Industry Insights program connects Ferguson College students with Oklahoma agriculture

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Media Contact: Sophia Fahleson | Digital Communications Specialist | 405-744-7063 | sophia.fahleson@okstate.edu

For many Ferguson College of Agriculture students, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through Industry Insights, students gain valuable exposure to agricultural businesses, bridging classroom knowledge with real-world applications.

The Industry Insights program was created to provide students with firsthand access to the operations, innovations and people shaping today’s agricultural and natural resources-related industries. Each semester, the Ferguson College’s career services team coordinates a daylong visit to multiple sites across Oklahoma.

“Industry Insights tours give our students the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge and see what our industry partners do on a daily basis to be successful,” said Herb Lengel, employer and alumni relations coordinator for the Ferguson College of Agriculture. “Students tour facilities, engage in Q&A sessions and learn about the career paths that led our speakers to where they are today.”

Industry Insights destinations are selected through collaboration with the Ferguson College’s career services team, focusing on businesses that hire across multiple majors and actively engage with Oklahoma State University through the annual Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Career Fair. Past tours have included Koch Industries, Tyson Foods, Port of Catoosa, Cargill and the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Connecting classroom lessons to the field

This semester’s tour took students west to Woodward Livestock Auction and Buffalo Feeders, where they explored diverse aspects of Oklahoma’s livestock and feedlot sectors. For Sharon Abrego Rios, an animal science freshman from Sulphur Springs, Texas, the experience was transformative.

“I was in my chemistry class when I got an email from the Ferguson College about Industry Insights and decided to look into it,” Abrego Rios said. “It immediately sparked my interest because it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Since I’m not from Oklahoma, I knew this would be a great way to learn about the ag industry here and meet people in it.”

During the visits, students observed the close relationships that drive teamwork within agricultural businesses and saw how technology and economics intersect in day-to-day operations.

“At Woodward Livestock Auction, I could really visualize the graphs my professor presents in agricultural economics,” Abrego Rios said. “It amazed me how they’re constantly updating market information and adapting to new rules.”

At Buffalo Feeders, students learned about the scale and complexity of feedlot operations, including a $5 million investment in upgraded feed bins, and gained insight into the trust and collaboration essential to agricultural management.

“I believe this tour gave me such great insight into the industry in Oklahoma,” Abrego Rios said. “It reminded me there are so many opportunities out there and that although you might have a degree in one area, it doesn’t mean you can’t work in other parts of the industry.”

Expanding opportunities through connection

Lengel said the program aligns directly with the Ferguson College of Agriculture’s land-grant mission of connecting students with experiential learning and industry engagement.

“Our alumni and guest speakers talk about their time at OSU and the steps they took to get where they are today,” Lengel said. “Almost every guest speaker emphasizes the importance of networking with employers, faculty and other students.”

Josie Jennings, a freshman studying agribusiness and agricultural communications from Springfield, Ohio, said the tour provided a meaningful perspective on her future career goals.

“Industry Insights exposed me to opportunities within the beef industry where I can contribute to my future career and fostered connections with industry professionals that will equip me for networking opportunities,” Jennings said. “This experience made me realize how valuable real-world exposure is for shaping where I want to go.”

Looking ahead

As the Industry Insights program continues to expand, Lengel said he hopes to offer tours in additional regions and across more agricultural sectors.

“Our goal is to visit different regions throughout Oklahoma and surrounding states,” Lengel said. “We want students to see what products and services are being produced in our region and to explore new career paths they might not have considered before.”

Story By: Ellie Moser | elmoser@okstate.edu