What is an
SAE?
SAE, or Supervised Agricultural Experience, is a structured program in which students gain practical, hands-on experience in agriculture by applying classroom knowledge to real-world projects, work, or research under the guidance of a teacher or mentor.
Types of SAE's
Entrepreneurship
The student own and operates an agricultural business.
The student works for someone else in an agricultural setting to gain experience.
Placement
Research/ Experimental
The student conducts an agricultural experiment or research project to test a hypothesis or solve a problem
The student learns about agriculture by exploring and observing different careers and practices
Exploratory/ Observation
Improvement/ Services
The student works to improve a community, organization or agricultural process
SAE
Spotlights
Ava Kappmeyer
My Supervised Agricultural Experience or SAE focuses on showing breeding heifers. Throughout the year, I work closely with the heifers to improve both their presentation and my own showmanship skills. The heifers are usually already show-broke, so my main focus is setting them up correctly, practicing show ring movements, and learning how to present them. A large part of my responsibilities includes washing the heifers regularly to train their hair to grow in the correct direction. This enhances their overall appearance and helps them look more feminine and well-groomed for shows. This SAE has helped me to develop responsibility, time management, animal care skills, and confidence in the show ring, which has led me to become successful not only in the show ring but in daily life.
Addie Cooper & Camryn Alsbrook
FFA’s motto is "Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.” This motto is more than just a sentence; it is a way of life. Specifically, “Living to Serve” is the driving force behind a Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) project undertaken by two Clear Lake FFA members in Iowa.
Camryn Allsbrook and Addie Cooper first connected through their Leadership Development Event, Parliamentary Procedure. There, they strengthened their connection and friendship. They developed leadership and teamwork that impacted how they worked together. These experiences helped them grow in and out of the classroom. While working together, they realized a need within the Clear Lake Community School District - greater access to fresh produce. This sparked interest in designing an SAE project focused on growing produce for the district pantry. Their vision aligns perfectly with FFA’s motto “Living to Serve.”
Determined to make their vision a reality, Camryn and Addie applied for funding and were awarded a $1,000 grant from the National FFA Organization. With the grant, they built raised garden beds, purchased soil, seeds, and necessary tools, and officially launched their project. Over time, they have successfully grown and donated a variety of vegetables, including green beans, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, zucchini, and more! Each time they were able to give back and serve their community, it motivated them to continue to make a difference in the lives of others. They have established a greater movement to help provide healthy, locally grown produce for families in need.
As seniors, Camryn and Addie are committed to ensuring that the project continues after their time in high school FFA. While they are still planning on staying involved, they want to expand their horizons and encourage others to give back to their community. In the following year, they plan to involve other students and share their knowledge on cultivating vegetables. Through this mentorship, they hope they can show others what it truly means to “Live to Serve.”
Camryn Allsbrook and Addie Cooper’s project serves as an example of FFA's projects in action and how you can live by FFA’s motto, “Living to Serve.” They have strengthened their local community and inspired others to continue the tradition of serving and cultivating produce. With the help of peers and their advisor Jenna Kingsley, they plan to expand the garden and continue to influence the community for years to come. Every single seed, and every service makes a meaningful difference.
Gracie Smith
This year I will start the Clear Lake FFA’s first Farmers Market booth. It will operate during the spring and summer and give members the chance to showcase their products, like vegetables, sourdough, baked goods, handmade items, and more. Running the booth will help members practice leadership, teamwork, and customer service, while learning how to manage sales. The goal of the booth is to share our hard work and creativity with the community, connect our chapter to local supporters, and give people a way to enjoy fresh, homegrown products.