Agricultural News
Meet Your Central District Star in Agribusiness Ryan Noland from the Springer FFA Chapter
Mon, 17 Apr 2017 15:29:35 CDT
During the month of April, the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and Oklahoma Farm Report is spotlighting the twenty District Stars of Oklahoma FFA that are among the highest achievers in the organization. The stars come from the five districts in four categories- Star in Ag Placement, Star in Agriscience, Star in Agribusiness and Star in Production Agriculture. Last week, we spotlighted the five district stars in Agriscience- this week we move on to the Agribusiness Stars for 2017.
We begin this week with Central District Star in Agribusiness Ryan Noland, of the Springer FFA Chapter. Noland has started mowing lawns in the 5th grade with just a simple push mower. Today, Noland has turned his hard work into a profitable turf management business, with more machines and more services to offer his customers.
"It really started turning into a business when I hit the 8th grade," he said. "Now I'm licensed, insured- I do everything from tree removal, to general mowing, weed control and fertilization."
As his business has grown, Noland has expanded his business to include both residential and commercial properties. He says one of the most important things he has had to learn, is developing relationships with his clients.
"Building relationships with your customers is key," he said. "That's the most important thing. Anybody can mow a lawn. You have got to go the extra mile and build those relationships with your customers."
Beyond customer service though, building a business has also taught Noland financial responsibility and how to manage business expenses, to earn the most potential profitability.
Many of the skills he has developed through owning a business and working with customers, he credits to a solid foundation in those areas established during his FFA career.
"One of the first things I did was give a speech," Noland remembers. "I did not want to do it, but now I've seen how much that's helped me in my business - not being awkward and uncomfortable with the customers."
Beyond prepared public speaking though, Noland has participated in several activities since joining FFA in the 8th grade, including livestock and land judging and his latest involvement with an agribusiness project. After graduation, he plans to attend East Central University to earn a business degree in the Business Scholars program. After that, Noland intends to return home to continue managing his turf management business and pursue other business opportunities as well.
You can hear his entire conversation with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays, by clicking or tapping on the LISTEN BAR below.
A complete list of the District Stars can be seen on the Oklahoma FFA website by clicking or tapping here.
Our salute of the 2017 District Stars of the Oklahoma FFA is brought to you by American Farmers & Ranchers, proud to support Oklahoma's youth. Visit the AFR website by clicking or tapping here to learn more on how AFR supports the young people of Oklahoma, and how AFR can provide you with quality insurance for your home, auto, farm, and life.
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