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TGS | OALE Class XXII
The Oklahoma Youth Expo would not be possible without the dedication and talent of individuals from Oklahoma State University’s Ferguson College of Agriculture, and this year’s Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Encounter (OALE) class is no exception.
OALE is designed to expand students’ knowledge of the agricultural industry, a priority shared by the OYE board of directors and staff. Throughout the year, class members will travel across Oklahoma, gaining firsthand experience in key agricultural sectors and the legislative process. As part of their journey, these students will also play an integral role at OYE, contributing behind the scenes to ensure the success of #TheGreatestShow. It is with great pride that we introduce the 2024-25 class of OALE students – the future leaders of agriculture.
ERYNN ALLISON – TIFTON, GEORGIA
Allison, an agricultural education junior, grew up exhibiting sheep and was active in Georgia FFA. Passionate about youth development, she works at the Payne County Cooperative Extension Office, gaining experience to prepare for a future as an agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor.
ABBY BELL – BRISTOW, OKLAHOMA
Bell, an agricultural communications senior, grew up working on her family’s diversified cattle operation, which fueled her passion for agriculture. After graduation, she plans to return home to focus on her family’s event venue, The Headquarters at Bell Cattle Co., where she hopes to connect agriculture with other industries.
LINDI BROOKING – ALTUS, OKLAHOMA
Brooking grew up on a small sheep operation, developing a passion for agriculture through FFA and 4-H. Now a senior studying animal science and agricultural communications with a minor in agricultural economics, she hopes to use her education to share the agricultural industry with others and pursue a career within the field.
BRADEN BURNS – KINGFISHER, OKLAHOMA
Burns’ agricultural roots run deep, shaped by time spent on his grandparents’ operations and working alongside both his ag teaching parents. A former Oklahoma FFA state officer, he has a passion for youth development in agriculture. He will soon begin his career with ConocoPhillips while continuing to stay involved in the industry.
MARLIE FARRIS – SENTINEL, OKLAHOMA
Farris, a senior studying animal science, grew up on a commercial Angus and diversified crop operation. She attended Eastern Oklahoma State College for livestock judging before transferring to OSU. With a strong interest in beef cattle reproduction, she hopes to become an embryologist and continue advocating for the agricultural industry.
RYAN HEGLAND – NORTHFIELD, MINNESOTA
Originally from Minnesota, Hegland grew up showing cattle and hogs while serving in various leadership roles in 4-H and FFA. Now an agribusiness senior at OSU, he competed on the Livestock Judging Team and serves as a Student Success Leader for the Ferguson College of Agriculture. After graduation, he plans to work as a Pasture Range Management Specialist.
DELANEY HEMANN – GENOA, ILLINOIS
Hemann, an animal science senior, grew up showing pigs and found her passion for agriculture through 4-H and FFA. A former livestock judging team member at Lake Land Community College, she later competed on OSU’s National Runner-Up team. She has interned with the National Junior Swine Association and Trans Ova Genetics and plans to work for Pig Improvement Company upon graduation.
SHAYLEE MADDOX – THOMAS, OKLAHOMA
Maddox, an animal science senior from Thomas, Oklahoma, grew up raising Southdown sheep and showing nationwide. She competed in FFA livestock judging and public speaking, leading her to Lincoln Land Community College. Now a member of OSU’s Livestock Judging Team, she plans to pursue a career in pharmaceutical sales within the livestock industry.
GAGE MILNER – DUKE, OKLAHOMA
Milner, a fifth-generation agriculturalist, grew up on a cow-calf and show pig operation. Currently an agribusiness senior with a minor in agricultural real estate appraisal, he plans to start his career at NBC Bank in Altus, Okla., focusing on agricultural lending while building his own cattle operation.
ASHLYN O’BRIEN – PERRYSBURG, OHIO
O’Brien, an animal science senior, discovered her passion for livestock judging and sheep showing through 4-H. She earned an agribusiness associate degree at Butler Community College before transferring to OSU. After internships with Magnum Feedyard and Cargill, she plans to join Cargill’s Business Management Associate Program while expanding her own club lamb flock.
BLAKE ROBBINS – PAULS VALLEY, OKLAHOMA
Robbins, a food science senior with a focus in meat science, was raised on an Angus cow-calf operation and uncovered his passion working for a local meat retailer. He is an Undergraduate Research Scholar, competed on the 2023 OSU Meat Judging Team, and serves as president of the OSU Meat Science Association. He plans to attend graduate school and pursue food product research.
HAILEY SPRAY – RIVERTON, WYOMING
Spray, a senior in food science, and Wyoming native, took part in livestock competitions through FFA and 4-H. Her passion for judging led her to OSU, where she competed on horse judging and meat judging teams. She will attend graduate school at Purdue University in the fallto pursue a PhD in Food and Meat Science, aiming for a future career in the meat industry.
