Shaley Barnes of the Wellston FFA Chapter won the State Star in Agribusiness award at the 96th Oklahoma FFA Convention and Expo on May 4 at the BOK Center.
Barnes first became involved with agriculture the fall of her eighth grade year, where she hesitantly enrolled in an Intro to Agriculture course, she said. Not even weeks later, she knew she had found where she belonged — the agricultural program and Oklahoma.
She became immersed into all things related to plants, insects, and landscape tools, which led her to later compete at the state and national levels in the FFA Nursery Landscape contest.
Upon entering high school, Barnes began her supervised agricultural experience, which was running her small business, Sha’s Nursery. The small set up of five plants and a greenhouse grew into a much bigger project than she had ever expected, she said. This project led to her winning the state Nursery Operations Proficiency Award area.
“My opportunities to meet people also grew,” Barnes said. “My introverted self went from avoiding talking at contests to actively seeking out new friendships and connections.”
Barnes said she had the privilege of attending camps and conferences such as the annual Oklahoma FFA Alumni Camp, Advanced Leadership Development Conference and the Oklahoma Leadership Conference.
Through competing and attending camps and conferences, Barnes said she gained far more friendships and opportunities than she ever thought she would, she said.
“From that one hesitant decision, I have developed skills that frequently shape my leadership experiences and allow for my growth to continue,” Barnes said. “The success that I have accomplished has come from year after year of hard work and dedication.”
Through embarking on her agricultural journey, Barnes said she has developed responsibility for not only herself but for both a garden full of plants and a greenhouse. By operating her own business, she has learned how to interact professionally with customers and grow in her ability to communicate.
Barnes said she learned the future is crafted by dreamers and created by doers. By becoming a teen entrepreneur, she said she realized her long-term goals, all while developing hard work and dedication.
“From my work in the last few years, I have developed skills that will continue to shape my leadership experience in and outside of school and allow for growth in ways I could have never imagined,” Barnes said. “The National FFA Organization has changed the course of my life for the better, and I can only hope that I will continue to help others.”
The 20 Area Stars each received a plaque and $500 cash award co-sponsored by Masonic Charity Foundation, McDonald’s, The Chickasaw Nation, Blue and Gold Sausage Company, Davis Farms, Sirloin Club of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Farm Bureau.
As Star Agribusiness, Barnes and the other State Stars over Oklahoma will each receive $23,673 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 27,500 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.