The Mulhall-Orlando FFA Chapter in Oklahoma has a proud tradition of successful alumni. This small rural community has produced state legislators, bank presidents, entrepreneurs and leaders across the spectrum of agriculture. One recent alumnus is making waves in the livestock industry due to her outstanding leadership.
Kass Newell currently works as the executive vice president of the Oklahoma Youth Expo livestock show, but her journey started on the family farm just outside the small town of Orlando, Okla. Her family has a strong agricultural background that led her to want to be in FFA more than anything. “I still remember the day I received my FFA jacket,” she says. “I was so excited!”
Newell credits FFA for much of her success. “The lessons learned through FFA activities paved the way for me in many aspects of life and as a student. I learned leadership skills, networking, communication, respect, time management and so much more,” she says. “Beyond the lessons learned, the friendships gained are irreplaceable. Most of the connections gained through FFA are still people I am associated with today.”
Newell made the most of her time in FFA. She had multiple supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) and competed in many activities at all levels. Through it all, she focused on areas of agriculture she was passionate about. “Without passion, the project wouldn’t be as meaningful,” she advises.
A Full-Circle Experience
Some of Newell’s fondest moments happened while showing her own livestock at the Oklahoma Youth Expo. Now she has come full circle, from a wide-eyed young girl walking down the ramp with her first heifer to being in charge of the show behind the scenes. One of her greatest joys is watching students succeed in the ring after working hard all year long. “Standing in the Grand Drive watching students reach their goals gives me goose bumps every single time,” she says.
Her passion has seen her grow from a rural Oklahoma girl with a love for agriculture to a successful executive of the world’s largest junior livestock show, setting an example for other FFA members to follow and pushing her to influence agriculture’s future.
