Information for beginning farmers.
Beginning Farmer SAE Project
Young man selling cucumbers at the East Market, New York.
As part of school-based agricultural science education, students are encouraged to develop their own supervised agricultural experience (SAE), which involves engaging in actual production agriculture and demonstrating earnings.
We want to rejuvenate SAE by providing students with exciting new opportunities to meet successful young farmers and small beginning farmer service providers and create new social networking opportunities to keep students engaged with a motivated group of young, committed farmer role models after graduation.
The Supervised Agricultural Experience program is a key component of agricultural education. While working on an SAE project, students learn to apply the concepts and principles taught in their agriculture classes to real-world problems and scenarios.
A student selects an SAE project based on his or her interest in one of four areas:
- Exploratory – Learn about the big picture of agriculture and its many related careers.
- Research/Experimentation and Analysis – Conduct research and analyze information to discover new knowledge.
- Ownership/Entrepreneurship – Plan and operate an agriculture-related business.
- Placement – Work for a business or individual, either for pay or for the experience.
It is important that you, the teacher, parent, or student see the SAE as an integral component to the learning process. SAE is a chance for students to put in to practice things that they have been learning in the classroom, to explore career ideas, and to reflect on their experiences in the field. Remember the importance of reflection as part of the SAE process. Encourage students to keep a journal in which they reflect on what they are doing in their SAE and why it matters to them, their community, and the country. A vibrant and growing agriculture sector is important to the future of everyone. Lets help our high school students explore this exciting career field through their SAE’s!
Sincerely,
The Northeast Beginning Farmer Project Education Team
SAE Samples
Student Scrapbook What are some ideas for an SAE project? Download article as PDF
Teaching SAE
Engaging students in an SAE can be an intimidating prospect. However, there are some tried– and-true techniques teachers have found to help their classes understand the process, and the value, of creating an excellent SAE. 1. Teach SAE. Present SAE to students—more than once! Emphasize the hands-on experiences they can gather, the chance to try out [...]
The SAE Process – Brainstorming an idea and creating amazing experiences.
1. Brainstorm ideas: Review 2000 SAE Best Practice Guide. List as many SAEs as you can think of; do this individually or with a group. Share ideas among classes and teachers. Ask past students to recall successful projects and methods. What types of projects have you heard about? What student projects do you really admire? [...]
What is an SAE?
The National FFA defines SAE as ”Learning by Doing”. A Supervised Agricultural Experience program (SAE) is a key component of agricultural education. While working on an SAE project, students learn to apply the concepts and principles taught in their agriculture classes to real-world problems and scenarios. A student selects an SAE project based on his or [...]
What is school based Ag Ed?
Through agricultural education, students are provided opportunities for leadership development, personal growth and career success. Agricultural education instruction is delivered through three major components: Classroom/laboratory instruction (contextual learning) Supervised agricultural experience programs (work-based learning) Student leadership organizations (National FFA Organization, National Young Farmer Educational Association, and National Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization) Download article as PDF
It’s easy! Empire Degree Worksheet
Empire Degree Check List: Placement: Basic requirements- 2 full years of FFA membership (applying at least as a junior in high school) Must have worked at least 300 hours in an SAE- hours can be non-paid Must have earned the greenhand and chapter degrees What is your SAE area? ______________________________ 1. Hours worked (pages 2, [...]