Understanding FFA Purpose Degrees and Important Facts 3

Understanding FFA Purpose, Degrees, and Important Facts

3 Parts of the Ag Ed Program • Classroom/Labor atory Instruction Classroom/ Lab • FFA • SAE FFA SAE

What is the purpose of the FFA? • provide students with leadership and skill development opportunities • prepare students for the careers of tomorrow • It is the largest youth organization in America.

The FFA Mission 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.

How did it start? • In 1917, Congress passed the “Smith Hughes” Act creating agriculture classes • actual name of the legislation was the National Vocational Education Act • Henry Groseclose is known as the “Father of FFA” for beginning the Future Farmers of Virginia Club which inspired other states to start clubs • In 1928, the Future Farmers of America was founded in Kansas City, Missouri

Other Key Dates • E. M. Tiffany wrote the FFA Creed which was adopted in 1930 • In the South, the New Farmers of America was established for African-American boys in agriculture classes; merged with the FFA in 1965 • In 1969, girls were allowed membership • Students voted in 1988 to change the name to The National FFA Organization • The National FFA Convention is now held in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Official Dress • the “uniform” of the FFA and a nationally recognized symbol of the FFA • members wear it to local, state, and national functions • the jacket should only be worn by members and always zipped all the way up • Official Dress includes the jacket worn with: - black pants (or skirt for girls) - white shirt with a collar - FFA tie or scarf - black shoes (and socks/hose)

Important Facts • Official Colors: National Blue and Corn Gold • The FFA Motto: Learning to Do Doing to Learn Earning to Live Living to Serve • The FFA Emblem is made up of 6 symbols each with their own meaning.

The FFA Emblem Eagle Cross-section of Ear of Corn Owl Rising Sun the words Plow

How many degrees can be earned in the FFA? ★ Discovery Degree (Middle School members only) ★ Greenhand Degree ★ Chapter Degree ★ State Degree ★ American Degree

Why Join the FFA? • Become a Leader • Travel • Earn Money • Be Part of the Team • Have Fun • Be a Winner • Serve Your Community • Make Positive Choices • Learn in the Real World • Target Career Success