Meet a Star finalist planning to pay it forward as a future ag teacher

Let’s meet Rylee Smith from the Oolaga FFA chapter in Oklahoma, one of this year’s Star finalists in agriscience placement.

The 97th Annual National FFA Convention and Expo is currently underway. All week, we are celebrating the best of the best and highlighting National FFA Organization members selected as finalists for its American Star Awards.

rylee smith_ffa.png

FFA Member Rylee Smith

Rylee Smith, an American Star finalist in Agriscience, conducted research experiments on food security, sustainability, and soil health. Her SAE project began in eighth grade, exploring ways to preserve apple slices, and later expanded to testing the impact of CBD oil on broiler growth and studying the soil health at an Oklahoma State University student farm.

Smith plans to become an agriculture teacher to increase ag literacy.

Related Stories
FFA’s new group of National Officers were announced at the 97th National FFA Convention
Let’s meet Maggie McDonald of the Magnolia FFA Chapter in Arkansas, one of the National FFA Organization’s American Star Award finalists with a placement in Agribusiness.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Iowa farmer Derek Hommer joined us to discuss grain bin safety, ongoing prevention efforts, and the importance of community preparedness during Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety Week.
Congresswoman Celeste Maloy of Utah joins Champions of Rural America to discuss her new leadership role in the Western Caucus and her perspective on the Supreme Court’s ruling on President Trump’s tariff policy.
National FFA Secretary Lilly Nyland talks about the significance of National FFA Week, member engagement, and the influence FFA continues to have on students nationwide.
Tommy Roach with Nachurs Alpine Solutions discuss fertilizer decision-making, plant fertility strategies, and what farmers can learn at Commodity Classic.
New details on the massive wildfire threatening farms and ranches in the Southern Plains.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Friday that imposing duties without Congressional authorization exceeds presidential powers. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joins us to discuss the potential trade and agriculture implications of the recent ruling.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
FarmHER + RanchHER on RFD-TV is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.