Plant Systems
Explore the passion, hard work, and hands-on learning of FFA members through their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects in the Plant Systems pathway. This playlist showcases real students growing real skills — from backyard gardens and greenhouse operations to agronomic crop production, turf management, and plant science research.
Whether they're cultivating vegetables for local markets, propagating ornamental plants, studying soil health, or managing row crops on the family farm, these FFA members are putting classroom knowledge into action. SAE projects are a cornerstone of agricultural education, giving students the opportunity to explore career interests, develop entrepreneurial skills, and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the agricultural industry.
Through these videos, you'll see firsthand how Plant Systems SAEs come to life — the challenges students overcome, the mentors who guide them, and the pride that comes from seeing a project grow from the ground up. These experiences not only prepare members for careers in plant science, horticulture, agronomy, and beyond, but also build the leadership and life skills that define an FFA member.
Whether you're a student looking for SAE inspiration, an advisor helping members find their path, or a supporter of agricultural education, this playlist offers a window into the next generation of plant science professionals. Watch, learn, and be inspired by what FFA members are growing!
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Ranch Management SAE
Rhett Wade, an 11th grader, shares his extensive SAE in farm and ranch management, and fruit and forage production. He highlights how his SAE in the Animal Systems pathway has fostered personal growth, built friendships, and provided priceless hands-on learning. Rhett details his responsibilities...
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Fly Tying SAE
Dylan Gonzalez shares his journey in fly fishing and fly tying, highlighting the challenges of mastering repeating patterns. He emphasizes the importance of patience and learning from experiences in this lifelong sport. His father significantly influences his learning, and he also discusses the v...
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Ctenophore SAE
Grace Ramcke and Hannah Colonese, seniors at the Sound School, share their supervised agriculture experience. Their project focuses on using bioluminescence to monitor brain patterns in PTSD patients. After facing initial setbacks, they improved their system with expert guidance. They highlight t...
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From Pruning to Profit
Hayden Larson, a 10th grader from Safford FFA, shares his extensive SAE in plant science at Angle Orchard. For over a decade, he has cultivated apples, peaches, pears, and plums, mastering essential tasks like pruning, pest control, and harvesting. This hands-on work has instilled a strong work e...
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Ranch Foreman, Orchard SAE
Jared Mudd, a senior at Willows High School and member of the Willows FFA chapter, manages R and M Farms as ranch foreman. He learns tree cultivation while balancing work and school. Overcoming initial challenges, he gains skills in irrigation and pest management. His SAE project has grown signif...
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Beekeeping SAE
Nathan Laurenz, an 11th grader, shares his supervised agricultural experience in beekeeping. He manages five hives and enjoys the community with fellow beekeepers. While time management is a challenge, he learns valuable skills like record keeping and money management. Nathan plans to continue be...
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Floral Shop SAE
Ashley Yanego, a senior at Strassburg FFA in Virginia, shares her experience with her Supervised Agricultural Experience in a flower shop. She performs tasks like cutting flowers and making arrangements, emphasizing the need for organization and knowledge. Motivated by career events and volunteer...
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Forage and Grain Crop Production SAE
Kyle Tintzman, a junior in the Corvallis FFA program, manages 300 acres of barley and forage crops. Suggested by his advisor and sister, this supervised agricultural experience teaches him the value of hard work. He enjoys watching and harvesting crops but faces challenges with time-consuming irr...
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Agritourism SAE
Peyton Moore, a 10th grader from Bullard, Texas, shares her agritourism SAE featuring a pumpkin patch that educates visitors about agriculture. She hosts field trips for elementary students and enjoys seeing families return. Weather challenges affect attendance, but Peyton values the skills she g...
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The Power of Microgreens
Discover the innovative microgreen SAE project by Coolidge FFA members Zaedee Volk, Avery Garcia, and Sophie Fronek. These students are cultivating microgreens, extracting oils for lotions and dog treats, and participating in the entrepreneurial microTank competition. Learn about their daily hydr...
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Micro Algae SAE — Featured Video Default 16:14
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Olive Oil SAE
Luke Anderson and Jovanni Garcia, 11th graders from Hamilton City, share insights from their school-based SAE project on olive oil production. They discuss their farming backgrounds, the challenges they encountered, and the skills they developed. Community involvement, hard work, communication, a...
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Sports Turf Management SAE
Michael Netherton, a senior at Seneca High School, shares his journey in Sports Turf Management at the Louisville Bat Stadium. He highlights the unique hydraulic Game Mound and reflects on his early passion for turf management, inspired by mentors. Netherton stresses the importance of perfection ...
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Recycling SAE - Raymond Pan
Raymond’s SAE is recycling. His SAE involves collecting all of the recyclables around the school and making sure they get recycled properly. He got interested through a similar activity at the Georgia state convention where they had to pick up trash. He realized that there are a lot of waste issu...
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Research-Composting SAE
Jordan Butler and Amari Mango from the Clark Central FFA chapter explore urban composting barriers in Athens, Georgia. They focus on reducing solid waste and enhancing composting practices. With guidance from Ms. Gordon and Mr. Warwick Prichard, they conduct surveys to understand local perception...
