SAE Ideas

Your Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is more than just a project—it’s your chance to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations. Whether you’re raising animals, starting a small business, conducting research, or working in the ag industry, your SAE should reflect your interests and help you grow professionally.

Below is a list of SAE ideas to help inspire your journey. Explore them with purpose and take ownership—this is a required component of your agricultural education and a powerful step toward your future success!

Veterinary Assistant Internship

Type: Placement SAE

Idea: Work at a local veterinary clinic assisting with animal care, office work, or sanitation.

Getting Started: Reach out to a local veterinary offices or animal shelters to inquire about student internships or volunteer roles. Complete necessary paperwork and get parental/guardian permission.

Beekeeping & Honey Sales

Type: Entrepreneurship SAE

Idea: Start and manage a small-scale beekeeping operation and sell honey at local markets.

Getting Started: Take an intro beekeeping course, invest in a beginner's hive kit, and work with a local beekeeper mentor to establish best practices.

Plant Growth in Hydroponic vs. Soil Systems

Type: Research SAE

Idea: Conduct a scientific experiment comparing plant growth in hydroponic and traditional soil environment.

Getting Started: Develop a research question and hypothesis, gather supplies for both growing systems, and maintain consistent conditions for testing and documentation.

Forestry Job Shadow

Type: Exploratory (Foundational) SAE

Idea: Shadow a forestry professional or DNR officer for several days to explore career paths.

Getting Started: Coordinate with local forestry office or county extension agent to arrange visits, and keep a journal of experiences and reflections.

Landscape Maintenance Assistant

Type: Placement SAE

Idea: Work part-time or seasonally for a landscaping business doing mowing, planting, and edging.

Getting Started: Contact local landscaping companies or garden centers and apply for an assistant role; track hours and responsibilities in a work log.