In Friend, Nebraska, agriculture is both a way of life and a legacy. For high school senior Zach Spohn, that legacy inspired his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).

Zach started farming as a freshman on a 5-acre dryland plot. Over time, he expanded to a 40-acre irrigated field, and eventually an 80-acre irrigated operation. As his acreage grew, so did the need for better data and decision-making tools. That’s when Zach applied for—and received—a $1,100 SAE Grant from the Nebraska FFA Foundation to purchase a Davis Vantage Pro2 Weather Station.

“I wanted to know the precise amount of irrigation I needed for my field,” Zach says. “The weather station lets me track rainfall, heat, and wind so I can water and spray only when it’s necessary.”

The investment wasn’t just about convenience—it was about efficiency, cost management, and environmental responsibility. The system helps Zach optimize irrigation during dry spells and minimize chemical drift, which is critical in a region where many neighbors grow organic crops.

Zach’s passion for agriculture runs deep. “I’ve always liked being around the farm,” he says. “And I wanted to learn what it takes to run the financial side of things.” His SAE has given him hands-on experience in budgeting, investment, and operations. “Learning the business side of farming has been one of the best parts,” he adds.

He also plans to use historical weather data to understand how rainfall and temperature trends affect yield over time—insights that will inform smarter, long-term planning.

After graduation, Zach plans to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to study agriculture. Eventually, he hopes to return home and take over the family farm. “This experience will help me conserve water and manage costs when I’m back full-time,” he says. “It’s an investment in our future.”

Even with a busy farming schedule, Zach finds time for football, golf, NHS, student council, and 4-H. He enjoys FFA competitions and the friendships he's built through the program. He plans to continue his SAE through senior year, then pass the torch as he heads to college.

With support from his advisor, Amelia Kohtz, and a Nebraska FFA Foundation grant, Zach is showing that today’s young farmers are also data analysts, entrepreneurs, and conservationists. His SAE has become more than just a school project—it’s a glimpse into the future of agriculture, led by young innovators like Zach.