After college, Darla Fesmire plans to move into a research career
COFFEYVILLE, OKLA. – A senior at Oklahoma Union, near South Coffeyville, Okla., Darla Fesmire credits a life-long exposure to agriculture for helping pave her way to success.
In fact, the 17-year-old has been a member of OKU’s FFA Chapter since the eighth grade. This year, she serves as the chapter president, as well as being part of the American Farmers and Ranchers Youth Council..
Darla, 17, her parents, Damon and Darcey Fesmire, and her sister, Daylyn, live in Nowata.
Together, the family raises show cattle. This has allowed Darla to have the opportunity to not only grow her own cow herd, but also show some of the home-grown heifers and steers. She currently has a 15 head of cows, including Maine-Anjou, Shianina, Shorthorn and Simmental.
“I’m always up for a challenge so we added a few show lambs to the program too,” Darla said. “My FFA project, or Supervised Agriculture Experience is diversified livestock production. I raise both sheep and cattle for other 4-H and FFA members to show at the local, state or national level.”
Five ewes are part of her breeding program, Hampshires and crossbreds, which produce the breeding and market lambs she shows.
Darla said she loves being part of the agriculture world for several reasons.
“I love being able to meet new people with different agricultural backgrounds from across the state and country,” Darla said. “My favorite thing about living on a farm is my animals. After a long day of school, I love nothing more than to go out and see my animals.”
After high school graduation, Darla plans to pursue an agriculture-based career with a double major in microbiology and animal science.
“I would love to work in a lab setting, conducting animal research,” Darla said. “With this, I can combine my love of science and the agriculture industry, to help farmers feed the growing population.”
Darla said agriculture, as well as FFA, has taught her a multitude of life lessons.
“FFA has taught me many life skills I wouldn’t have learned in a normal classroom,” Darla said. “I’ve learned how to give a speech, make a sale on an animal, and keep an accurate record of my livestock purchases.
“I’ve learned responsibility by having to take care of my animals. I’ve learned time management by managing all of my activities while still making time to work on my animals. My number one priority is to have a healthy and productive herd.”
