While many students are enjoying summer vacation, members of the Meeker FFA Chapter have spent June representing their school and community through leadership conferences and livestock competitions.
Kaydence Staude and Baylee Weeks attended the OklahomaYouth Leading Agriculture (OYLA) Conference, where they developed leadership skills, explored careers in agriculture and connected with FFA members from across the state.
“I went to OYLA to broaden my knowledge about agriculture and find ways I could enhance agricultural literacy back in Meeker,” Staude said.
Weeks also reflected on the experience.
“I enjoyed my time at OYLA because I got to spend a week with so many great and like-minded individuals and learn so much more about agriculture, Farm Bureau and the importance of leadership,” Weeks said.
Weeks and Staude also attended the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) in Washington, D.C., where they joined FFA members from across the nation for a week of leadership development, service learning and civic engagement.
“I would absolutely recommend going to WLC to anyone! It was hands down the best experience! It was a great opportunity to meet new people, become a better leader and determine how to serve others. We also got the chance to see so many amazing historical sites and learn so much about our country,” Weeks said.
Mary Baker and James Baker competed at the Sooner State Dairy Show at the Payne County Expo Center, participating in dairy cattle judging and the dairy quiz competition. Mary Baker also exhibited a heifer and placed fifth in her class.
Weeks also represented Meeker FFA at the World Pork Expo, the world’s largest pork-specific trade show. She exhibited four pigs, earning first place with her Duroc gilt, second place with her Duroc barrow, second place with her Yorkshire barrow and exhibiting a light crossbred gilt. Her first-place Duroc gilt was a standout achievement at the prestigious national event.
Meeker FFA congratulates these members on their hard work and dedication as they continue representing the chapter throughout the summer.