Cole Ransen, of the Norfolk FFA Chapter, has a clear passion for science and research.
This interest helped him achieve being named the 2024 Nebraska State FFA Star in Agriscience. Ransen said that his Supervised Agricultural Experience has helped him achieve both academic and personal growth.
“My SAE is comprised of a multitude of experience in research experimentation,” said Ransen. “I have been able to compete in the agriscience fair with two of my research projects making it into the national level in each. I have also been able to compete in a nationally based competition relating to researching certain plant species. The findings from the experiments were presented to judges in conjunction with NASA.”
The Supervised Agricultural Experience program allows FFA members to be recognized for their work in and outside of the classroom. Students are required to keep track of their hours spent working and money earned, as well as skills and values they gain from their experiences. State Stars are seniors that are chosen each year in their respective areas of Agribusiness, Agriscience, Placement, and Production for excelling in their SAEs.
Ransen researched pollination within pepper production, that he said led him to doing other research projects that enhanced his SAE.
“I would say that the most enjoyable part of my SAE was being able to be recognized at competition,” said Ransen. “I plan to use what I have learned throughout my SAE experience to better myself personally. From the various people I’ve had the opportunity to meet, the knowledge and skills that I have learned, it was worth all the time and work.”
Ransen added that he felt honored to be able to compete for and receive the State Star in Agriscience award, and that it’s one of the best experiences he’s ever had.
This fall, Ransen will attend Northeast Community College in Norfolk with plants to major in Electromechanical Technology. He said that after finishing this degree, he plans to get an additional degree in Electrical Construction.
