Family Cattle Hauling Business: Hunter Cook
For many FFA members, Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) are a way to try out different careers. But for Stroud FFA member Hunter Cook, it’s part of his everyday life and something his family has been doing for generations. “This project began because I am a third-generation Oklahoma cattleman and grew up actively involved in my family’s livestock operation,” he said. His dad started Cook Trucking in 2008 to haul their own cattle, and over time, it grew into a business that also hauls for other producers.
Hunter hauls cattle for the family farm within a 150-mile radius.
Even though he doesn’t have his commercial driver’s license (CDL) yet, he still plays a big role in the operation. “I can legally drive for the family operation hauling our own cattle, as long as I stay within 150 miles of the farm,” he explained. He drives semis and livestock trailers under supervision and is getting a lot of real-world experience. When he first started in 2022, he couldn’t drive yet, so he helped with things like loading and unloading cattle, cleaning trailers, and basic maintenance. By 2023, he started riding along with experienced drivers to different ranches and sale barns. Now, “I currently haul cattle within a 150-mile radius of the farm, while still completing my previous responsibilities such as loading, unloading, trailer cleaning, and basic maintenance,” he said.
Hunter works hard to clean and care for equipment.
Safety is huge when hauling livestock. “Thousands of livestock are lost each year during transport for a variety of reasons,” he said. To prevent that, he focuses on things like proper ventilation, hauling during cooler parts of the day, planning routes ahead of time, and making sure the weight is balanced correctly.
Through his SAE, he’s learned a lot more than just how to haul cattle. Cook said, “I have learned how to communicate with a wide variety of people who are from different backgrounds and walks of life.”
One skill he didn’t expect? “My ability to remember and recall names of county roads, highways, and interstates.”
Hunter stays focused to keep up with equipment to reduce the risk of livestock loss.
Of course, the job isn’t always easy. “The most challenging part in my SAE project is driving in heavy traffic while hauling a full load of livestock,” he explained. Since cattle are live animals, they move around, which can shift the weight of the truck and make it harder to drive. “As cattle move during transit, they can shift the truck’s center of gravity, affecting steering and braking.”
Hunter helps with routine maintenance and learns skills that will be beneficial in his future.
Looking ahead, Hunter already knows what he wants to do. “After high school graduation, I plan to go directly into the workforce on the family farm while gaining an associate degree in farm business management from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College online,” he said. He also plans to get his CDL, grow the family herd, and keep building the business.
For other FFA members thinking about starting a similar SAE, his advice is simple: “Don’t be afraid to get started!” With hard work and hands-on experience, this Stroud FFA member is continuing his family’s legacy and setting himself up for a future in the livestock industry.
