Youth News
Megan Trantham of Boise City FFA Named 2015 Oklahoma FFA Star in Agri Business
Wed, 29 Apr 2015 21:10:42 CDT
Boise City FFA member Megan Trantham saw and fulfilled the need to deliver quality show feed and products to 4-H and FFA members in her community, leading her to capture one of Oklahoma FFA's highest honors.
Trantham's devotion to owning and operating a local feed store led to her selection as the 2015 State Star in Agribusiness. Her supervised agricultural experience project was rated the best agribusiness program among the 742 FFA members who received the State FFA Degree during the 89th Oklahoma State FFA Convention in Oklahoma City on April 29.
Under Trantham's direction, Trantham Feed Store grew from six customers in 2010 to nearly 50 customers from Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas in just five years.
"Advertisement has been the key factor in growing my business," Trantham said. "I advertise by newspaper articles, business cards, emails to agricultural education advisers and extension agents, and word-of-mouth from my current customers."
Trantham said she believes another vital aspect to running a successful business is building relationships with customers and being involved in the community.
"Trantham Feed sponsors numerous activities throughout the year to promote the feed business and support customers," Trantham said. "I add on premiums to stockshows, sponsor belt buckles, and have even sponsored a livestock showing clinic where I spoke to 4-H participants about feed labels, feed conversions and nutrients."
Owning and operating Trantham Feed Store has cultivated skills that will be helpful in college and the workplace, Trantham said.
"The FFA has given me an opportunity to learn crucial business skills, communication skills, professionalism, marketing, and people skills that will benefit my future," Trantham said. "I will attend Oklahoma State University in the fall, so my younger brother will continue Trantham Feed."
The 18-year-old Boise City FFA member is the daughter of Brent and Angela Trantham. Her agricultural education instructor and FFA adviser is Erin Russell.
Along with the State Star honor, Trantham also received the Governor's Trophy and a $1,500 cash award sponsored by Blue and Gold Sausage Co. The national sponsor for this award is Dupont Co. and CNH Capital.
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays talked with Megan after the judging was over in early April- and you can see the video highlights of that conversation by clicking on the PLAY button in the video box below.
You can also hear their full conversation by clicking on the LISTEN BAR at the bottom of this story.
FFA is an integral part of the Agricultural Education division in the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education system. With more than 27,000 FFA members, the Oklahoma FFA Association is the fifth-largest state FFA association. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about Oklahoma FFA, visit www.okffa.org.
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