Supervised Agricultural Experience projects (SAE) are a major component of Agriculture classes at HVRHS. 

The SAE is designed and carried out by the student with the support of the parent,  the supervision of the agriculture teacher and/or employer. The SAE could involve the student working for an employer, starting their own small business, or some other type of agricultural activity based on agriculture. The student will then keep accurate records (hours worked, money made, etc.) of their experience and compile it in their SAE record book. Each student is responsible for planning, implementing and keeping records for their project.  Our students use an online record book system called AET: theaet.com/

In order for this to be a beneficial learning experience, students have to have a vested interest in their project and work on it throughout the duration of the class. Students will be required to put in a recommended number of hours of work into their project, keep current and accurate records, reflect on what they learn and accomplish, take pictures and communicate with parents, supervisors and their teacher. 

The importance of SAE programs extends far beyond the agricultural education classroom. An SAE is a catalyst for personal growth, career development and responsible citizenship that leads to individual, group and societal benefits not possible through formal education alone. Skills, knowledge, experiences and connections gained through SAEs remain with students for a lifetime and positively influence others along the way. An SAE is more than an integral part of agricultural education; it is tangible learning with an applied purpose and measurable results. Having a SAE is essential for the student to succeed in the agricultural education program. SAE programs benefit students, schools, employers, communities, parents, and teachers.

Types of SAE Projects

Most SAE projects fall under one of the following categories.

Placement: A work-based SAE in which a student learns and gains skills in a paid or unpaid position on a farm or agricultural business. Examples include working on a farm, volunteering at an animal shelter, working as a veterinarian assistant, caring for and training horses, assisting at a local feed store, working with a local non-profit, Garden club, caring for the school animals on the weekends, volunteering with a wildlife rehabilitator, working at a nursery/garden center.

Entrepreneurship: Owning, organizing and managing inputs and assuming the risks of an SAE business or enterprise. An entrepreneurship SAE may involved owning and producing crops, animals for various reasons or providing a service. Examples include raising poultry, pet sitting, dog walking, selling homemade dog biscuits, breeding rabbits, showing livestock, bee keeping, landscaping service, tree work.