Chapter SAEs

"For my SAE project, I worked at Dennis Oliver's Bellevue Farms in Williamsburg, Iowa, engaging in various tasks related to animal care and farm management. The farm, which specializes in horses while also housing goats, llamas, camel and sheep, has provided me with a diverse and practical agricultural experience." 

- Kathryn Kilgard, Senior

"For my SAE project, I worked at a family-owned farm store with 35 years of operation that specializes in agricultural supplies such as tools, equipment, livestock feed, and seeds. In this role, I interacted with customers daily, handled phone calls, operated the cash register, assisted with purchases, and supported store operations by loading items, cleaning, and stocking inventory." 

- Abby Sparrowgrove, Senior

"For my SAE project I work on the family farm. This farm covers 1,500 acres. We run about 150 head of beef cows, around 130 weaned calves as well as 140 steers and heifers. My responsibilities include completing daily chores and doing visual health checks on all livestock. I put out hay every other day in the fall and winter and manage cattle on pasture in the spring and summer. I mow and rake approximately 300 acres of hay each year. My dad and I haul manure together, and we work side by side during planting and other fieldwork throughout the year" 

- William Sayers, Junior

"For my SAE project, I focus on raising Boer goats with my family. Each year, we purchase approximately 15 one-week-old goats, and our herd currently totals 55—with 10 goats pregnant and an expected 18 kids this spring. This project has deepened my understanding of animal husbandry and livestock management." 

- Avary Helmrichs, Freshman @SDSU

For my SAE project, I assist in raising both crossbred and purebred Hampshire lambs on my family farm under the guidance of my father, a seasoned sheep farmer. I contribute to daily tasks, support lambing season by setting up birthing pens and bottle-feeding lambs when needed, and help grow our flock—which now includes 11 purebred Hampshire ewes, one purebred Dorset, and a total of 22 ewes—thereby enhancing my agricultural expertise.

-Myla Frimml, Senior

"My SAE project is a placement SAE through my job at Outdoor Creations, a full-service landscaping business that works with both residential and commercial clients. My responsibilities include landscape and hardscape installation, lawn grading, planting perennials plants, mulching, turf care, and general property maintenance. I help carry out landscape designs by preparing job sites, installing plants, and helping complete projects in a timely manner." 

- Chance Hoyt, Junior

"For my SAE project, I gained diverse agricultural experience by assisting at multiple farms. At a 1,200-acre grain farm, I contributed to fieldwork and equipment operations; at a 400-head dairy, I helped with milking procedures by setting up equipment and preparing the cows; and at a family farm, I supported tasks such as mowing, hay production, and general operations. This multifaceted role has enhanced my skills in grain farming, dairy operations, and overall farm management." 

- Carter Koenig, Sophmore

"For my SAE project, I work at Safe Haven animal shelter, where I provide dedicated care for dogs and cats. I am responsible for feeding, cleaning, exercising, and engaging with the animals, tailoring my approach to meet each animal’s unique needs and ensuring they receive the best care possible."

 - Shayla Helgeson, Senior