As the sun rises on the vast farm fields, you’re enlightened with the sight of picture-perfect sunflowers and vibrant wildflowers. Welcoming you are the fields of cut flowers and potted mums. This is the reality for Central Columbia FFA member Brynn Karnes.
Karnes’ extraordinary Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is the creation and management of Fishing Creek Flower Co. flower farm.
This project started when Karnes visited another cut flower farm in Mansfield, Pa. Then, she applied and received the National FFA Living to Serve Grant at the 2023 National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. This grant, as well as the motivation from her FFA advisors, Douglas Brown and Kristie Good, helped her start this project.
The project has brought a few challenges along the way. “Time management has always been a struggle,” Karnes says, as learning to balance working at the family’s hardware store, sports, school and running a business has proved challenging. She also struggled at the very beginning with growing her seeds in the school greenhouse due to a malfunction.
Thankfully, Karnes has had many supporters along the way, even through the tough times. The support of her family, agriculture teachers and best friend has truly helped her stay positive throughout the course of this project.
“I love what I do,” she says. “I love being able to make my own schedule and not just work a nine to five.”
With this project, Karnes looks forward to continuing it into her high school career and long after. Her drive comes from wanting to expand and improve the operation within the next few years.
From the soil to flowers in bloom, this SAE is rooted in career success and is planting seeds for Karnes’ future.
Leave A Comment