FFA Today: Texas FFA Member Named Finalist for Top Agribusiness Honor

Jose Yepez turned a high school lawn care operation into a business with $1 million in total revenue.

AUSTIN, Texas (RFD News) — A Texas FFA member has turned a lawn care operation into a growing landscaping business and is now a finalist for one of FFA’s top honors.

Jose Yepez of Greenville FFA joined us on FFA Today to discuss being named one of four finalists for the American Star in Agribusiness award.

In his conversation with RFD News, Yepez said the business began as a side hustle during high school when he started mowing lawns to help pay for college. Yepez Landscaping has since generated $1 million in total revenue.

Yepez continues to run the business while attending college in Austin. He said one of his biggest lessons has been learning to listen and accept constructive criticism.

The winner will be announced at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this fall.

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Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


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