With the start of each Fall comes a new school year and the selection of a new Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Encounter class. This year, 12 junior and senior students from across the United States in the Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture were chosen to be part of OALE Class XX.

OALE is a program designed to expand the knowledge of the agricultural industry in Oklahoma for today’s young adults. Expansion and extension of the educational component of the Oklahoma Junior Livestock Program through production agriculture is a major goal of the Oklahoma Youth Expo board of directors and staff. They believe it is only through a stronger concentration on education that future leaders are developed.

This past month brought forth the selection of OALE Class XX members, including: Peyton Burns, Lauren Erickson, Grace Harris, Kaylee Holt, Gabby Line, Hoyt Nebgen, Lane Patton, Colby Perry, Matt Rosman, Cal Schultz, Kaitlin Taylor, and Kalley Whitlock.

“We are very excited to have yet another great OALE class selected for the year,” said Kass Newell, Oklahoma Youth Expo Executive Vice President. “These students are some of the best and brightest, and we are honored to watch them grow and develop throughout their time in the OALE program,” Newell said.  

OALE will assist class members in increasing and utilizing their knowledge base and skills to explore opportunities for the agriculture industry, which will benefit not only local communities but the state and nation as well. Through various opportunities, class members will visit a variety of agricultural-based companies and organizations across Oklahoma. 

Additionally, students will be introduced and exposed to the legislative process and how it affects the agricultural industry. In March, students will have the opportunity to join the OYE, ‘The World’s Largest Junior Livestock Show,’ as a valuable staff member.  

Be on the lookout for OALE Class XX members throughout the year, and visit @okyouthexpo across social media platforms to stay up-to-date on Class XX! 

For more information on the Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Encounter program and Class XX, visit okyouthexpo.com.

The Oklahoma Youth Expo is the largest youth event in the state of Oklahoma. As a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, more than 7,000 exhibitors, their educators and families travel to Oklahoma City each spring from all of Oklahoma’s 77 counties to exhibit their livestock projects. Throughout the course of the ten-day event, OYE has a $25 million impact on Oklahoma City.  For more information about the Oklahoma Youth Expo visit okyouthexpo.com.