A Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is a hands-on learning program that is a core part of FFA and agricultural education. An SAE allows students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world agricultural experiences outside of school. Through SAEs, students explore career interests, develop practical skills, and build responsibility by managing their own projects over time. These experiences can include owning or working at an agricultural business, conducting research, gaining employment in an agriculture-related field, or developing skills such as leadership and communication. By keeping records and reflecting on their progress, students learn the value of goal-setting, decision-making, and accountability. Overall, an SAE helps students prepare for future careers while strengthening their understanding of agriculture and its impact on everyday life.

Benefits of a SAE 

• Hands on Learning 

• Career Exploration 

• Skill Development 

• Responsibilty 

• Time Management 

• Recordkeeping Experience 

• Earning Potential 

• Personal Growth 

• FFA Awards & Recongnition 

• Goal Setting 

• Decision Making 

• College & Career readiness 

Types of SAE's 

• Ownership/Entrepreneurship

Own and run your own agriculture related business or project to earn money 

• Placement/Internship

You work for someone else in an agriculture reladed job to gain experience 

• Research/Experimental 

• School Bases Enterprise 

• Exploratory

SAE Award Programs 

• American FFA Degree 

• Agriscience Fair 

• Iowa FFA Degree 

• Proficiency Award 

• SAE Programs 

• Stars Over Iowa