The FFA, also known as The Future Farmers of America, is an intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. In FFA, students can participate in Career Development Events, community service, academic competitions, personal development activities, build stronger friendships, and create new friendships.
The main goal of FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. According to FFA.org, as of August 2024, across the 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, there are 1,027,273 active members of the National FFA Organization in America, student membership increasing by 8.6% from the previous year.
In total there are five degrees an active member of the FFA may obtain from their time. These degrees are Discovery, Greenhand, Chapter, State, and American, each having different requirements to obtain the degree.
The first degree, the Discovery degree, may be obtained by a seventh or eighth grader in junior high, where they must be enrolled in an agriculture class for at least a portion of a school year and become a dues-paying FFA member at the chapter, state, and national levels. The Discovery degree pin is made of bronze with blue enamel.
To obtain the second degree, the Greenhand degree, the high school student (ninth grade or older) must be enrolled in an agricultural education program, recite the FFA Creed, and have satisfactory plans for a supervised agricultural experience (SAE). The Greenhand degree pin is made of bronze.
The third degree, the Chapter degree, can only be obtained if the high school student has obtained their Greenhand degree. A student must have 180 working hours (and other responsibilities). The Chapter degree pin is made of silver.
Obtaining the fourth degree, the State degree, may be gotten after getting the Chapter degree. A student must have 500 working hours, get their Chapter degree, and $1000 dollars. The State degree pin is made of gold.
The final degree, the American degree, is the most difficult to obtain. Only a small percentage of members actually earn this degree. To obtain it, a student must have 50 working hours of community service, get their State degree, and $10,000 dollars earned. The American degree comes with a certificate, a golden American FFA degree key, and recognition for student’s dedication and accomplishments in FFA and their supervised agricultural experience.
Most student’s favorite experiences come from creating new bonds and friendships with other active FFA members. Whether that be from many different activities such as raising a livestock animal, judging teams, or just being a member. Raising and showing livestock is very popular among members, as it provides the students with important responsibilities and helps them learn valuable skills and participate in local, state, and national shows.
FFA is all about creating responsibilities and memories with friends and other FFA members through many activities such as conventions, farm shows, or community service events. Joining as a member it is highly recommended as FFA changes people for the better and helps them grow as a person.
