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Why Join the FFA?
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What is the FFA?
FFA is a dynamic and growing youth organization, nearly
half-a-million student members strong, based in agricultural science education.
The National FFA is successfully changing lives and preparing students for leadership,
personal growth and career success. These lessons, skills, friendships
and experiences shape our members and the benefits remain for their entire
lives. Members participate in a wide range of agricultural science education
activities, leading to the possibility of more than 300 professional career
opportunities. The continued success of our student members remains the
primary mission of FFA.
What does F-F-A stand for?
F-F-A stands for Future Farmers of America, which is the official name of the organization, but we don’t use the full name and instead operate as the “FFA” because Future Farmers of America implies that we are all preparing to be farmers. Agriculture is much broader than farming and ranching. Members study things such as horticulture, aquaculture, food sciences, accounting, wildlife management, mechanics and engineering.
Are FFA members going to be farmers?
Yes and No. Agriculture is a very broad field of study. Members study things like landscaping, floriculture, animal science, computer applications, accounting, environmental science, mechanics and engineering. Regardless of an FFA member’s career choice, the FFA provides opportunities to build and apply math, science, technology and leadership skills to their life.
Does everyone have to raise a cow or pig in FFA?
No. Every FFA member must have a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program. An SAE is a project or enterprise that gives members hands-on training and a chance to apply what is learned in the classroom. Livestock projects are very popular, but there are many options: placement in an agricultural job, internships, experimental work in agriscience, horticultural projects and agriculture mechanic projects are just a few.
FFA BASICS
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
FFA Motto
Learning to do, Doing to learn, Earning to live, Living to serve.
FFA Colors
As the blue field of our nation's flag and the golden fields of ripened corn unify our country, the FFA colors of national blue and corn gold give unity to the organization.
FFA Official Dress
The uniform worn by FFA members at local, state and national functions is called Official Dress. The most noticeable piece of clothing worn by FFA member is the blue corduroy FFA Jacket. It provides identity and gives a distinctive and recognizable image to the organization and its members. Official Dress has been worn with pride by millions of FFA members since 1933. Click here for the details of Official Dress for males and females.
3-Part Model of Agricultural Education
 The program is part of a three-part model of education that consists of (1) classroom instruction, (2) supervised agricultural experiences and the (3) FFA.
Classroom agricultural education is applied to hands-on learning opportunities called supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs). SAEs include activities such as starting a business, working for an established company or working in production agriculture.
FFA activities vary greatly from chapter to chapter, but are based in a well-integrated curriculum. Chapter activities and programs concentrate on three areas of the FFA mission: premier leadership, personal growth and career success.
FFA Emblem
 The national FFA emblem, consisting of five symbols, is representative of the history, goals, and future of the organization. As a whole, the emblem covers the broad spectrum of FFA and agriculture. Each element within the emblem has unique significance.
The cross section of the ear of corn provides the foundation of the emblem, just as corn has historically served as the foundation crop of American agriculture. It is also a symbol of unity, as corn is grown in every state of the nation.
The rising sun signifies progress and holds a promise that tomorrow will bring a new day glowing with opportunity.
The plow signifies labor and tillage of the soil, the backbone of agriculture and the historic foundation of our country’s strength.
The eagle is a national symbol which serves as a reminder of our freedom and ability to explore new horizons for the future of agriculture.
The owl, long recognized for its wisdom, symbolizes the knowledge required to be successful in the industry of agriculture.
The words "Agricultural Education" and "FFA" are emblazoned in the center to signify the combination of learning and leadership necessary for progressive agriculture.
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