Developing an impactful supervised agricultural experience (SAE) doesn’t necessarily require large amounts of space, equipment or money, and these four FFA members have the projects to prove it. Learn from these FFA members how to create a successful SAE using minimal resources.
Inspired by a friend’s father, Dawson Utterback decided to grow giant pumpkins of the Dill's Atlantic Giant variety in his backyard for his SAE. He didn’t need much to get started — just 150 square feet, seeds, fertilizer and water. Before he knew it, he had his first successful crop.
“Since starting this project as a freshman, I’ve grown pumpkins as large as 659 pounds,” says Utterback, now a junior in the Chief Washakie FFA from Worland, Wyo.
Although Utterback says giant pumpkins are easy to grow because the plants do most of the work, he encourages anyone interested in taking on this SAE to take advantage of the support, advice and guidance more experienced growers can provide.
“The pumpkin-growing community is so friendly,” he says. “I’ve made a lot of friends, and everyone helps each other out.”
