Youth News
2013 Star in Ag Placement- Carson Vinyard of Altus FFA
Thu, 02 May 2013 05:18:52 CDT
Carson Vinyard of the Altus FFA has been named the 2013 Oklahoma FFA Star in Agricultural Placement.
Agricultural roots run deep in Altus FFA member Carson Vinyard who continues to carry on the family business.
Keys to a successful crop on the Vinyard Brother's operation, as temperatures begin to rise, are water and irrigation. Vinyard spoke with Radio Oklahoma's Ron Hays about his experiences. (You can listen to the full interview by clicking on the LISTEN BAR at the bottom of this story.)
"Irrigation is the lifeblood of our operation. In the past few years, irrigation has been very limited in southwestern Oklahoma, however, in our operation, we have been able to expand in our cattle operation, we have been able to implement more acres in no-till, more acres in drip irrigation. We have been able to improve our irrigation so when the drought does pass and we do start experiencing adequate rainfall and good crops again, we will be prepared and won't have to be scrambling to get ahead."
"One of my favorite things to do is monitor the drip barns," Vinyard said. "Irrigation makes such a dramatic difference in the production levels in Vinyard Brother's cotton program, and I am proud to say my employers are slowly converting our fields to a more efficient and conservative irrigation practice."
Because of his dedication and love for maintaining his family farm, Vinyard has secured one of Oklahoma FFA's highest honors: the 2013 State Star in Agricultural Placement. Vinyard's supervised agricultural experience project was rated the best in agricultural placement among the 715 FFA members who received the State FFA Degree during the 87th annual State FFA Convention on May 1.
In addition to this honor, Vinyard received the Governor's Trophy and a $2,000 cash award sponsored by the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives.
When not in school, Vinyard keeps notes on each crop and enters spray, irrigation and harvest records. Through his dedication to the farm and FFA, he has learned several life skills.
"As my FFA career draws to a close, and I prepare to start my college career, I realize that this experience has provided me with the skills necessary to succeed in life," Vinyard said.
The 19-year-old Altus FFA member is the son of Sam and Cindy Vinyard. His agricultural education instructors and FFA advisers are Bruce Farquhar and J.C. Stafford. After graduation, Vinyard plans to attend Oklahoma State University and earn a degree in agribusiness.
Click on the PLAY button in the video box below to watch a feature on Carson Vinyard.
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