Whether it’s our famous horse, poultry or grain farms across the Commonwealth, Kentucky agriculture has been a staple in our communities for generations.
Kentucky students can show off their hard work in FFA through their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), with many standing out as diverse, talented and passionate about what they do. These members’ SAEs can range from floral arrangements to discussing agriculture on a podcast.
Laney Pease
Laney Pease comes from Fleming County in the eastern part of the Commonwealth. Pease has several different SAEs. However, her most prominent work is in floriculture, specifically cut flowers that she makes into arrangements for events.
Pease makes about 125 arrangements a year through her business, Sweet Pease Berries and Bouquets. Since she started taking on events, she has serviced eight weddings and helped provide floral arrangements for three proms and many other events in her area.
“Cut flowers and floral servicing is my niche and has given me opportunities I would have never imagined,” she says.
Pease showcases one of her arrangements.
One of Pease’s arrangements she made for a large event.
Pease’s business logo that she has on all of her social media accounts.
Anna Chaliff
Anna Chaliff comes from Rockcastle County in the eastern part of the Commonwealth. Chaliff has worked in the specialty field of nursery and landscape.
This experience has come from working for her grandfather’s greenhouse and her wreath-making business, where she sells wreaths and makes wreaths for people in her surrounding communities. Chaliff’s business is called “Anna’s Wreaths.”
“I love that I get to show people how to make wreaths and bows and educate while making connections and profit,” she says.
Chaliff’s business logo that she uses to market her wreaths.
Chaliff takes care of the plants grown inside her grandfather’s greenhouse.
Chaliff was announced as a national finalist for her work in the nursery and landscape proficiency area.
Madison Wright and Matthew Estes
Matthew Estes comes from the western part of the Commonwealth in Barren County, while Madison Wright comes from northern Kentucky in Owen County. Wright’s agricultural education placement SAE includes teaching elementary kids, and Estes is a sweet corn entrepreneur. They also recently started The Rooted in AG Podcast.
This podcast is focused on “bridging the gap between the farming community and the broader public.” They’ve had special guests, such as the former Kentucky 4-H president and the former Kentucky FFA president. In the future, they hope to have more public agriculture-based figures. According to Estes, “This is only the beginning.”
The Rooted In AG Podcast logo is located on all the social media platforms where the podcast is shared.
If you’re interested in learning more or reaching out to these outstanding FFA members, contact them through social media via the links in the article or look for their businesses online.
