Interested in Farming?
Do you love Animals?
Concerned about World Hunger?
Food Production is about to go through an exciting revolution...do you want to take part?
Want to Associate with Solid, Reliable People?
Future Farmers of America
(Note: Much of the information on this site was taken from the Official FFA Manual or Web Site. A Link to the official web site for FFA is one of the first links listed below in the Links Section.)
The FFA is a national organization of students enrolled in agricultural education in 50 states, Puerto Rico, Virginia Islands, and the District of Columbia. It was organized in November 1928, and is considered an integral part of the curriculum in agricultural education in the public schools.
All students in these programs receive instruction in personal leadership growth and development which can best be achieved through the FFA.
Through active participation in the FFA, members learn by taking part in and conducting meetings, speaking in public, participating in contest based on occupational (agricultural) skills, earning awards and recognition and becoming involved in cooperative efforts and community improvement. The FFA offers opportunities for becoming productive citizens in our democracy.
FFA members believe in leadership, citizenship, and patriotism. They believe in free enterprise, freedom under the law, and in making their homes, schools, and communities better places in which to live and work.
Members participate in regular chapter meetings, present motions, debate issues, and take part in decision making. They work hard, but they also play hard, as recreation is also a part of each year's program of activities.
This organization is composed of students enrolled in an Agricultural Education class in preparation for careers in agriculture. FFA provides motivation, enthusiasm, activity, competition, and fun to the total program. FFA is an active organization that includes chapter meetings, group activities, judging and skill contests, and community service activities.
The FFA is a national organization dedicated to preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. Local, state and national activities and award programs provide opportunities to apply knowledge and skills acquired through agriculture education.
Mission
The primary aim of the FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of its members by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
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 the confidence of agricultural students in themselves and their work.
Promotes the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career.
Encourages achievement in supervised agricultural experience programs.
Encourages wise management of economic, environmental and human resources of the community.
Develops interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications, 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.
Motto
Learning To Do
Doing To Learn
Earning To Live
Living To Serve
FFA Code of Ethics
We will conduct ourselves at all times in order to be a credit to our organization, chapter, school and community by:
Dressing neatly and appropriately for the occasion.
Showing respect for the rights of others and being courteous at all times.
Being honest and not taking unfair advantage of others.
Respecting the property of others.
Refraining from loud, boisterous talk, swearing and other unbecoming conduct.
Demonstrating sportsmanship in the show ring, judging contests and meetings.
Being modest in winning and generous in defeat.
Attending meetings promptly and respecting the opinion of others in discussion.
Taking pride in our organization, activities, supervised experience program, exhibits, and the occupation of agriculture.
Sharing with others experiences and knowledge gained by attending national and state meetings.
Striving to establish and enhance my skills through agricultural education in order to enter a successful career.
Appreciating and promoting diversity in our organization.
A Little History
The idea of an organization for students taking courses in vocational agriculture was born after the passage of the Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education act of 1917.
The state of Virginia formed a Future Farmers Club in the early 1920's for boys in agricultural classes.
The National Organization was established in 1928 at the Hotel Baltimore in Kansas City, Missouri. The first national convention had 33 delegates from 7 states. Annual dues were set at 10 cents per member.
Henry Groseclose was a pioneer in vocational agriculture in Virginia and the United States. He was one of the founders of the FFA, and was largely responsible for the by-laws, constitution, and rituals of the FFA. He served the National Organization for 12 years, first as Secretary-Treasurer, then as Treasurer.
.
Virginia's Future Farmers clubs for boys in agriculture led to the establishment of a national organization, and the FFA was granted a federal charter in 1950 when Congress passed Public Law 740.
In 1965 the organization consolidated with the New Farmers of America, the organization for black agricultural students. Girls were permitted to join as members in 1969.
In 1988, the official name of the organization was changed from the Future Farmers of America to the National FFA Organization.
The FFA is structured on the local, state and national levels. The National FFA Organization is led by a board of directors and six student national officers. Delegates representing the state associations vote on recommendations and policy issues at the national convention. National FFA staff members carry through the policies and provide programs and services while the national officers represent the members and guide the organization.
Important Dates to the National FFA Organization:
1929--Selection of FFA Colors and 1st Star Farmer of America.
1934--Alaska and Rhode Island were the only states without chartered associations.
1944--National FFA Foundation was created to provide funds for support of new programs.
1950--Public Law 740 granted the FFA a federal charter.
1952--The National Future Farmer magazine was established
1965--The New Farmers of America, an organization for black agricultural students merged with the FFA.
1969--Delegates voted to allow girls to become FFA members.
1971--The National FFA Alumni Association was formed.
1988--Delegates voted to change the official name from the Future Farmers of America to the National FFA Organization.
