Cashion FFA members have been hard at work this summer.

From contests to camps, students are gaining a variety of skills and experiences that will further their success not only in agricultural classes, but in everyday life.

Beginning in May, members started attending camps across Oklahoma.

Soon-to-be freshman Jaxton Bailey-Casey attended the Oklahoma FFA Auctioneering Camp and Contest at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton.

The one-day camp included three improvement sessions, which focused on attendees’ bid calling, intros and outros while selling and practice in item description delivery.

To conclude the camp, Jaxton tested his skills by competing in an auctioneering contest.

Another incoming freshman, Tinley Roberts, was selected to attend the Oklahoma State University Veterinary Short Course in pursuit of her larger goal of following a career in animal sciences.

Tinley’s essay, the reason she was selected to participate, focused on how an issue with dystocia led her to OSU.

When her sow was having difficulties giving birth, Tinley, her parents, her agricultural education instructor and her middle school principal sought emergency help.

The crew ended up at the university in the middle of the night. There, they were given assistance from a veterinary team and Tinley was exposed to animal sciences in action.

During the short course, Tinley had the opportunity to meet and question campus professors and students, allowing her to gain extended knowledge of different classes and opportunities available at OSU.

Additionally, she was able to use simulators designed to imitate animals in labor and learn about parasitic diseases.

Hands-on experiences allowed for Tinley to participate in a simulation that mimicked sick or injured pigs, where students had to determine the cause of such illnesses and properly diagnose the animal.

They also dissected piglets and calves that were born within the placenta.

Tinley learned an assortment of information while at OSU, such as animal science terminology and animal reproduction.

“I was surprised about my little knowledge of other livestock and was excited to learn about them,” she said. “I also thought I knew everything about reproduction, but when we were in the lab, I learned so much about the science and anatomy behind it all. This was so surprising considering I am a breeder.”

With any learning experience, objectives are important and Tinley remained focused on hers throughout her time at OSU. “I would say my goals were to meet new people and friends, learn as much as possible, and make connections with professors,” she shared. “I did meet these goals while having an amazing time.”

Throughout Tinley’s time at the two-day camp, she became better versed in the textbook and day-to-day knowledge that it takes to pursue a career in animal sciences. She also gained pivotal information that will change the way she views everyday life owning, showing and raising livestock.

In June, members Maggie Carroll and Bailey-Casey attended the three-day livestock judging camp at Redlands Community College.

There, they extended their knowledge of each livestock species, improved their oral reasoning skills, and learned from inspiring mentors who relayed their own experiences from previous contests.

Cashion FFA President Dally Pedersen attended the OSU Livestock Judging Camp, where she learned to evaluate livestock more efficiently and practiced giving oral reasons.

According to Dally, her “favorite part was meeting new people and learning important new skills about livestock judging.”

Kiaser Stout competed at the West District North Region Horse Show.

There, she and her horse, Bling, earned the Senior Overall High Point title and also placed first in the following:

• Senior High Point English Riding;

• Senior High Point Western Riding; and,

• Senior High Point Speed Events.

“My one goal was probably to go win and have fun,” she said, “and I certainly achieved that!”

Congratulations to Kiaser, and good luck as she continues to compete this summer.

These Cashion FFA members are certainly “learning to do and doing to learn” this summer as they put the FFA motto into practice.