Reagan Smith of the Oologah FFA Chapter won the State Star in Agriscience award at the 98th Oklahoma FFA Convention and Expo on May 8 at the BOK Center.
The State Star in Agriscience represents the best of the best within FFA member-led research in Oklahoma.
Hailing from Oologah, Oklahoma, Smith has been an active member since her eighth-grade year. Smith discovered her passion for agriscience after joining FFA. Over the years, Smith has completed seven projects in agriscience.
She began by experimenting with storage methods for farm-fresh versus store-bought eggs to determine which provided a longer shelf-life length. She then became interested in pursuing animal reproduction after visiting Flying Cow Genetics in Welch, Oklahoma, with her agricultural education teacher.
Smith’s first animal science project was testing thawed temperatures of Brahma bovine semen straws. She then moved on to observation research on the success rates of artificial insemination versus embryo transfer in caprine. Smith also conducted two experiments testing two different porcine extenders.
In her most recent project, Smith researched the effects of supplementing Vitamin C and Ashwagandha on Bovine semen production. The experiment revealed Vitamin C to be the most effective oral supplement to use for improving semen volume, sperm concentration and sperm motility, Smith said.
In addition to her research projects, Smith also competed in livestock judging, speech contests, veterinary science, quiz bowl, creed speaking, and nationally on an agricultural issues team, she said.
“FFA has given me a place,” Smith said. “It has given me a passion. It has provided me with a community that supports me and lifts me up in my highest and lowest moments, and it has helped me find my voice.”
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 Agriscience, 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 29,670 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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