Oklahoma
Oklahoma FFA celebrates National FFA Week, 100th Year
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.
Oklahoma
523 animals rescued in SE Oklahoma City meth bust, animal welfare overwhelmed
Resources at Oklahoma City’s Animal Welfare are stretched thin after taking in more than 500 animals in an emergency rescue. Police arrested four people and saved the animals on Thursday in a methamphetamine bust at a home near southeast 15th and High Avenue.
FIRST REPORTED: Four arrested after 30 pounds of meth, hundreds of animals seized from Oklahoma City home
Oklahoma City’s Development Services Director Brock Rowe answered questions about the largest animal seizure in the city’s history.
How many animals were rescued and what species were found?
Animal control officers rescued 523 animals. There were about 470 ducks, chickens, pigeons, and peacocks gathered from the property. Officers took 49 dogs, an unspecified number of cats, one horse, and reptiles.
What is the latest on the animals’ health and condition?
The animals were “taken care of pretty good” and did not appear to be severely abused of malnourished. The situation is believed to be animal hoarding, meaning there were simply too many animals on the property. Staff worked overnight to ensure the animals have food, clean water, bedding and proper car.
What resources is the shelter using to care for so many animals?
The shelter is using temporary crates, kennels, and indoor spaces to accommodate the overflow, especially for birds, while larger animals like the horse are kept outside. Animal welfare officials are reaching out to local partners and organizations that specialize in livestock and birds to help house and care for some of the animals. The shelter is running a “name your price” adoption event to quickly move existing animals out and free up space.
Are the animals considered evidence, and when could they become available for adoption or transfer?
The animals are currently on hold as evidence, and adoption or transfer will only happen after the legal process determines when they can be released.
What is the status of the criminal investigation, and are additional charges expected?
Police arrested four men on drug trafficking complaints during the warrant search. No word if the men will face charges for the animals.
Oklahoma
Texas A&M makes massive splash in transfer portal landing Oklahoma LHP
Texas A&M baseball made a massive splash in the transfer portal Friday morning with the pickup of a premier left-hander from a Southeastern Conference foe.
Oklahoma southpaw Trent Collier is returning to his home state to play for the Aggies in 2027, according to reports from TexAgs’ Richard Zane. Collier pitched for the national-championship-winning Sooners this past season, posting a 3.80 ERA through 23.2 innings pitched and striking out 28 hitters. He was called upon for two appearances in Oklahoma’s postseason run to the national title, allowing no hits with two strikeouts against Georgia Tech and North Carolina.
Collier will come to Bryan-College Station to pitch for the Fightin’ Texas Aggies as a junior for head coach Michael Earley in 2027.
Rebuilding a depleted pitching staff was one of the top priorities for Earley this offseason, after posting a 5.24 team ERA in 2026. Collier is the sixth pitcher to commit to the Aggies out of the transfer portal and the ninth overall addition.
The lefty from Prosper, Texas, began his college career at Weatherford Junior College before landing with the Sooners. He made eight appearances, including nine starts, and earned second-team all-conference for recording a 2.65 ERA and 85 strikeouts across 68.0 innings.
After the program parted ways with Jason Kelly, following the regional final loss to USC in College Station, new pitching coach Barry Enright has reeled in some of the top-rated pitchers in the country this offseason, including Collier. The former Sooners star will have the opportunity to develop under Enright, who had stints in the MLB with the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
Oklahoma
Four arrested after 30 pounds of meth, dozens of animals seized from Oklahoma City home
Four people are in custody after Oklahoma City police seized approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine and removed dozens of animals from a home in southeast Oklahoma City on Thursday.
Police executed what they confirmed was a drug-related search warrant at a home near Southeast 15th Street and High Avenue. Authorities have not released information about what led investigators to the residence.
Drug Investigation Leads to Large Seizure
According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, officers recovered approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine from the home during the search.
Police said at least four people were taken into custody. Authorities have not released the identities of those arrested or any related charges.
Numerous Animals Removed From Property
Alongside the drug investigation, Oklahoma City Animal Welfare officers assisted in removing numerous animals from the property.
News 9 cameras captured at least 20 dogs being taken from the home, including one wearing a muzzle. Police said a horse, cats, chickens and snakes were also removed.
Neighbors watched as officers spent hours at the residence.
“This is crazy. Like this is literally crazy,” said Nisha who lives nearby.
Another resident said she saw several people in handcuffs but did not initially know what was happening.
“I saw a couple men in handcuffs. I had no idea what was going on until my neighbor,” Dora Garcia said.
Neighbors say they were aware the home had dogs but were shocked by everything else discovered.
“I knew they had dogs. Everybody over here knew they had dogs, but the rest of this is just mind-boggling,” Nisha said.
She also expressed concern about how close the investigation was to her homes.
“Too close for comfort. Way too close for comfort,” Nisha said.
Investigation Continues
Police said the search warrant was related to a drug investigation but have not released additional details about why officers targeted the home.
The investigation remains ongoing. Oklahoma City police said additional information about those in custody is expected to be released as it becomes available.
This is a developing story.
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