Two dedicated educators in the realm of agriculture have just been recognized for their unwavering commitment and innovative contributions. Brian Freking and Brian Pugh were honored with the Oklahoma State University Extension Distinguished Educator Award, as reported by Oklahoma State University Extension on Tuesday at a conference in Stillwater.

According to the Oklahoma State University Extension announcement, Associate Vice President Damona Doye commended both award recipients for their varied roles within the organization which spans from county educator to area specialist, noting their collaboration with faculty and their status as well-respected authorities in their fields. Freking, who is recognized as the area livestock specialist, has been with Oklahoma State University Extension since 2004 and draws inspiration from on-farm research and producer interaction, while Pugh, coming from a family deeply rooted in Extension work, has been contributing since his upbringing in 4-H and his tenure with Oklahoma State University Extensionthat began just months after Freking's.

Freking's career is deeply intertwined with a lifelong dedication to agriculture, having been influenced by a family invested in serving the farming community, this is shown through his move to Oklahoma's Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture in 1995 before joining Oklahoma State University Extension, "Helping producers on a daily basis is fun," Freking said in a statement obtained by Oklahoma State University Extension, adding "Every day is different. You never know what call you’re going to get." His early memories of neighbors rallying to support his own family left a lasting impression, such an intimate history shaped a career that though demanding, stands as a testament to communities bound by toil and mutual support.

Brian Pugh's path echoes a similar sentiment, walking in the footsteps laid by his parent's careers in the Extension and 4-H, his life has been a mosaic of agricultural engagement, from showing livestock as a youth to now being celebrated for his exemplary role at Oklahoma State University Extension. In looking forward, Freking is spearheading agronomy and livestock projects including a grazing school to promote rotational grazing among producers, while Pugh's past accolades in 4-H's beef project area continue to resonate in his present accomplishments.