WILBURTON, Oklahoma – Eastern Oklahoma State College has renewed its commitment to providing students with unique, hands-on experiences in the cattle industry through the relaunch of its Stocker Management Program. Building on the foundation first established by local rancher Earl Shero and the Shero Ranch, the program continues to give students valuable training in one of the most critical segments of Oklahoma’s livestock economy.

“Earl’s leadership was key in marketing this unique educational opportunity nationwide while providing credibility as the program got off the ground,” said Latt Jeffrey, Chairman of the Eastern Board of Regents and Eastern Farm Committee.

Eastern President Dr. Randy Harp has helped lead a revitalized effort to expand the program’s reach and impact. Working alongside area rancher and Eastern Farm Committee Member Joe McAlester, the Stocker Management Program has forged a groundbreaking partnership with National Livestock in Oklahoma City. A key element of the agreement helps Eastern procure and source cattle for the program, creating a profitable, real-world operation that gives students practical experience not found at any other institution in the state.

“From the leadership and vision of Dr. Randy Harp to the exceptional members serving on the Eastern Farm Committee, to the farm staff led by foreman Justin Adams and animal science faculty members Andrew Anderson and Mark Chaney, the Stocker Management Program partnering with National Livestock has proved to be a key piece of the Eastern agriculture department,” Jeffrey said. “The purpose is to bring students in from all over the country to be engaged in a one-of-a-kind experience that prepares them to have a successful career in the cattle business. No other school offers the combination of training, education and real-world experience that Eastern does.”

In recognition of their commitment and support, National Livestock was recently selected as the newest recipient of the prestigious Eastern Board of Regents Impact Award.

Thanks to the diligence of McAlester, the farm and Agriculture Division staff, and several hardworking students, the relaunch of the Stocker Management Program has already shown strong results. The calves achieved exceptional health and productivity, resulting in profits that provide much-needed funding and working capital for the Eastern farm.

In addition to stocker management, Eastern also offers purebred Angus bulls for sale year-round under the direction of Anderson. For more information, call 918-465-1724.

Eastern also invites partnerships to sponsor the Ranch Management operation or provide scholarship assistance for students. Those interested may contact Dr. Cathy Cogburn, director of the EOSC Development Foundation, at 918-465-1761.