Youth News
Introducing Your 2018 Southeast Area Star in Agriculture Production, Jackson Ray of Wetumka FFA
Tue, 24 Apr 2018 11:07:47 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 Agriculture Production, who will compete for the State Star Farmer Award during the Oklahoma State FFA Convention coming up May 1-2, 2018 in Oklahoma City.
We continue our coverage this week with your Southeast Area Star Farmer, Jackson Ray of the Wetumka FFA Chapter. Ray runs a cow/calf operation consisting of anywhere from 50 to 60 head at any given time. Throughout the year, Ray weans about 10 to 20 heifers at a time to market as show stock. Although he has brought a few commercial cows into the mix over the years, Ray says on the whole - black is the only way to go.
"My grandfather grew up raising angus. My dad grew up raising and showing angus cows," he said nostalgically. "So, it's only fitting I grow up raising and showing angus cattle."
A normal day for Ray, begins at sunup when he leaves the house to feed his show stock, his own show heifers and his feedlot. Twice a day, Ray also rinses and blows out his show heifers and about half a dozen of those he has for sale. In the evening, he returns to the barn to feed again, and checks in on his bull test pen as well.
Primarily, Ray sells his cattle through private treaty, but says Facebook has been one of the best marketing tools he's found. However, Ray has developed a strong base of loyal repeat customers which also help bring him referrals using word of mouth.
Ray credits his involvement and the role models within the organization for supporting him in his efforts. The guidance of his ag teacher and parents, he says, has helped him to mature and instilled in him a sense of responsibility that every producer should possess as a caretaker of livestock. Ray plans to attend Connors State College after graduation and eventually Oklahoma State University in pursuit of a degree in Agribusiness.
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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