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:

Taryn Fischels, Product Marketing Manager for Precision Upgrades at John Deere, joins us to share a sneak peek of her chat with FarmHER’s Kirbe Schnoor on the Dirt Diaries podcast.
Sen. Roger Marshall explains which types of beef are imported into the United States, how there’s room for new imports, and logical reasons for current high prices.
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) discusses the USDA’s new cattle plan, ethanol policy, and the broader challenges ahead for rural America.
“Farmers for Free Trade” warns that disaster is brewing as President Trump’s trade policy is causing farm input costs to rise even more.
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.
While artificial intelligence, or AI, is reshaping both jobs and messaging in agriculture, CoBank data suggests human expertise still matters.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
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.
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!
This hour-long show explores the trains and locomotives that aided the growth of travel, further settlement, and the development of a variety of American industries and agricultural ventures.
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.