Youth News
Meet Your 2018 Northwest Area FFA Star in Placement, Tel Dewitt of the Laverne FFA Chapter
Wed, 04 Apr 2018 11:26:23 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 Northwest Area Star in Agriculture Placement, Tel Dewitt of the Laverne FFA Chapter. Dewitt has had the unique experience of growing up and working on one of Oklahoma's historic ranching operations in the state's Panhandle. The Barby-Bailey Ranch was established during the early 1900s and today, Dewitt joins the legacy of its founders, Fred and Paul Barby working cattle on that same land.
Dewitt has worked his way up on the ranch, picking up various responsibilities along the way. Many of his essential duties are integral to the ranch's operations and success - overseeing the herd's nutritional needs, health and general management. Dewitt has earned his Beef Quality Assurance certification, which has equipped him with the knowledge needed to properly handle and care for his livestock. In addition to his time and effort invested in the ranch, Dewitt has also established his own personal herd of livestock including both cattle and goats.
Through his involvement with the FFA, participating in livestock exhibition, public speaking and leading his chapter's trap shooting team, Dewitt says he has gained the confidence and skills needed to achieve personal success.
"FFA has really helped me set my goals high. I plan to build on them and make myself a better person and also expand my operation," he said, pointing out how the organization has also helped to develop his skills dealing with other people. "Especially in the cattle business - working deals or whatever it might entail - the people skills through that have been very helpful."
Upon graduation, Dewitt plans to attend Oklahoma Panhandle State University to pursue a major in Animal Science and a minor in Agribusiness. Long-term, Dewitt intends to add his own chapter to the long history of the ranch, and return to help run the operation while continuing to build his private herd.
You can hear his 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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