1989--The name of The National Future Farmer magazine was changed to FFA New Horizons.
National FFA Foundation
Closely associated with the National Future Farmers of America is the FFA Foundation...the financial and fund raising arm of this worthy organization.
For more than 50 years, FFA programs sponsored through the National FFA Foundation have created an opportunity for students to become involved and excited about agriculture.
The National FFA Organization is providing more than 455,000 young people with the experiences, training and development to not only succeed in the world of the future but to lead industry to new heights.
The FFA:
sparks the energy and motivation driving the leaders and entrepreneurs in agribusiness today
helps to build a bright future for our industry
serves to inspire tomorrow's visionaries more than ever before.
A Comment from the Chairman
An important measure of a person's - and an organization's - contribution to society is the extent to which they have helped the next generation prepare for the challenges of the future. That preparation can take many forms, from traditional classroom education, to training and development experiences, to personal mentoring and coaching. In the coming years, the agricultural industry will continue to face significant change. In this type of environment, industries of all types will be looking for employees with strong and dynamic leadership skill, a passion for creative and innovation solutions and the ability to work as part of a team.
The FFA is an organization that deserves your support, and is dependent upon it. Each year, youth members from 7,226 rural, urban and suburban schools across the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands participate in FFA programs.
The result is individual growth, with a strong knowledge and perspective of agricultural progress and productivity. The school-to-work principles that young people learn help them tailor their educational training to the needs of business, both today and for the future.
Special programs, individual proficiency awards, team events, as well as recognition on local, state and national levels, enrich the FFA experience for all those involved. A few of the many programs include:
Career development events in 24 categories - from public speaking to landscape design to natural resources
Special programs, including international exchanges, leadership conferences and national convention activities
Awards in 45 proficiency areas from emerging technologies to floriculture; agriscience to production agriculture; sales and service to marketing
Interested?
FFA is . . .
It's a great feeling! None of us are born
leaders, but FFA can help you become one.
FFA members strengthen their personal skills,
learn to manage their time, and discover how
to respect themselves and gain respect from others.
How can you get to Australia, Switzerland,
Costa Rica and more than 40 other countries?
Get a passport and sign up for an FFA
international program! Or, if you'd rather have a
stateside adventure, pack your bags for a state
convention or leadership camp, attend the Washington Leadership Conference and tour our nation's capital, or meet 37,000 other FFA members at the National FFA Convention.
The FFA 455,306 members and 7,226 chapters represent all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. FFA is a diverse organization, operating in rural, urban and suburban schools. Students aged 12-21 enrolled in agricultural education programs are eligible for membership.
Do you know what you want to do after you finish
school? FFA can help you develop the skills you
need to get there. Don't have a clue? FFA can
help you figure out which of agriculture's 200
exciting career options match your interests and
skills. If you're like the 73 percent of FFA
members who already plan to pursue a career in agriculture, you know that there are options for almost any interest, whether you want to work indoors or outside, at a desk on in the lab, in the city or on a farm, with other people or on your own. Even if you don't choose a career in agriculture, the skills and training you gain through FFA will lead to success in any industry.
FFA members contribute to their communities
through projects such as restoring wilderness
areas and conducting safety training programs.
They teach younger students about agriculture
and become important friends and role models through FFA.
FFA offers so many opportunities for recognition at the local, state and national levels, you can hardly avoid being a winner!
In addition to the satisfaction of knowing
your stuff and doing your best, you could
walk away with money for school, cash
prizes and exciting trips, not to mention
plaques, ribbons and trophies.
The National FFA Organization awards more than $1 million in scholarships to more than 800 FFA members each year. And that's just the beginning. Many local and state businesses also offer FFA scholarships, and
FFA experience and skills give members an
edge over the competition for scholarships from
other groups and schools.
How would you like to get paid for learning? FFA
members start their own businesses or work for
an agricultural company throughout high school. Some FFA members have earned hundreds of thousands of dollars by the time they graduated from college by reinvesting their profits in their business! While most members don't earn quite that much, their experience still puts them way ahead of their classmates when it comes to applying for college or finding a job.
Half a million students across the country are
becoming leaders, building self-esteem and
preparing for career success. And they're having
a great time in the process. They're members of
FFA, the organization for students in agricultural education and they're making new friends, going new places and trying new things. They're having a blast doing it!
Having Fun in Costa Rica
More Fun in Costa Rica
Since the 1940's, thousands of FFA members have had life-changing experiences by traveling internationally through the National FFA Organization. The National FFA Board of Directors set a goal that every FFA member and advisor will have a significant and meaningful international experience through their involvement with the organization. This participation will help Americans to better understand and appreciate the value of agriculture around the world.
