Nearly 60 FFA members from across the state attended Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s 2021 FFA Reporters Conference held Thursday, July 15 at Redlands Community College in El Reno, Oklahoma.
Designed to teach chapter FFA reporters how to promote FFA in their communities, the conference featured a variety of sessions to help students develop skills and knowledge in communications practices including photography and videography, social media, writing and graphic design.
“As the percentage of Oklahomans involved in agriculture continues to dwindle, the need grows for a new generation of leaders to help tell the wonderful stories of our industry,” said Rodd Moesel, OKFB president. “We’re proud to offer these students a chance to learn and grow their communications skills to not only promote FFA and agricultural education, but also advocate for our state’s incredible farmers and ranchers.”
Conference workshops were taught by leading agricultural communications professionals including Chancey Hanson, director of communications for Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association; Lacey Newlin, field editor for the High Plains Journal; Samantha Siler, director of communications and marketing for the Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture; Dr. Ruth Inman, associate professor of agricultural communications and digital media state extension specialist for OSU; and Dustin Mielke, vice president of communications and public relations for Oklahoma Farm Bureau.
Students also had an opportunity to learn about degree options and career opportunities available in agricultural communications. Learn more about OKFB’s youth programs here.
