Scholarships and Outreach

Investing in the Next Generation

• OKC West knows how valuable the next generation is to the success of the agricultural industry. We strongly believe that it is our responsibility to invest in our youth and encourage them to pursue their higher education goals. OKC West offers the Rick Jones Memorial Scholarship each year. The high scoring individual overall of the Grading Contest will receive the Rick Jones Memorial Scholarship. 
• Rick Jones was a lifelong cattleman and a founding partner of OKC West Livestock Market, LLC. Rick always realized the importance of having a good eye for cattle, feeling it was the single most important key to success in any aspect of the cattle business. He always encouraged young people who were interested in the cattle industry and will continue to do so through the memorial scholarship bearing his name. OKC West has chosen to partner with The Oklahoma Farm Show Commercial Cattle Grading Scholarship Competition to award the high scoring individual overall, either an FFA or 4-H member, with a $2,000 scholarship in honor of Rick Jones and his dedication to the livestock industry. This scholarship, along with the Commercial Cattle Grading Contest, promotes continuing education in agriculture. Additional information on the contest can be found under the FFA Grading Contest tab.

• FFA GRADING CONTEST
• Each year during the Southern Plains Farm Show, OKC West and American Farmers & Ranchers sponsor the Commercial Cattle Grading Scholarship Competition. This competition promotes and rewards practical, hands-on skills and encourages young people to pursue post-secondary education in agriculture-related fields. Officials from CareerTech, OSU Extension, 4-H and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture aid in managing the competition.
• A total of 30 scholarships totaling $6,300 are awarded to the top three FFA teams, the top three 4-H teams and the top three individuals from each of the divisions. There is also an open class for individuals not participating in the team competition. First place team members and first place individuals also receive a $50 Gift card from Tener’s Western Outfitters.
• The dates for the competition vary with the dates for The Southern Plains Farm Show, but typically fall in late March or early April.
  For more information, contact:
  Ddee Haynes
  Cell: 580-772-4053
  E-mail: ddeehpj@gmail.com

Registration

• • ELIGIBILITY:  Requirements for 4-H and FFA contestants shall be the same as set forth for other judging contests of the organizations. Contestants from each organization will compete for awards, only with entrants from their own organization, with the exception of the Rick Jones Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded to the high scoring individual from combined FFA and 4-H entrants.
  • TEAMS:  A team may consist of three or four members; however, only the three high individual scores will be included in the team score. There is no limit on the number of individuals or teams that may participate from a school. 4-H and FFA leaders may designate as many teams as they have present. Teams must be designated at time of registration. Other 4-H and FFA members may be entered as individuals and will be eligible for individual awards. Team members also will be eligible for individual 4-H and FFA awards.
  • ADULT COMPETITION:  The adult competition is open to all adults with exception of livestock order buyers, livestock commission salesmen, packer buyers, and livestock news reporters, whether government or private. Extension Service and Vocational Agriculture personnel may participate in the adult contest. Adults will compete only as individuals.
  • SCHOOL:  Several market cattle will be classed and graded prior to the contest. The animals will be discussed by contest officials.
  • CONTEST:  Twelve or more market cattle of various classes and grades will be exhibited before the contestants who will estimate the commercial class and grade of each animal. For slaughter animals, contestants will indicate the quality and yield grades and an estimated dressing percent. Frame score and degree of muscling will be marked for each feeder animal. The special 4-H and FFA commercial cattle grading card will be provided for all official contestants.
  • OKC West Livestock Markets, LLC.; El Reno, OK will be off limits to coaches and contestants four (4) days prior to the contest. No workouts of any kind will be permitted at the yard during that time.
  • TEAM AWARDS: Each team member will receive awards as follows:
    • FFA
      • 1st Place Team: $50 Tener’s Gift Certificate and $200 Scholarship
      • 2nd Place Team: $150 Scholarship
      • 3rd Place Team: $100 Scholarship
    • 4-H
      • 1st Place Team: $50 Tener’s Gift Certificate and $200 Scholarship
      • 2nd Place Team: $150 Scholarship
      • 3rd Place Team: $100 Scholarship
  • INDIVIDUAL AWARDS: The high scoring individual overall, either FFA or 4-H will receive the $2,000 Rick Jones Memorial Scholarship. 
    • FFA
      • 1st Place: $200 Scholarship
      • 2nd Place: $150 Scholarship
      • 3rd Place: $100 Scholarship
    • 4-H
      • 1st Place: $200 Scholarship
      • 2nd Place: $150 Scholarship
      • 3rd Place: $100 Scholarship
  • ADULT AWARDS: County Extension Personnel, Agricultural Education Instructors and other adults.
    • 1st Place: $50 Tener’s Gift Cards
    • 2nd Place: $50 Tener’s Gift Cards
    • 3rd Place: $50 Tener’s Gift Cards