018 12:10:18 CDT
During the month of April, the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and Oklahoma Farm Report is spotlighting the twenty Area Stars of Oklahoma FFA that 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 Production Agriculture. This week, we are spotlighting the five area stars in Ag Placement, who will compete for the State Star Award in Ag Placement during the Oklahoma State FFA Convention coming up May 1-2, 2018 in Oklahoma City.
Our coverage continues today with the Southwest Area Star in Agriculture Placement, Tyler Wilkinson of the Calumet FFA Chapter. The son of an ag teacher and owner of a successful show pig operation, Tyler began his experience in agribusiness like many other FFA members, working on the family farm. He says his initial responsibilities involved a lot of grunt work, shoveling out pens, etc. As he grew older and more experienced, though, he says he was entrusted with more and more tasks integral to operation of the business.
Today, Tyler not only manages his family's operation, he now oversees two other operations as well.
"All three of the one's I've worked for have been primarily show pig operations. I've actually been the one responsible for the artificial insemination of our sows - which is a pretty delicate process," Tyler said. "We'll select genetics for certain traits and for certain genetic lines, and then we'll breed those sows and have babies. And it's my responsibility to take care of the sows and those piglets up until the time that we sell them to a showman."
Tyler credits the FFA for equipping him with the tools necessary for being successful in the role he has grown into. He asserts that his involvement in the organization has distilled in him the desire to strive for personal success and has helped him be able to determine what that means to him and how to accomplish it.
With hard work and determination, Tyler has managed to build a loyal customer base and has developed his skills as a business manager and marketer, utilizing Facebook and other digital channels to reach his existing audience and to expand it. Upon graduating high school, Tyler plans to attend Oklahoma State University and seek a double-major in agricultural communications and agribusiness.
You can hear her entire conversation with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays, by clicking or tapping on the LISTEN BAR below.
Our salute of the 2018 Area Stars of the Oklahoma FFA is brought to you by American Farmers & Ranchers and AFR Insurance, 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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