Supervised Ag Projects (SAE)

Engaging in a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) can be rewarding even if you’re working with limited funds or resources. Here are seven SAEs that only require a little motivation and some passion for agriculture.

1. Agricultural Communications: Do you have a knack for writing, talking or capturing the world around you? Start a social media page or a podcast to share facts about agriculture. All it takes is access to a computer. Whether you want to go into video production or act as a spokesperson for local fairs or stock shows, this SAE will help you enhance your skills.

2. Agricultural Education: Developing and presenting curriculum isn’t limited to those with a teaching degree. Teach ag to those around you through a PALS program or elementary school program. Gathering plant and animal specimens or even creating a study guide for career and leadership development events (CDE/LDE) and selling those kits to other chapters and schools can kick-start a career in agricultural education.

3. Agriscience: Did you know agriscience projects are an SAE? Research and reporting are vital to creating change. Is there a debate in your community about milk additives and alternatives? Conduct a social systems survey. Are you concerned about the prevalence of food deserts? Research access and availability of food in the community and create a map for others to use.

4. Services on the Farm: Are you looking for on-farm experience even though you didn’t grow up on a farm? Start a business that offers on-farm services. Water gardens during dry months, offer to feed animals while a rancher takes a well-deserved vacation or learn to be an auctioneer. Agricultural services come in many forms.

5. Services in the Home: Perhaps you are looking for ag experience in an urban setting. Pet boarding, pet sitting and dog walking are all popular services. Want to be involved in something trendier? Create a plan to become a window gardening consultant, or offer your services designing interiors with houseplants.

6. Service-Learning: While FFA chapters across the country are known for their volunteerism, service-learning is also an SAE. Find a need in the community, create a plan, do the work and report the results. Perhaps your community is lacking a farmers market — create one. Maybe wildfires are affecting your hometown — demonstrate how landscaping can help fireproof homes.

7. School-Based Projects: While you may not have the space or resources to start a business, chances are your agriculture education program does. The ag mechanics labs at schools are often open all summer. You could run a small-engine repair business for the summer. Also, the school greenhouse needs year-round attention. Sell plants you grow or board houseplants for vacationers at the school greenhouse.

These quick-turn projects can have a lifelong impact. If you are already preparing your American FFA Degree application, remember to keep track of your time, expenses and income.

Learn more about SAEs at SAEForAll.org.