Youth News
Meet Sarah Haven, Oklahoma FFA's Southwest District Star in Agribusiness from Cheyenne, Okla
Wed, 19 Apr 2017 13:15:02 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.
Today, we highlight Sarah Haven of the Cheyenne FFA Chapter, representing Oklahoma FFA as its Southwest District Star in Agribusiness. With a business that began in partnership with her brothers, is now Sarah's alone, providing her community with a convenient feed service.
"I own SBJ Feeds, which is a feed store in Cheyenne, Oklahoma and we're a self-service 24/7 store," she explained. "each month I bill out statements and they pay me from there."
As a high school student, obviously, Haven cannot tend the store at all times. But that didn't stop her from finding a way around that. According to Haven, the way it works is, customers are given an electronic key fob that allows them access to the feed. Serving themselves, customers take what they need and record in a ledger what they took and how much. Once a week, Haven enters these transactions into her computer using Quickbooks, and uses that program to bill and keep track of her accounts receivable.
"If they stop paying, we can actually deactivate their key," she said, "and so they don't get to come in anymore and buy feed."
Haven has had to work with her customers to understand their needs and keep stock of the feeds they rely on her to provide.
"I order inventory about once a week and keep in stock what people are buying," she said, listing off the show feed and supplement products she carries. "We try to keep our community happy, so we carry a variety of feeds."
When she is not tending to her feed business, Haven spends her time showing sheep and pigs and participates in prepared public speaking. After graduating high school, she plans to attend Oklahoma State University and pursue a degree in agribusiness with a pre-vet management option.
You can hear her 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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