Nearly 500 FFA chapters across Oklahoma are preparing to celebrate National FFA Week, highlighting the role agricultural education plays in developing future leaders and feeding the world.

Central Area Vice President Bonham Eslick and Southwest Area Vice President Hudson Andrews joined News 9 to talk about how they got involved in FFA, why the organization matters and what’s ahead as Oklahoma FFA marks its 100th year.

Below is the full Q&A from that conversation.

How did you first get started in FFA?

Eslick: I’m a very traditional, stereotypical ag student. I grew up on a cattle operation, so I knew from a very young age that as soon as I got the opportunity, I was going to be in an ag class. But what I didn’t know when I got started was how many different opportunities it would have to offer for us.

Hudson, what about you?

Andrews: I had a buddy in 7th grade who showed pigs, and he said, “Hey, why don’t you show pigs with me next year?” I said, “OK.” So I asked my parents, and they told me yes. In 8th grade, I checked the box and joined an ag class. I started showing swine, and it snowballed into what it is today.

Hudson, why did you want to represent FFA at the state level for Oklahoma?

Andrews: The first time I saw a state officer was at state convention my eighth grade year. I saw what they did, how they carried themselves and how poised they were. I thought, “That’s cool, I want to do that one day.”

As time went on, I felt like that dream was too big. But over the years, I saw how FFA affected me, the people around me and even my brother. I realized it left an impact on people whether I knew what I was doing or not. I decided I wanted the opportunity to intentionally leave an impact on someone for a full year, and that’s why I ran.

Bonham, why is it important to bring awareness to FFA?

Eslick: FFA is agricultural education, and agriculture feeds the world. Agriculturalists make up 2% of the population and are responsible for feeding the other 98%.

It’s important for younger people and high school students to understand what it takes to feed the world. National FFA Week brings attention to that by setting aside one week each year to celebrate the organization.

Hudson, what’s next for you all and for FFA at the state level?

Andrews: At the end of the year, we have state convention. It’s the 100th year of FFA, and we’re celebrating the 100th convention. We’re also the 100th state officer team, so that’s a big milestone.

More immediately, we have the Oklahoma Youth Expo, the largest youth livestock show in the world. Thousands of animals and students will be at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds in March. Of course, we’re also celebrating National FFA Week right now.

How can high school students get involved?

Eslick: It’s as easy as asking. Ag teachers at schools want to help. Having the courage to go up and ask how to get involved or how to show an animal is the first step.

If you want to be part of FFA, dive in headfirst. The organization offers so much variety and can help set you up for the rest of your life.

More information about Oklahoma’s FFA chapters and National FFA week, visit FFA’s official website.

Knowles, Oklah. — As wildfires continue to scorch parts of Oklahoma, one young couple is trying to salvage a future from the ashes of the Ranger Road Fire.

The Ranger Road Fire has burned more than 280,000 acres, about twice the size of Chicago.

Among those affected is 22-year-old Mariah Barrows, who moved from Vermont to Knowles, Oklahoma, to be with her fiancé, Matthew Gray.

The fire destroyed their home, upending months of wedding planning.

“Just gotta get to a safe place, and figure the rest out later,” Barrows said.

Barrows fled with only what she could carry, including her dog.

In the rush to escape, she said she left behind a key piece of her wedding plans.

“I already left, and I forgot my wedding dress, but the first thing Matt brought out was my wedding dress and put it in his truck,” Barrows said.

When the couple returned, they found their home burned to ashes with nothing left but the roof.

They also do not have renters’ insurance.

Still, Barrows said she found hope in the rubble: her engagement ring and her late grandmother’s ring.

“It was gold-plated, but it’s a little burnt now. When I found the ring, my fiancé was steps away, and I just started balling,” Barrows said.

Gov. Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency for multiple counties, including where Barrows lives.

Since the wildfires received a federal disaster declaration, survivors have been able to apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The funding can help with temporary housing, home repairs, and replacing essential personal property, but the funds are running out.

For now, Barrows and Gray are rebuilding with clothing donations from neighbors and family, as well as a GoFundMe.

Barrows said the June wedding she had been planning may not happen after the fire destroyed months of work.

“I was DIY’ng the entire wedding, and so all of the stuff for the past 9 months, it was in the house, and it’s all gone,” Barrows said.

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