Coy Davidson’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) represents the vast opportunities that can be found throughout the National FFA Organization.
After moving to a more rural and agriculturally rich area of Oklahoma, Davidson joined FFA in eighth grade and competed in prepared public speaking, livestock judging and more throughout the course of almost five years. He is currently a senior at Elgin High School and serving as president of the Elgin FFA Chapter. An FFA member in a class of his own, Davidson brings forth an exemplary story of great potential, growth and success.
The SAE Journey
When he joined FFA, Davidson created an SAE in the outdoor recreation area. His business, Red Dirt Lanyards, connects his passion for hunting with agriculture.
Through Red Dirt Lanyards, Davidson makes acrylic duck and goose calls as well as lanyards and other paracord products for outdoorsmen nationwide. The project began with the production of paracord creations and, after receiving an SAE Grant from the National FFA Organization in 2021, flourished with the availability to produce game calls.
Through effective promotion on multiple social media platforms, Davidson has sold products across the state of Oklahoma and in 17 other states. Because of the significance of this project in his life, he plans to continue growing the business to eventually incorporate more products to meet the needs of outdoorsmen everywhere.
Davidson’s Advice
For new FFA members, beginning the journey of an SAE can be daunting. However, members like Davidson serve as a prime example of just how successful any SAE can be, especially when it is built upon a genuine love for the project itself. Davidson says there are no limits to what you can do when it comes to choosing an SAE and encourages members to base their projects around something that interests them.
Furthermore, as many older FFA members may know, maintaining a strong SAE can be difficult at times. According to Davidson, “Once you pick what you are going to do as an SAE, work hard and don’t give up on it. There will be times when you will want to stop, but the opportunities you will have, the people you will meet and the life lessons you will learn will stay with you for the rest of your life.”