FFA Global gives students and teachers the opportunity to explore global agriculture through programs that teach about the values, traditions, lifestyle and agriculture of other countries as compared to the United States. Students can participate in a variety of experiences ranging from educational travel seminars and host family stays to interactive website demonstrations and international internships.
Through hands-on, interactive learning, FFA Global offers programs for students that are interested in developing their potential to be successful in a variety of careers. For teachers, FFA Global offers new opportunities to travel and learn. FFA Global is committed to developing programs and opportunities to increase awareness of agricultural education in other countries.
Whether you are just starting out in FFA and are curious about the world around you, or if you have been involved in agriculture for many years, FFA Global can provide an experience to enhance your education. Discover which global experience is right for you!
Global Contact:
global@ffa.org mailto:global@ffa.org or Phone: 317-802-4220
Joining FFA
FFA is not a "club." FFA is one of three integral components of an agricultural education program. The local school district determines whether or not an agricultural education program, complete with an agriculture instructor, will be offered. Students enrolled in a systematic course of instruction in agricultural education are eligible for membership. The ages range for 12-21 years of age as some states offer middle school membership and others also provide collegiate membership. Enrolling in an agriculture course of study and paying the dues is all that is left to become an FFA member.
Q. What if our school does not have an agricultural education program/FFA Chapter?
A. The simplest answer is to take the steps to open a program in your school. In order to accomplish this task it is high recommended that you contact the state leadership in your state to express your interest and ask for assistance on regulations, requirements as well as resources that may assist in the planning of the new program. A list of state leaders can be accessed at http://www.agedhq.org/stateleaders/ and the contact information can be searched by state or region.
There have been opportunities to connect with other schools in neighboring districts, but that is entirely a state and local decision as to whether that is an option or not. There has been an increase in the opportunities provided through distance education resources as well.
Q. I am (or my child) is home-schooled. How can I (or they) become a member of FFA?
There are several opportunities that are currently available, but it will depend upon the state in which you live and how they have decided to operate the rules and regulations related to home school education and FFA membership. We recommend that you contact the leadership in your state to find the answer. The list of state leaders can be accessed at http://www.agedhq.org/stateleaders/ and the contact information can be searched by state or by region.
Q. What does membership to the National FFA Organization cost?
A. The annual dues set by the National FFA Board of Directors and the delegates is $5.00/ year. This will be in addition to the any state, district or local dues that may be collected. Membership does include 6 issues of the "New Horizons" magazine and access to over 1.5 million dollars in scholarships, participation in state, national and international activities that focus on developing premier leadership, personal growth and career success.
Q. Are there different types of membership in FFA?
A. Currently, there are four types of FFA membership. There is active, collegiate, honorary and alumni. The following breaks down the distinctions as outlined in the official FFA manual of membership.
Q. Can private schools have an FFA chapter?
A. The answer to this question will depend upon the state. There are many states that do provide the opportunity for an FFA Chapter to exist in a private school. The rules for a systematic form of instruction in agricultural education must apply. To find out what your particular state requires or if there are private schools with agricultural education programs go to http://www.agedhq.org/stateleaders/ and search for the contact person in your state.
Misc Stuff, Information, Resources, and Links:
The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
FFA Responds to Our National Tragedy Bill and Vicky Ryan of Monclova, Ohio have four children and all four been state FFA officers. Their youngest son, Luke, is the current state FFA reporter.
Future Farmers of America (FFA) FFA is an organization designed to offer students interested in agriculture a chance to explore different areas and compete at regional, state, and national competitions. 1998-99 FFA Officers President: Joel MillerV
Future Farmers of America The FFA is a national organization of students enrolled in agricultural education in 50 states, Puerto Rico, Virginia Islands, and the District of Columbia. It was organized in November 1928
Future Farmers of America of Ohio This organization is composed of students enrolled in an Agricultural Education class in preparation for careers in agriculture. FFA provides motivation, enthusiasm, activity, competition, and fun to the total program.
Future Farmers of America The F.F.A. is an organization in which you meet new people and go different places every year. The North Greene F.F.A. Chapter has many different judging groups and activities in which they compete.
Read about the optimistic views expressed at the 1999 Future Farmers of America Convention held in Louisville, KY.
US Government publications and statistical databases on agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. Also offers partnership programs, and current news.
Canadian Government agency with extensive information on agriculture, food and rural development, including data on salinity and soil.
Australian Government network with factsheets, papers, statistics and links related to mining, forestry, agriculture, quarantine, trade and the environment.
Agricultural export agency offers press releases by country, commodity reports and pages, exporter assistance, and trade information.
Michigan Agriculture: Gain food safety, animal welfare, state food product, gasoline purity, and legal knowledge. See Asian Long-horned Beetle and food recall details.
Source of data covers the structure and activities of the nation's agricultural production. Bureau offers profiles of state and counties.
