Intro to AgricultureHistory of FFA

Lecture 3

What is FFA?

• Youth organization within agricultural education that prepares students for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success

• Created in 1928• More that 500,000 student members• More than 300 career opportunities in the

agricultural science, food, fiber, and natural resources industries

What does FFA stand for?

• Future Farmers of America!!!!• 1988 changed name to the National FFA

Organization to reflect the growing diversity of agriculture

Emblem

• Consists of 5 symbols and represents the history, goals, and future of the organization

• Each element within the emblem has unique significance

The Cross Section of the Ear of Corn

• Represents our common agricultural interests, is native to America (foundation crop), and is grown in every state (unity)

The Rising Sun

• Symbolizes progress in agriculture and the confidence that FFA members have in the future

• “New day with glowing 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

• National symbol which serves as a reminder of our freedom and ability to explore new horizons for the future of agriculture

The Owl

• Symbolizes wisdom and the knowledge required to be successful in the industry of agriculture

Agricultural Education and FFA

• Emblazoned in the center to signify the combination of learning and leadership necessary for progressive agriculture

Motto

Gives members twelve short words to live by as they discover the opportunities available in the organization

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.

FFA Mission Con’t

To accomplish this mission, FFA:• develops competent and assertive agricultural leadership• Increases awareness of the global and technological

importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well being

• Strengthens agriculture students’ confidence in themselves and their work

• Promotes the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career

• Encourages achievement in supervised agricultural experience programs

FFA Mission Con’t

• Encourages wise management of the community’s economic, environmental and human resources

• Develops interpersonal skills in teamwork, communication, human relations and social interaction

• Builds character and promotes citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism

• Promotes cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all people

• Promotes healthy lifestyles• Encourages excellence in scholarship

The FFA Vision

The National FFA Organization envisions a future in which all agricultural education students will discover their passion in life and build on that insight to chart the course for their educational, career, and personal future.

The Agricultural Education Mission

• Agricultural education prepares students for successful career and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resources systems

• Who else????????

Colors of the FFA

• National Blue• Corn Gold• Blue reminds us that the FFA is a national

organization• Gold reminds us that corn is a native American

crop grown in every state

Salute

• Pledge of Allegiance is the official salute• Face the US flag• Place right hand over the heart• Should always be used in the official closing

ceremony for meeting and at other FFA gatherings

FFA Official Dress

• Provides identity and gives a distinctive and recognizable image to the organization and its members

• Worn by millions of members by 1933

Official Dress for Female Members• Black skirt• White collared blouse• Official blue FFA scarf• Black dress shoes with a closed heel

and toe• Black nylon hosiery• An official FFA jacket zipped to the top• The skirt must be at least knee-length,

hemmed evenly across the bottom, with a slit no higher than 2 inches above the knee, excluding the kick pleat

Official Dress for Male Members

• Black slacks• White collared shirt• Official FFA tie• Black dress shoes• Black socks• And official FFA jacket

zipped to the top

Proper Use of the FFA Jacket

Jacket is the most recognizable symbol of the organization. Requires specific guidelines:• Worn only by members• Kept clean and neat• Back of the jacket should have only a large FFA

emblem, the name of the state association, and the name of the local chapter, region, district, or area

• The front of the jacket should have only a small official FFA emblem, the name of the individual, one office or honor and the year of that office or honor

Proper Use Con’t

• Should be worn on official occasions with the zipper fastened to the top. The collar should be turned down and the cuffs buttoned.

• Should be worn by members and officers on all official FFA occasions and other occasions where the chapter association is represented

• May be worn to school or other appropriate places (only to places appropriate to visit)

• Discard faded jackets

Proper Use Con’t• No school letters or insignia of other organizations should be

attached• Emblems and lettering should be removed if the jacket is given or

sold to a non-member• Member should act professionally when wearing the jacket• Members should refrain from the use of tobacco and alcohol when

underage and at all times when representing FFA, also should demonstrate leadership abilities when trying to discourage others from inappropriate behavior

• All awards should be worn underneath the name on the right side of the jacket, with the exception of a single State FFA Degree charm or American FFA Degree key (should be worn above the name)

Jacket

FFA Code of Ethics

FFA members conduct themselves at all times to be a credit to their organization, chapter, school, community, and family. As an FFA member, I pledge to:• Develop my potential for premier leadership, personal

growth, and career success• Make a positive difference in the lives of others• Dress neatly and appropriately for the occasion• Respect the rights of others and their property• Be courteous, honest, and fair with others• Communicate in an appropriate, purposeful, and positive

manner

Code of Ethics Con’t

• Demonstrate good sportsmanship by being modest in winning and generous in defeat

• Make myself aware of FFA programs and activities and be an active participant

• Conduct and value SAE programs• Strive to establish and enhance my sills through

agricultural education in order to enter a successful career

• Appreciate and promote diversity in our organization

Types of Degrees

• Greenhand• Chapter• State• American• Honorary American FFA Degree

Greenhand FFA DegreeMinimal Qualifications:• Be enrolled in agricultural education and have satisfactory plans for an

SAE program• Learn and experience the FFA creed, motto, salute, and FFA mission

statement• Describe and explain the meaning for the FFA emblem and colors• Demonstrate knowledge of the FFA Code of Ethics and the proper use

of the FFA jacket• Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the organization, the chapter

constitution and bylaws and the chapter Program of Activities• Personally own or have access to the Official FFA Manual• Submit written application for the Greenhand FFA Degree

Chapter Officers

• President• Vice President• Secretary• Treasurer• Reporter• Sentinel• Advisor• Historian*• Parliamentarian*

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