Veribest FFA member, Lane Howard, is capitalizing on mentor experience and building a budding sod business. 

"Since I was ten years old, I have worked with a family friend, Randy Gully, on his grass farm, The Other Side," said Howard. "Two years ago, he encouraged me to start my own grass company, Veribest Sod."

When he began his business, he knew he did not have the money to lay his own grass fields. However, he contacted his mentor, Mr. Gully, to market grass.

"My arrangement with Mr. Gully has allowed me to buy grass from him at his production cost," said Howard. "I can then market it to my customers in addition to the installation labor I provide."

Once he takes delivery of the grass, he is solely responsible for every remaining step of the process. 

"A pallet sod contains fifty-seven, two-foot by four-foot sections of grass," said Howard. "This sod is only viable on the pallet for approximately three days. If it sits on the pallet longer than that, it will spoil and mold. It is, therefore, very important that I quickly get the sod laid for the customer."

He saw that his responsibilities changed greatly as he transitioned into a business owner.

"The greatest challenge that I have faced has been finding ways to inform people that they can buy high-quality, locally produced TifTuf Bermudagrass from a high school freshman," said Howard. 

This challenge has not wavered his success. He has had approximately one hundred customers this past year, about a fifteen percent gain from the previous year. 

Most people who want to plant grass look to large retailers. However, the Veribest FFA member believes that some of the best grass comes from local producers.

Howard's successful SAE project was recognized at the 2023 Texas FFA State Convention as the Star Chapter in Agribusiness.