Payne County’s Scott Storey was recognized with Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award Nov. 14 at the 67th annual convention in Oklahoma City.
The award recognizes successful young people 35 or younger who are involved in farming but whose primary occupations are not farming or owning an agricultural business. The award is based on their involvement in agriculture and participation in Oklahoma Farm Bureau and other community organizations.
Storey received a Polaris four-wheeler ATV courtesy of Farm Credit plus a trip to the AFBF convention in San Antonio, Tex., to represent Oklahoma in the national contest.
He and his wife, Amanda, and two children, Seth and Emily, reside in Stillwater.
After completing bachelor and master degree requirements at Oklahoma State University, he accepted a position with the USDA Agriculture Research Service as a biological science technician in the wheat, peanut and other field crop research unit. He currently is working to research varieties and germplasms of barley that are genetically superior.
“In my current job, I have many opportunities to have a positive impact on agriculture,” Storey said. “I plan on continuing my involvement in youth organizations and with the production side of agriculture so I can continue to spread the good news our industry is doing.”
While he’s employed full time with USDA, he maintains a 20-head herd of cattle in McCurtain County on leased land. Family members there tend the herd on a day-to-day basis, but Storey goes there when it’s time to wean calves and pregnancy check the cows.
He said he believes the most important issue facing agriculture is keeping it “in a positive light in front of the rest of the country.” He also said if agriculture is to survive that “we need to make it more affordable and inviting for young people. . .”
Storey is active on the Payne County Farm Bureau YF&R Committee, and participates in many functions it holds. He also has been in the finals of the state YF&R Discussion Meet.
