Illustration: Getty Images, Shanina
If you’re planning to start, expand or switch up your Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) this year, draw inspiration from these creative FFA members and alums, highlighted by the 2024-25 FFA in the USA reporters.
Our Voice. Our Story.
The National FFA Organization takes great pride in being a student-led organization. So, who’s better equipped to help tell the FFA story than our members?
This year, more than 130 FFA in the USA reporters from every corner of the country and Puerto Rico are showcasing what makes FFA (and agriculture!) special in their region. By participating in this first-of-its-kind program, these reporters have the opportunity to learn and grow as they receive top-notch training from marketing and communications professionals, access FFA-branded materials and produce captivating content that’s published on FFA.org.
This talented group of storytellers are responsible for the SAE reports featured below, and there’s more to come. You can learn more about the FFA in the USA reporters program and access additional content, including articles and videos. New content is posted on this webpage each month, so check back often for the latest FFA news. You can also submit your story ideas here.
SOUTHERN REGION
The 2024-25 National FFA Vice President Jack Lingenfelter’s SAE focused in agricultural communications.
By Adriana Colón, Puerto Rico
Dra. María Socorro Lacot FFA member Gabriela López stands out for her poultry production SAE. Since starting Gaby’s Egg Farm in 2020, López’s flock has grown to include 100 hens that lay approximately 14,000 eggs annually. In recognition of her hard work, López was featured in a calendar for Selectos, one of Puerto Rico’s largest supermarket chains, and has earned scholarships to invest in her business.
Farm fresh eggs Gabriela López collected from her chickens. Photo courtesy of Gabriela López.
Cultivating Knowledge in Plant Care
By Jazmin Palma, North Carolina
Josiah Saravia from the Millbrook FFA Chapter interns at the Atlantic Gardening Company. By caring for rare and exotic plants, Saravia is deepening his specialty horticulture knowledge through a plant systems-focused SAE.
By Zoey Symons, Louisiana
Representing the Winnfield FFA Chapter, 2024-25 Louisiana FFA State Officers Jasmine Jones and Emily Nevils host a podcast named Area Real Estate. This agricultural communications SAE features insights and encouragement for members considering running for an area office.
By Paige Pardue, Tennessee
Mason Duke developed an interest in agriculture by playing a video game called Farming Simulator. Now, the Munford FFA member is pursuing an agriculture services SAE related to aerial application and maintenance.
EASTERN REGION
The 2024-25 National FFA Vice President Caroline Groth’s SAE focused in sheep production.
By Lucy Chorman, Delaware
Four years ago, Lake Forest FFA member Forrest Kent-Teichmann discovered an outdoor recreation SAE opportunity close to home: working on a charter fishing boat. In addition to learning
the ropes on the boat, she’s applying skills such as public speaking and relationship building to deepen her connections.
By Morgan Keith, Indiana
When Cian Cribbs’ advisor noticed he spent a lot of time helping in the special education classroom, she encouraged him to connect this to an agricultural education SAE. As a result, the Whiteland FFA Alumnus prepared and delivered weekly lessons about agriculture. This process helped him learn how to cater to each student’s needs and manage his time and resources effectively. A current student at Spalding University, Cribbs plans to incorporate his passion for special education into his plan of study.
Cian Cribbs leads a group of students through a lesson about ice cream.
By Elizabeth Lilyea, New York
Andrew Curtis Szalach, a Cazenovia Aggies FFA member and 2024-25 New York FFA state treasurer, chose an agricultural mechanics SAE focused on restoring classic tractors. To help organize his project load and create a compelling agricultural proficiency application, he’s learned the importance of keeping meticulous records.
By Taylor Johnson, Ohio
Sixteen-year-old Nate Emmons’ interest in wildlife management is widely recognized among his friends and family. As an Evergreen FFA member, Emmons strengthened his SAE and sharpened his skills by researching, practicing and seeking guidance from others in the field of taxidermy.
CENTRAL REGION
The 2024-25 National FFA Vice President Mary Schrieber’s SAE focused in specialty animal production (beekeeping).
By Ada Nelson, Iowa
Third-year Ames FFA member Julia Mortvedt has played a role in her family’s business, Iowa Lavender, since it started in May 2020. Her multifaceted SAE also includes raising dairy goats that she shows at fairs and teaches guests about at the lavender farm.
By Luke McCrea, Minnesota
Alexander Timm’s forestry SAE is more than a business — it’s also a conservation effort. This Bethlehem Academy FFA member runs a nursery in his backyard, where he plants acorns and raises
saplings until they’re ready to be sold. Looking ahead, Timm hopes to bring the Chestnut tree to his state, and believes FFA gives him the tools needed to make his goal a reality.
Alexander Timm cares for his Chesnut tree seedlings. Photo courtesy of Alexander Timm.
The Bucking Bull Business
By Citlali Calixto, Colorado
Lacey Taylor, a Highland FFA member, follows in her family members’ footsteps by raising bulls for competitions through Buckers Unlimited. Her SAE has strengthened her confidence and helped her become a more empowered individual.
Chasing Dreams
By Lillian Hulse, Kansas
Entrepreneur Katie Aubert is funding her future with an agribusiness SAE. The Rossville FFA member offers goat pasture clearing services through 5A Goat Rental.
WESTERN REGION
The 2024-25 National FFA Vice President Abigale Jacobsen’s SAE focused in equine entrepreneurship.
By Jayda Goodson, New Mexico
Isaac Corral received two goats for his sixth birthday, which sparked an interest for a goat production — entrepreneurship SAE. Corral’s dedication to his projects is evident both in and out of the show ring, and he plans to continue his involvement in agriculture in the future.
By Nicholas Nishimura, Hawaii
Kohala High FFA member and 2024-25 Hawaii FFA State President Kenneth Matsuda is overseeing a community lei garden. Through his SAE, Matsuda hopes to promote and preserve native species as well as connect his community to agricultural education.
By Ethan Lopez, California
Tessa Camacho’s award-winning agriscience SAE involves testing horticultural charcoal to determine if it boosts the germination rate of floor-level plants after a forest fire. Living in an area prone to wildfires, this O’Neals Minarets FFA member wants to use her research to help her community. By learning how to overcome challenges and embrace collaboration, she’s achieved significant success in FFA and laid the foundation for her dream career as an agriculture educator.
Tessa Camacho (right) accepts her agriscience research award during the 2024 California State FFA Leadership Conference. Photo courtesy of Tessa Camacho.
By Samantha Aarup, Arizona
Angelina Smith, a senior AAEC-Estrella Mountain FFA member, has spent the past four years growing her small animal production and care SAE. She fosters kittens with the Buckeye Animal Rescue and Kennel (BARK) organization.
