Korbin Smith of the Hydro-Eakly FFA Chapter earned the title of State Star in Agricultural Placement during the fifth session of the 98th State FFA Convention and Expo May 8 at the BOK Center.
Smith’s supervised agricultural experience is working on his parents’ cow-calf operation, including wheat harvesting and producing forage. Smith Farms has 2,200 acres and uses approximately 700 acres as cropland.
The cropland is used to grow rye, triticale, wheat and cover crops. The wheat produced is used to feed the farm’s cattle. Smith Farms practices rotational grazing with their cattle.
“During the summer months, I’m helping out in the hay operation side,” Smith said.
Smith is involved heavily in production on Smith Farms. During the summer, he focuses on cutting, raking, baling and hauling hay, and maintaining the cattle. He takes soil samples of the land and implements recommendations made by professionals to better the cropland.
“The soil test I use has lots of detail that includes nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, micronutrients, soil pH, and also cation exchange capacity,” Smith said.
During Smith’s time in FFA, he has participated in numerous events, including giving the FFA Creed, prepared public speaking, livestock judging and trap shooting. After graduation Smith plans to attend Fort Hays University in Hays, Kansas, and be a member of their stockman sports team.
“I credit FFA to who I am today as a senior in high school,” Smith said.
The 18 Area Stars each received a plaque and $500 cash award co-sponsored by the Masonic Charity Foundation, McDonald’s of Oklahoma, The Chickasaw Nation, Blue and Gold Sausage Co., Davis Farms, Sirloin Club of Oklahoma, Noble Research Institute, and Oklahoma Farm Bureau.
As a Star in Agricultural Placement, Smith and the other State Stars over Oklahoma will each receive $30,089 in scholarships or capital grant funds through a $3.2 million gift from the Carl C. Anderson Sr. and Marie Jo Anderson Charitable Foundation. The late Carl C. Anderson, after whom the State Star awards are now named, was born in Naples, Oklahoma, in 1911. One of 10 children, he dropped out of high school to earn money and support his family. From those modest beginnings, the Anderson Corp. grew across the country as well as in Canada and South America.
FFA is an integral part of the Agricultural Education division in the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education system. With more than 29,000 members and 366 chapters, the Oklahoma FFA Association is the fifth-largest state FFA association. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the Oklahoma FFA, visit okffa.org.
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