URL: http://www.nass.usda.gov/census
Details the goals of the organization, and the Basic Law on Food, Agriculture, and Rural areas. Includes past year reports.
URL: http://www.maff.go.jp/eindex.html
USDA's in-house research arm. Site includes news, selected quarterly reports, personnel directories and other agency information.
URL: http://www.ars.usda.gov/
Replete with information on the varied industries that make NSW Australia's most valuable agricultural state.
URL: http://www.agric.nsw.gov.au/
Congress and Agriculture: Connect to members, rules, subcommittees, archives, and the committee schedule. Listen during hearings with Windows Media Player.
Farming Homepage Agricultural Case Studies Agricultural Resources Funding was provided from: SARE and CEA. This project is brought to you by the University of Illinois College of A.C.E.S. Created by: The AIM LabMaintained by: Illinet - Cooperative E
The History of Agriculture in Alberta How did agriculture become the industry just described, in such a new land and in such a relatively short time? The first white man to cultivate the soil in what is now Alberta was Peter Pond, a fur trader
J. Paul Lilly Associate Professor Emeritus Department of Soil Science North Carolina State University In order to understand both agriculture and forestry as they are today, I believe we need to know what they ...
History of Agriculture S E A R C H Prairie Portrait History of Agriculture Prairie Climate Plant Adaptations Evolution Adapting to Saskatchewan College of Agriculture | Facilities & Exhibits | College Displays | The Great Plains | History of Agricul
Agriculture World is your online starting point for all aspects of the agricultural industry. Breeders, Associations, information and supplies all in one easy to navigate site.
Agricultural Trade World: A portal which guides you through the world of agriculture industry:breeding,farmers, livestock,mowers,herbicides,crops,cattle,tractors,poultry,planter,insecticides,seeds,fertilizers,irrigation systems etc.
Peruse databases of abstracts, bibliographies, articles about crops, agriculture handbooks and newsletters, and farm profiles.
Ag Link: Find government agencies, research and educational institutions, weather forecasts and industry associations.
Food aid organization of the United Nations describes its field operations and presents news and action alerts.
Links To Other Pages on This Site about Youth Oppertunities for Adventure:
On This Page:
This site is brought to you by the Animal Loving People at The FoxNest Veterinary Hospital. We'd appreciate it if you'd visit our site about the care treatment of pets.
Our site is called the
Also on this site; about Animal Politics...the controversial arguments for and against various animal rights issues.
Thanks, Roger Ross, DVM
Our Other Web Sites:
The Animal Pet Doctor: about the treatment of pets, the Human-Animal Bond, Animal Politics, Animal Ownership Responsibility, jokes, comments and more.
By the way, any commission we earn from banner ads sites go to our shelter...so please use our sites to access our sponsors. Thanks
The Horse Doctor: about the treatment of diseases and problems in horses and much more. Includes info on the new treatment for fescue toxicosis.
tae kwon do, and personal development.
about and for people who love acustic guitar music, old cowboy music, blue grass, and American Folk music.
Also about Community Theater.
Everyone needs a helping hand now and then...sometimes we need a lot of help.
Here's a thought for the day
If we could shrink the earth's population to a village of precisely 100 people, with all the existing human ratios
remaining the same, it would look something like the following:
There would be:
57 Asians
21 Europeans
14 from the Western Hemisphere
8 Africans
52 would be female
48 would be male
70 would be non-white
30 would be white
70 would be non-Christian
30 would be Christian
89 would be heterosexual
11 would be homosexual
6 people would possess 59% of the entire world's
wealth and all 6 would be from the United States.
80 would live in substandard housing
70 would be unable to read
50 would suffer from malnutrition
1 would be near death
1 would be near birth
1 (yes, only 1) would have a college education
1 would own a computer
When one considers our world from such a
compressed
perspective, the need for acceptance, understanding
and education becomes
glaringly apparent.
The following is also something to ponder...
If you woke up this morning with more health than
illness...you are more blessed than the million
who will not survive this
week.
If you have never experienced the danger of
battle, the loneliness of
imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of
starvation ...you are
ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of
harassment, arrest,
torture, or death...you are more blessed than
three billion people in the
world.
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on
your back, a roof overhead
and a place to sleep...you are richer than 75% of
this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and
spare change in a dish
someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the
world's wealthy.
If your parents are still alive and still married...
you are very rare, even in the United States and Canada.
If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that
someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you
are more blessed than
over two billion people in the world that cannot
read at all.
As I mentioned above; When you click on a banner ad...if you end up buying something, we get a commission...all of which goes to our non-profit animal shelter. So please check out all our Sponsor's Ads. And please go through our banners when you go to these sponsors so that we get the commission. Thanks. All the ads are at another site organized by category:
