Youth News
Meet Your 2018 FFA Star in Agribusiness, Jesse Rader of the Oologah FFA Chapter
Wed, 02 May 2018 18:21:45 CDT
Oologah FFA member Jesse Rader's success in operating a honeybee business for his supervised agricultural experience led to him capturing one of Oklahoma FFA's highest honors: the 2018 State Star in Agribusiness. Rader's SAE was rated the best agribusiness program among the 794 FFA members who received the State FFA Degree during the 92nd Oklahoma State FFA Convention in Oklahoma City on May 2. Click or tap the PLAYBOX in the window below to watch a short video clip of Jeese talk about his SAE.
The Star winner from the Northeast Area operates a diverse farming operation including beef and dairy cattle, poultry, produce, pecans and bees. Rader is hard-pressed when it comes to picking a favorite part of his business, but says bees are probably one of the most interesting that he is involved with.
"A lot of people don't think about bees as being a part of agriculture, but they are cool to have," he says. "I lease out my beehives to four different states across the country - California, Texas, Minnesota and Oklahoma. I pull honey off them in Minnesota and Oklahoma. California is strictly for almonds. Texas is just for wildflowers and hayfields. In Minnesota, I pollinate canola and clover and back in Oklahoma, it's just whatever is left at the end of the growing season."
When it comes to running his business, Rader says his secret to success is two-fold.
"One is, you've got to spend money to make money," he remarked. "But, time management is also huge. You've got to stay on top of stuff to make sure you keep everything in prime working condition to maximize your profit margins."
Through his participation in public speaking events, livestock judging and agriscience in the FFA - Rader says he has learned how to better interact with people and says it has helped him to develop a strong work ethic.
After high school, Rader plans to attend Rogers State University in Claremore, Okla. where he has a full-ride scholarship. He plans to then transfer to Oklahoma State University and pursue a graduate degree in Animal Science with aspirations of becoming an embryologist.
You can hear his entire conversation with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays, by clicking or tapping on the LISTEN BAR below.
Our salute of the 2018 Area Stars of the Oklahoma FFA is brought to you by American Farmers & Ranchers and AFR Insurance, 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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