SAE Projects
An agricultural education program consists of three integral parts: classroom and laboratory instruction, FFA and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE). With support from their families and their agricultural advisor, students develop an SAE project based on one or more SAE categories and keep records of their activities using the Agricultural Experience Tracker (AET). In their agriculture classes, Lakeside Middle FFA students research and develop a plan to implement individual SAE projects that are completed outside of class time. The culminating experience is an presentation at the end of the school year about what they have learned.
Exploratory
In an exploratory SAE, you get to explore agriculture in one of a variety of ways. As a part of your exploratory SAE program, you might attend an agricultural career day or prepare a presentation on the work of a veterinarian. This SAE type can help members better understand career opportunities in agriculture before investing time and resources into another SAE type that aligns with their interests.
Research
If you like to research or analyze, this is the SAE for you. You will plan and conduct a major agricultural experiment using the scientific process. As a part of your research SAE, you demonstrate scientific principals in agriculture. Some types of research opportunities could be determining if phases of the moon have an effect on plant growth, or determining the strengths of welds using different welding methods.
Entrepreneurship
As part of an ownership/entrepreneurship SAE, you might own and operate a lawn care service, produce bedding plants, flowers, or crops, or raise animals. Owning and operating an agriculture-related business is the expectation for this SAE type, with the ultimate goal of earning a profit.
Placement
This SAE type is best if you like working for someone else. Your job or internship could be on a farm or ranch, or in an agricultural business or community facility. A placement SAE might involve working at a riding stable, volunteering at a local shelter, or even working in a florist shop. Placement programs can also include activities where you volunteer your time at an agricultural nonprofit or other organization.