The agricultural industry is our nation's largest employer. Jobs in agriculture and its related fields comprise close to 21 percent of all jobs in the country. Production remains a solid foundation for all agriculture related careers, but only 8 percent of all agricultural jobs are in production. The remaining 92 percent are in agribusiness, science, marketing, communications, and other exciting areas.

Every student in the Agriculture Program and FFA has a SAE (Supervised Agriculture Experience) Program; this prepares members for their place in the job field. An SAE is a program you design to gain hands-on experience and develop skills in agriculture career areas that interest you. There are four types of SEA programs, they are:

Exploratory - this program allows for you to experience the big picture of Agriculture and career opportunities in it. Through personal research and on site contact with persons in the industry, you choose.

Research/Experimentation and Analysis - Agriculture is a science-based industry, this program offers students the opportunity to conduct research through the scientific process as it relates to the agriculture industry.

Ownership/Entrepreneurship - In this program you make the decisions for your business, whether it is livestock, horticulture or any other production enterprise. The basic requirement is that you own the enterprise(s) and take on the financial risk. The Spring Branch School District assists students with the availability of a project center.

Placement - this program offers student the opportunity to work in the agricultural industry either for pay or as an internship; the student is responsible for finding placement, advisor will assist with this placement.

An SAE program is not just another class assignment or graduation requirement. You are in charge of your SAE! This is an exciting opportunity to prove your abilities to future employers - and yourself.