FFA Basics
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
Discovery Degree
Given out at the chapter level to middle school students
Be enrolled in agricultural education class for at least a portion of the school year while in grades 7-8.
Have become a dues paying member of the FFA at local, state and national levels.
Participate in at least one local FFA chapter activity outside of scheduled class time.
Have knowledge of agriculturally related career opportunities.
Greenhand Degree
Given out at the chapter level to freshmen students
Be enrolled in agricultural education.
Have satisfactory plans for a supervised agricultural experience program.
Learn and explain the FFA Creed, motto, salute and FFA Mission Statement.
Describe and explain the meaning of the FFA emblem and colors.
Demonstrate a knowledge of the FFA Code of Ethics and the proper use of the FFA jacket.
Demonstrate a knowledge of the history of the organization, the chapter constitution and bylaws.
Chapter Degree
Given out at the chapter level to sophomore
students
Have in operation an approved supervised agricultural experience program and be enrolled in an agricultural education course.
Have participated in the planning and conducting of at least three official functions
A student after entering agricultural education must have earned at least $150 by the member’s own efforts; or worked at least 45 hours
Have effectively led a group discussion for 15 minutes.
Have demonstrated five procedures of parliamentary law.
Have participated in at least 10 hours of community service activities.
State Degree
Given out at the state level to senior students
Have been an active FFA member for at least two years.
A student must have earned and productively invested at least $1000; or worked at least 300 hours in excess of scheduled class time; or a combination thereof.
Demonstrate leadership ability by:
Performing 10 procedures of parliamentary law.
Giving a six-minute speech on a topic relating to agriculture or the FFA.
Serving as an officer, committee chairperson or participating member of a chapter committee.
Have a satisfactory scholastic record.
Have participated in at least five different FFA activities above the chapter level.
Have participated in at least 25 hours of community service, within at least 2 different community service activities.
American Degree
Given out at the national level to college students
Have graduated from high school at least 12 months prior to the national convention at which the degree is to be granted.
Have in operation and have maintained records to substantiate an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program through which a member has exhibited comprehensive planning, managerial and financial expertise.
A student after entering agricultural education must have earned at least $10,000 and productively invested at least $7,500; or earned and productively invested $2,000 and worked 2,250 hours in excess of scheduled class time. Any combination of hours, times a factor of 3.56, plus actual dollars earned and productively invested must be equal to or greater than the number 10,000.
Have participated in at least 50 hours of community service, within at least 3 different community service activities.
Meetings
H-T FFA aims to hold a chapter meeting every other month. Every chapter meeting should be an informative and enjoyable experience. Besides conducting chapter business, good meetings should include entertainment, guest speakers, recreation and refreshments. Variety in programs is essential for maintaining successful meetings.
The FFA Emblem
The history of the FFA emblem dates back to 1926, when Henry Groseclose was working on the Future Farmers of Virginia constitution and bylaws. He was inspired by drawings of an owl perched on a spade that he found in materials from a Danish agriculture organization.
Working with R.W. Cline, then a graduate student at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Groseclose made some substitutions and additions to the drawings, resulting in an emblem similar to the one used by the National FFA Organization today.
The five symbols that make up the FFA emblem represent five individual aspects of the organization. Together with the words "Agricultural Education" and the letters "FFA," they tell the story of the organization's history, mission and vision.
Cross-section of an ear of corn represents "Unity"
Whether you live in Alaska, Puerto Rico, Maine, Hawaii or one of the states in between, corn is grown somewhere in your state. Corn signifies unity and, from the first Thanksgiving feast on, corn has historically served as the foundation crop of American agriculture. It is appropriate then that the cross section of corn be used as the foundation of the National FFA emblem.
Rising sun signifies "Progress"
Just as the industry of agriculture has developed new technologies and evolved to meet the next generation of consumer demands, the National FFA Organization has continued to evolve as well and continually looks to the future to meet each member's needs. The rising sun signifies progress and holds the promise that tomorrow will bring a new day, shining with opportunity.
Plow signifies "Labor and Tillage of the Soil"
The National FFA Organization is founded in agriculture, the backbone of our country. The plow signifies labor and tillage of the soil and the historic foundation of our country's strength.
Eagle symbolizes "Freedom"
The eagle is a national symbol that reminds all FFA members of our freedom and our ability to explore new horizons for the future of agriculture.
Owl represents "Knowledge"
Long recognized as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, the owl symbolizes the knowledge required to be successful in the industry of agriculture.
Agricultural Education and FFA
The words "Agricultural Education" and the letters "FFA" are emblazoned in the center of the emblem to signify the combination of learning and leadership necessary for progressive agriculture.
