Belle Sansom

Supervised Agricultural Experience: 

I have three supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs): plant systems, agribusiness systems, and education and communication. I started my first SAE during the summer of my senior year, beginning with plant systems. I worked at a local sod farm called Cleverdon Farms from May to late July 5 days a week. At the sod farm I was able to learn about filing invoices, mixing herbicides, driving a tractor, the steps of planting sod, and the needs of different types of grasses. Cleverdon Farms helped me in understanding the labor and logistics of running a very successful farm. In my agribusiness systems SAE, I worked at a landscape company called Sexton Lawn and Landscape from the beginning of my senior year in August to this February. During my time at Sexton, I was able to learn primarily about the technical side of managing several hundred commercial and residential clients. I assisted in filing invoices and employee information, assisting in changing softwares, and occasionally going out to job sites with my supervisor. Finally, very recently I started my education and communication SAE. I now produce agriculture and FFA related content on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram under the handle @blossom.with.belle. On this page people can follow my FFA journey as a state officer while also learning about agriculture and FFA. Overall these SAEs have been able to help me define my future career path, make meaningful connections, and learn about all the parts of a business!

Career Development/Leadership/Talent Events:

Throughout my two years as an FFA member I have competed in 2 CDEs and 1 LDE. The CDEs I compete in are Nursery/Landscape and Livestock Judging. The LDE I compete in is Extemporaneous Public Speaking.

Major FFA Accomplishments:

My FFA accomplishments are being able to serve as a chapter officer in the Fairhope FFA for two years, as well as going to state and placing in the top 10 for my Nursery/Landscape CDE during our first year of having an FFA. Finally, my biggest accomplishment is being able to serve the state of Alabama this year as the FFA Sentinel!

Favorite Book:

I am such a lover of romance novels! I don’t think I have a favorite book, but if it ends with the main characters falling in love and living happily ever after, I will most likely love it.

Favorite Movie:

My favorite movie is 10 Things I Hate About You. I absolutely adore all romantic comedies and this one has such a sweet storyline! I also find it very interesting that the movie is based on The Taming of The Shrew by William Shakespeare.

Favorite Meal: 

My mom makes the best Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole on the planet! This recipe has been passed down in my family for years and I could eat it every day for the rest of my life.

Favorite Quote: 

“The peace of God surpasses all understanding”. This quote has really resonated with me for the past 8 months because I have had so much happen to me and keeping this quote in the back of my mind keeps me level-headed!

Favorite Song: 

I am a huge country music fan and I think my favorite song right now is Diamonds and Gasoline by Turnpike Troubadours. It is such a sweet song!

Favorite thing about FFA:

My absolute favorite thing about FFA is the connections that you can make with all different types of people. From fellow members from different states to a farmer from my county, FFA is a significant part of every member’s story and getting to meet these people and hear their story is such a beautiful experience!

Favorite FFA Memory:

My favorite FFA memory was meeting my sweet friend Katelyn during the 2023 national convention. I had known Katelyn for about three and a half years prior to meeting her because one of my friends from school moved up to Montana, where she is from. Katelyn’s chapter goes to the national convention every other year and because I only had two years in FFA before I graduated, I only had one chance to meet her. Being able to finally give her the biggest hug was the best ever! She is so meaningful to me because she is the person who told me I could run for state office even if I was going into freshman year of college. Because of her I am the State Sentinel and I could not be more grateful for her!

College Plans:

This fall, I will be attending Auburn University and I am majoring in Agriculture Business and Economics with a minor in Music.