Young Ag Achievers

Sec. Arthur and ODAFF PIO Lee Benson talk about the early signs of the fall, which includes the Oklahoma State Fair and their favorite fair foods (00:00). Taylor Kelner and Kaylee Junghanns join the show to talk about their ag backgrounds. Both of them recently attended ODAFF's AgHERculture conference which is designed to help young women build their connections within the ag industry. They also talk about their time in 4H and FFA, and provide advice to others (8:25). Sec. Arthur and Lee recap the interview before discussing a new program that is designed to address the rural and large animal veterinary shortage in Oklahoma (41:00).

ODAFF Deputy Commissioner JanLee Rowlett and ODAFF PIO Lee Benson rank the four seasons -- spring, summer, fall, winter -- from best to worst (00:00). Then Emry Lee of Elgin FFA and Brennon Kienholz of Perry FFA join JanLee to give their takes on the best & worst seasons. Moving to more relevant topics, the duo talk about their time at a summer communications camp, competing in speech contests, and future plans (7:10). JanLee and Lee finish up the show by providing their takeaways from the interview (30:15).

ODAFF Deputy Commissioner JanLee Rowlett talks about her time growing up going to unique summer camps (00:00). Peyton Bumgarner and Nathan Strutton join the show to talk about their experience at Oklahoma Forestry's Youth Summer Camp. Both would like to continue attending the camp as counselors in the future. They tell potential campers what to expect from the camp, including no cell phones and delicious food (4:00). ODAFF PIO Lee Benson and JanLee recap the interview before previewing the upcoming induction of the latest member of the Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame. And they finish by previewing the AgHERCulture conference which is coming up next week (24:35).

With school right around the corner, Sec. Arthur talks about what "back to school" time is like around her house, and does Oklahoma return to school too early (00:00)? Identical twin brothers Josh and Logan Hering join the show to talk about their passion for the meat industry. The duo tells us about growing up being involved with Ralph's Packing Company, what it's like to work at the Food and Agricultural Products Center (FAPC) at OSU, and even share some stories about getting caught goofing around when they were younger (3:30). ODAFF PIO Lee Benson and Sec. Arthur recap the interview and briefly talk about the upcoming Rush Springs Watermelon Festival (32:55).

It's summer internship day on the show, but we begin by Lee asking Sec. Arthur about the summer focus of raising cattle in Oklahoma (0:00). OSU students Gus Ward and Aiden Davis join the show to talk about their experience in ag. Both are involved in summer internships, so they talk about what they've learned and what they hope to do in the future. Topics include how to get out accurate information to people, swine, how young people consume news, and much more (7:40)! Sec. Arthur and ODAFF PIO Lee Benson recap the interview and talk about prior internships they had in college (38:30).

Sec. Arthur and Lee Benson talk about Rush Springs, OK and it's title of "Watermelon Capital of the World". Turns out several other cities claim to be the premier place for watermelon. How does Rush Springs stack up (0:00)? A pair of watermelon experts from Rush Springs join the show. Kinley Bratcher and Lillyan Ball talk about why Rush Springs is the place for watermelon, the magic of the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival, how to know when a watermelon is good to eat, the art of growing giant watermelons, and so much more (4:45). Lee and Sec. Arthur recap the conversation with Kinley and Lilly (34:35) and in honor of the 4th of July jump into the world of hot dog eating contests (42:20).

Sec. Arthur and Lee Benson briefly discuss some Oklahoma Agritourism sites they visited recently in NE Oklahoma (0:00). Callen Veit of Morrison FFA and Lynlee McCurry of Salina FFA join the show to talk a little about their experience at Oklahoma Farm Bureau Capitol Camp. Turns out watermelons were a big topic on the floor. Both are active in speech as well. Lynlee talks about horse judging and Callen has a passion for trying to prolong beef shelf life (3:35). Sec. Arthur and Lee Benson recap the interview and Lee talks about his first time experiencing wheat harvest (33:50).

ODAFF Deputy Commissioner JanLee Rowlett makes her debut on the show. We learn about JanLee's ag background and a little bit about what she does at ODAFF (00:00). Madilyn Norvell of Amber-Pocasset FFA and Cierra Collins of Frederick FFA join the show to talk about their recent success in speech competitions. They also talk about the importance of family, showing cattle, and who they look up to (5:15). Lee Benson and JanLee react to the conversation (34:50).

Sec. Arthur talks about a very unusual recent travel experience before describing her most memorable international trips since she's been Oklahoma Secretary of Ag (00:00). Ryne Crosthwait from Stillwater FFA and LeAundre Delonia of Okmulgee FFA join the show to talk about their experiences in ag. They both have history with poultry, Ryne more with show chickens, LeAundre more with broilers. Both are also active in the speech world as they talk about the ups and downs of preparing and performing speeches (6:20). Sec. Arthur and Lee Benson wrap up the show by reacting to the interview and then talking about ice cream in honor of Dairy Month (39:05).

The theme of this episode is wheat, which means that Sec. Arthur and ODAFF PIO Lee Benson begin the podcast by talking about their favorite foods involving wheat (00:00). Destry Swaim of Okeene FFA and Clinton Chaney of Medford 4-H sit down with Sec. Arthur to talk about their expertise in the wheat field. Destry was named overall grand champion in the 2023 Oklahoma 4-H/FFA Junior Wheat Show and Clinton earned 1st place and 4-H champion (7:20). Sec. Arthur and Lee recap the conversation before Sec. Arthur talks about running the half marathon during the OKC Run to Remember (34:25).