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 When
Keith Kisling joined FFA in rural Burlington, Okla., his FFA chapter was
different than when his son Brent joined the organization years later --
much different.
“It was just boys, and every boy was in FFA,” Keith said.
The diversity of the Burlington FFA may have changed, but what it provided
for this father and son duo, as well as Brent’s younger siblings, Chad and
Kim, was the same: the cornerstone of their success.
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The father
In this Western Oklahoma town with a population of 156, Keith and Marlene
Kisling are well-known pillars in the community, but their positive
reputation reaches far beyond their hometown for multiple reasons.
“We’re known by our kids,” Keith said. “That’s the way we want it.”
 But they also are known for their contributions to Oklahoma agriculture,
especially Keith who has served on the Oklahoma Wheat Commission for 11
years and an executive officer for the U.S. Wheat Associates. He’s traveled
to 17 countries to promote Oklahoma’s No. 1 crop, including four trips to
Cuba and meetings with Fidel Castro.
“Castro gave me a humidor filled with 100 Cuban cigars, but I couldn’t take
it on the plane,” Keith said. “He said ‘I will ship it to you.’ When the UPS
man delivered it, he waited to see what the package was. He had never
delivered something from Cuba!”
Keith did not start as a world traveler. In fact, he said he had never been
out of Alfalfa County until he joined FFA, but that soon changed. He showed
cattle and sheep, and as a member of the livestock judging team, he traveled
beyond state lines and helped bring home top honors to Oklahoma. During his
senior year in 1965, Keith and his teammates won the livestock judging
contests at the Tulsa and Oklahoma City state fairs, qualifying them to
represent Oklahoma at the American Royal in Kansas City, Mo., and the
National Western Livestock Exposition in Denver. They won both, but Keith
gives credit to the other team members and to L.E. Castle, his vocational
agriculture teacher.
Keith’s judging success did not end with high school graduation. He attended
Northwestern Oklahoma State University at Alva for two years and transferred
to Oklahoma State University to study agricultural education. He helped both
schools capture national livestock judging honors at the Southwestern
Exposition and Livestock Show in Fort Worth,
 Texas, before finishing his
Bachelor of Science degree and becoming a teacher.
“Mr. Castle helped me get the ag teaching job at Burlington when I
graduated,” Keith said.
He taught for four years before starting to farm full time.
“It scares me to death now,” he said. “I don’t know how, but we’ve made it
farming, just farming, and there are not many of us around.
“You can’t be self-serving,” Keith said. “Get involved and try to make a
difference.”
The son
 Joining FFA was a given for Brent, especially considering his father’s
passion for the program, but his accomplishments speak for themselves.
“I was destined to be in FFA,” Brent said.
Like his father, he showed cattle and sheep and judged on the livestock
team, but he also attended FFA Alumni Camp and competed in public speaking
contests.
“I hated public speaking when I started, but of everything I learned in FFA
it has helped most in my career,” Brent said.
His leadership success blossomed. Oklahoma FFA members elected him to serve
as the state secretary in 1990 and as state president in 1991. As an
officer, he attended OSU, majoring in agribusiness. After graduation in
December 1994, he used his leadership and speaking skills for Sen. Jim
Inhofe, working as a field representative in charge of agricultural and
rural issues. In April 2001, President George W. Bush appointed Brent to
serve as state director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural
Development in Oklahoma.
“Our agency takes a holistic approach to rural development in the state,”
Brent said. “Our goal is to increase economic opportunities and enhance the
quality of life for rural Oklahomans.”
At the time of his appointment, Brent was the youngest person to serve in
this role. He manages a $340 million budget to “make the biggest impact,”
and he credits FFA for his success.
“FFA is not just about the contests,” he said. “It’s about learning how to
interact with people.
“When I interview people, I can pick out an FFA member from a mile away.
They know how to make the step from being a good employee to being a great
one.”
Brent said he understands how growing up on the farm made a difference in
his life and is thankful.
“Dad never let you do anything half-way,” he said. “I don’t ever remember
getting up before he did.”
For the Kislings, the strong work ethic and the love for agriculture are
multi-generational, from Keith’s parents Frank and Annabelle to Layne and
Bree, son and daughter of Brent and his wife, Jennifer. Last year, Layne
showed his first lamb and gave his first speech in 4-H, the same way his
father started.
“Life has come full circle,” Brent said.
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