TGS | Behind Every Farm, Ranch and Showring

Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry awarded the 2025 Sirloin Club Presidents’ Award.

'Agriculture in Oklahoma isn't agriculture in Oklahoma without...'

How would you answer this question? Maybe it’s a certain crop or livestock species that comes to mind. Or, perhaps it's a specific ag program you possess a fondness for. No matter the answer, there is one key organization that unites them all: the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.

Truly the lifeline of agriculture in Oklahoma, ODAFF is dedicated to standing by and ensuring a bright future for agriculture in our great state. The people of ODAFF work intently to protect, manage, guide, oversee, and promote the unique and thriving agricultural industry Oklahoma is proud to call our own. A longtime supporter of the Oklahoma Youth Expo, ODAFF is the source of numerous OYE volunteers, event partners, and loyal advocates.

“While not often highlighted, it’s worth noting that we truly could not host the Oklahoma Youth Expo without our friends at ODAFF," said President of the Onward Foundation, Tyler Norvell. “OYE has become a spectacle of agriculture in Oklahoma because of the backing and symbiotic nature of our working relationship as organizations. OYE is fortunate to have so many believers in what we do who show their support by bolstering ag students each March," he added.

Not only does ODAFF offer assistance through their service at OYE, but they serve Oklahoma’s ag youth in countless ways beyond the showring. From supplying state veterinarians to work at the gates to hosting educational events that promote agricultural knowledge in youth across Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry staff do it all with humble hearts and a genuine desire to better our state’s most vital industry.

“ODAFF is greater than any one person or event – this organization impacts our entire state and the wonderful citizens within,” Norvell said. “Their positive impact and dedication to making Oklahoma a national leader in food, fuel and fiber production is something all of us should be immensely grateful for.”

Because of the leadership at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, we can confidently answer the initial question with one term: ODAFF.

As we continue to work toward a brighter future for Oklahoma agriculture, we extend our deepest thanks to ODAFF for their steadfastness in protecting and serving the 77,200 Oklahoma farms, the 129,619 Oklahoma agriculture producers, and the nearly 8,000 exhibitors who participate in the annual Oklahoma Youth Expo. The Oklahoma Youth Expo and the Sirloin Club of Oklahoma are humbled to present the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry with the well-deserved 2025 Presidents’ Award.