Ryatt Haggerman practices his metalworking techniques.
In 7th grade, Ryatt Haggerman, current Missouri FFA Area 8 Chaplain and Versailles FFA President, discovered his passion for blacksmithing and metalworking.
Together with his father, he built a coal forge and began crafting simple projects. Throughout time, Haggerman has expanded his tool collection and now uses higher-quality materials, allowing him to create more intricate pieces. One project that stands out is one he completed for a history assignment. He replicated trinkets from the Great Depression, including belt buckles, knives, cooking utensils and other era-specific items.
Haggerman hopes to one day share his metalworking expertise with others. He wants to teach them essential skills to keep the trade alive, such as running a forge and proper forging techniques. Looking ahead, he hopes to become more involved in the blacksmithing community across Missouri.
He emphasizes that problem-solving and envisioning projects are crucial skills in blacksmithing. Designing his creations provides him with full creative freedom, and he enjoys experimenting with different techniques to see how they impact the structural integrity and appearance of his work.
Is This the SAE For Me?
While blacksmithing is a fascinating and unique supervised agricultural experience (SAE), it comes with its challenges.
Haggerman acknowledges that making a profit can be tough due to high material costs and competition from mass production. Luckily, he views blacksmithing as his passion and isn’t overly concerned with profitability. He believes it’s an excellent SAE for those eager to learn a new skill and have the time to focus on crafting valuable items.
“If you have an interest, don’t be afraid to take a risk and try something unconventional,” Haggerman says. “That’s what an SAE is about — learning new things to prepare for the future. If you don’t try anything new, you won’t learn anything.”
In blacksmithing terms, this translates to “strike while the iron is hot.”
