Micaela Danker selected as AFR Youth Coordinator

American Farmers & Ranchers announces Micaela Danker as the AFR Youth Leadership Development Coordinator.

“Micaela’s strong background in agriculture and AFR youth programs makes her a good fit for us,” Terry Detrick, AFR president, said.  “Surfacing and developing youth leaders is a priority for AFR as we strive to improve the lives of rural Oklahoma.”

Danker, whose family has a small livestock business near Wellston, Okla., earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Communications from Oklahoma State University. She has been involved in AFR youth programs since participating in AFR’s youth leadership summit as a first grade elementary student.

“This is a perfect job for me,” Danker said.  “Both my parents are educators in the public school system and working with students have been a passion and life goal for me.”

Danker said she hopes to build on AFR’s rich heritage in Oklahoma youth programs.

“We (AFR) have worked well with the 4-H and FFA programs and want to continue developing tomorrow’s leaders.”

One of the key components to AFR’s youth development program is the group’s annual leadership summit, July 24-30.

“We bring 150 students from middle school to high school in for a fun and educational event, teaching them goal setting and leadership skills,” Danker said.  “This is a great opportunity for participants to network with other students and grow as individuals.”

In addition to the leadership summit, Danker will  also coordinate the annual AFR youth speech contest, poster contest, statewide scholarships, livestock handling and skills contest, livestock judging and grading, and many other youth leadership opportunities.