Denver McBride is a junior from Silo, Okla., where he currently serves as the Silo FFA secretary. Through his FFA career, he has experimented with a wide variety of Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), currently maintaining three projects. While McBride’s projects cover several proficiency areas, his diversified horticulture entrepreneurship sticks out the most.
“My aunt and I have a plant company called Marcy Plants and Co. We sell rare philodendrons, lots of snake plants, many types of pothos, and even some succulents and cacti,” McBride said. “We go to garden shows around the Bryan County area and sell plants, as well as on our online storefront. As of right now, we don’t have a greenhouse, but that is in the making. We are also hoping to someday have an in-person storefront.”
From his living room, McBride is proving that being a nontraditional agriculture student is no barrier for those willing to think outside the box, or rather the pot. Using his unique perspective and passion for plants to find a project that best fits him has allowed his SAE to serve as a learning experience for himself and others.
“This project helps people bring horticulture and the hobby of caring for plants into their homes. It also helps individuals get a better understanding of horticulture,” McBride said. “From this project, I’ve learned about money, how to run a business, and more about caring for plants. I’ve also learned more about the industry of houseplants and how the system of wholesale works.”
Being successful in an SAE doesn’t come easy and requires long hours and hard work. Like McBride, you’ll only reap what you sow. As a first-year FFA member or nontraditional agricultural education student, you might have a hard time finding the project that best fits you. McBride’s advice is to “always look for something that you’re interested in. In doing this, you’ll be more interested in your SAE and more likely to succeed with it.”
Following his words and taking root in your project will ensure rapid growth for your SAE and yourself.
