Ethan Kneisler with his Vermeer hay wrapping machine. Courtesy photo.

A FFA supervised agricultural experience grant has been awarded to Ethan Kneisler, of Lyndon, Kan. The $1,000 grant was sponsored by the Western and English Sales Association (WESA). WESA provides the world’s largest trade events for retailers, manufacturers and sales representatives of the equestrian industry.

Supervised agricultural experience grants are designed to help FFA members create or expand their SAE projects, a requirement that all FFA members must complete. An SAE requires FFA members to create and operate an agriculture related business, work at an agriculture-related business, or conduct an agricultural research experience. Upon completion, FFA members must submit a comprehensive report regarding their career development experience.

This year 32 sponsors made 39 different types of SAE grants available. A full list of sponsors can be found on the National FFA Organization website on the SAE grants webpage.

Ethan is a member of the Lyndon FFA Chapter. He is the son of Darby and Kristin Kneisler, and is currently a junior at Lyndon High School. The grant funds will be used to help develop his custom hay wrapping business, called Jimmy’s Custom Wrapping. He started this business in early 2021 by purchasing a Vermeer hay wrapper at a farm auction, and with the help and guidance of his father grew the business in its first year to four customers.

Information thanks to Timothy Kilgore, Lyndon FFA adviser.