Woodward High School freshman Haylee Nail has grown up around agriculture, but it is in the blue jacket of FFA where she is finding her voice and purpose. The Woodward FFA member said she has been surrounded by family who are active in the organization “for as long as I can remember,” and that deep-rooted involvement helped spark her own passion for the program.
Nail said her favorite class is FFA, and she credits Woodward agricultural education teachers Rodney Washmon and Tell Dixon for helping her build confidence in and out of the show ring. She is heavily involved in the chapter, competing in livestock shows, career development event contests and livestock judging, but one event stands above the rest.
“My favorite FFA event by far is livestock showing,” Nail said. “Being in the barn brings me a sense of peace and happiness that words cannot describe.”
That love for the barn has translated into big results. Nail lists her biggest accomplishment so far as being named the 2026 Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb at the Oklahoma Youth Expo, one of the state’s premier stock shows. The banner, she said, is the result of countless early mornings and late nights spent getting her lambs ready to compete.
“Preparation starts weeks, even months before a target show, from treadmilling, working hair and even little minor tasks,” Nail said. Through that day-to-day grind, she has learned leadership, responsibility and the value of hard work. She also looks to older showmen for guidance, especially Colby Williams, whom she credits with showing her that “a good attitude and hard work is the key to being a good showman.”
Looking ahead, Nail said FFA is already shaping her future plans. She hopes to become a veterinarian and believes the lessons and hands-on experiences she is gaining through Woodward FFA are helping her prepare for that career one step at a time.
