SAE

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What is SAE?

SAE stands for Supervised Agricultural Experience Project. As an agriculture student, it is required by law that each student completes a project each year they are enrolled in an agriculture class. SAE allows students to gain work-based experience in the industry. It is student-led, teacher-supervised, and a chance for students to put their skills into practice in an area they are passionate about.

Foundational

All students enrolled in a level-one course will complete a foundational SAE project where they learn and practice workplace safety, career exploration, and career skills.

Ownership/Entrepreneurship

Students who own their own livestock, crops or small business are classified as having an entrepreneurship SAE. These students learn how to manage money, stock and equipment through hands on learning by doing.

Placement/Internship

Students with paid or unpaid internships or work hours in an agricultural field learning skills that they couldn't learn through their own business. Examples of these would be vet techs, farm hands, and nursery managers. These help people prepare to join professional work environments but still maintain school and other activities.

Experimental

Students are able to complete a research project of their choice as an SAE project. This could include research on animal diseases, better ways of feeding, more efficient water usage, etc. This project includes a control and variable component, hypothesis, and conclusion.

Analytical

Students are able to answer the question "Why?" in this SAE project. Students find a problem, issue, or topic in agriculture and work to answer the question "Why? or How?" through research and problem-solving. These projects help students learn in a personalized way and gives them the ability to learn more about topics which they have a passion for.

Service-Learning

Through service learning, students live to serve. Students plan, conduct and evaluate a project designed to provide a service to a school, public entity or the community. It must provide benefits to another organization, group or individuals other than the FFA chapter.

Agricultural Processing
Agricultural Sales
Animal Systems
Bee Production
Diversified Agricultural Production
Diversified Horticulture
Environmental Science
Equine Science
Forest Management and Products
Goat Production
Hydroponics Production
Landscape Management
Nursery Operations
Outdoor Recreation
Poultry Production
Service-Learning
Turf Grass Management
Vegetable Production
Veterinary Science
Wildlife Production and Management

Level 1 SAE Project

Level 2 SAE Project

Proficiency Awards

Applying for an FFA Proficiency Award is a valuable opportunity for students to gain recognition for the hard work they’ve invested in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). These awards not only celebrate student achievement but also help build skills in record-keeping, communication, and goal-setting. Winning or even applying for a proficiency award can strengthen college and scholarship applications, build confidence, and open doors to leadership opportunities and future careers in agriculture and beyond.