Official FFA Manual

THE FFA VISION

Students whose lives are impacted by FFA and agricultural education will achieve academic
and personal growth, strengthen American agriculture and provide leadership to build
healthy local communities, a strong nation and a sustainable world.

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.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

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

The National FFA Organization is a resource and support organization that does not
select, control or supervise state association, local chapter or individual member activities. Official
FFA Manual
Educational materials are developed by FFA in cooperation with the U.S. Department of
Education as a service to state and local agricultural education agencies.

The National FFA Organization affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and
seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

2017 NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION The letters FFA, the FFA emblem, Future Farmers
of America and Forever Blue are registered trademarks of the National FFA Organization
and cannot be used without permission.
 THE
School-Based Agricultural
Education 3-Component Model
When you put on an FFA jacket, you become part of a school-based agricultural education
program that can connect you to exciting careers in the science, business and technology
of agriculture. FFA is one of three essential components of this integrated system, which
work together to provide personal, academic and career experiences that help you build
success.

School-based agricultural education is delivered through career and technical education

in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Approximately one million
agricultural education students are taught by nearly 12,000 secondary, two-year postsec-
ondary and adult instructors in nearly 8,000 schools. School-based agricultural education
consists of three integral core components:

1. Classroom and laboratory instruction that is contextual,

inquiry-based and interactive.
2. FFA and organizations such as PAS and NYFEA that help members
develop premier leadership, personal growth and career success.
3. Supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs that allow
you to apply knowledge and skills through experiential, service and
work-based learning opportunities.

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to our 100-year anniversary in 2028, FFA has created the
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Add to your collection with this years tee! It honors the blue
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2 Official FFA Manual
 Official FFA Manual

National FFA Organization

6060 FFA Drive
P.O. Box 68960
Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960
317-802-6060
888-332-2668
FFA.org

National FFA Organization

Headquarters
United States Department
of Education
550 12th Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20202

National FFA Headquarters

Operations Office
1410 King Street, Suite 400
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-838-5889

For Members of the

National FFA Organization
Ninety years of service to youth in agriculture.

The National FFA Organization is a resource and support organization that does not select,
control or supervise state association, local chapter or individual member activities.

The National FFA Organization affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks
diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

Electronic text files for preparation of materials for the visually impaired can be obtained by
contacting the National FFA Organizations educational resource team, 317-802-6060.

The Official FFA Manual is available on FFA.org at no cost to you. This online version will be
updated each year and will serve as the official version of the manual. The print edition is
available for purchase on ShopFFA.org.

2017 National FFA Organization. All rights reserved.

3
Official FFA Manual

Table of Contents
The FFA Mission and Strategies..................................................................................................................................... 8

FFA History
What Is FFA?............................................................................................................................................................................ 9
FFA Organization Structure............................................................................................................................................ 10
Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Programs........................................................................................... 11
Program of Activities........................................................................................................................................................ 14
Middle School Activities................................................................................................................................................. 14
History of FFA........................................................................................................................................................................15
History of New Farmers of America (NFA).............................................................................................................. 16
Past National Presidents of FFA and NFA.................................................................................................................17
Historical Timeline of FFA............................................................................................................................................... 19
National FFA Organization Membership by State..............................................................................................25

FFA Traditions
Emblem....................................................................................................................................................................................26
Motto........................................................................................................................................................................................27
Creed........................................................................................................................................................................................27
Colors........................................................................................................................................................................................28
Salute........................................................................................................................................................................................28
Official Dress.........................................................................................................................................................................28
Proper Use of the FFA Jacket..................................................................................................................................29
Give the Gift of Blue Program.......................................................................................................................................29
Responsibilities of Members.........................................................................................................................................30
FFA Code of Ethics.............................................................................................................................................................30
Kinds of FFA Membership..............................................................................................................................................30
FFA Degrees............................................................................................................................................................................31
Procedure for Equating Hours Worked with Dollars Earned (American FFA Degree)................. 33

FFA Ceremonies
Opening and Closing Ceremonies.............................................................................................................................35
Discovery FFA Degree Ceremony............................................................................................................................... 37
Greenhand FFA Degree Ceremony............................................................................................................................38
Chapter FFA Degree Ceremony.................................................................................................................................. 40
State FFA Degree Ceremony......................................................................................................................................... 41
American FFA Degree Ceremony...............................................................................................................................42
Honorary Member Ceremony..................................................................................................................................... 44
FFA Alumni Membership Induction Ceremony...................................................................................................45
Ceremony for Installing Officers................................................................................................................................ 46

FFA Chapter Operations

National Quality FFA Chapter Standards................................................................................................................47
Program of Activities....................................................................................................................................................... 48
Chapter Officers................................................................................................................................................................. 50
Becoming a State or National Officer.................................................................................................................52
Chapter Meetings...............................................................................................................................................................52
Planning.............................................................................................................................................................................52
Arranging the Meeting Room................................................................................................................................52
The American Flag.......................................................................................................................................................53
Order of Business..........................................................................................................................................................53

4
 Parliamentary Procedure...........................................................................................................................................54
Use of the Gavel......................................................................................................................................................54
Summary of Parliamentary Motions..............................................................................................................55
Chapter Banquet.................................................................................................................................................................56
Public Relations....................................................................................................................................................................57
Tips for Social Networking.............................................................................................................................................58
FFA Resources.......................................................................................................................................................................59

FFA Programs, Events and Platforms

Service Engagement.......................................................................................................................................................... 61
Living to Serve................................................................................................................................................................ 61
Community Service..................................................................................................................................................... 61
Service-Learning............................................................................................................................................................ 61
National FFA Week............................................................................................................................................................ 61
We Are FFA............................................................................................................................................................................ 61
Agricultural Literacy and Advocacy..........................................................................................................................62
Leadership Conferences..................................................................................................................................................62
State FFA Officer Leadership Continuum...............................................................................................................63
National FFA Convention & Expo................................................................................................................................65

Awards and Recognitions

Agriscience Fair....................................................................................................................................................................65
Career and Leadership Development Events (CDEs/LDEs) ............................................................................66
National Chapter Award Program..............................................................................................................................67
Models of Excellence..................................................................................................................................................67
Premier Chapter Awards...........................................................................................................................................67
Middle School Models of Excellence..................................................................................................................67
Proficiency Awards............................................................................................................................................................67
SAE Grants............................................................................................................................................................................. 68
Distinguished Service Citation.................................................................................................................................... 68
VIP Citation...........................................................................................................................................................................69
Scholarships...........................................................................................................................................................................69
Star Awards............................................................................................................................................................................69

National FFA Alumni Association..................................................................................................72

National FFA Foundation.......................................................................................................................79

National FFA Policies

National FFA Organization Constitution and Bylaws....................................................................................... 80
Legislation: Public Law 105-225...................................................................................................................................92
Official Board Policy on FFA Trademarks................................................................................................................96

5
 National FFA
Organization
DELIVERY OF THE FFA MISSION

Platforms for
FFA Components delivery of
Mission of mission mission
Action Agricultural advocacy
Relationships Agricultural knowledge
Vision Agricultural literacy
Premier Character Career exploration
Leadership Awareness Food security
Continuous Inclusion
improvement Leadership concepts
Service engagement
Physical growth
Social growth
Personal Professional growth
Growth Mental growth
Emotional growth
Spiritual growth

Communications
Decision making
Career Flexibility/adaptability
Success Technical/functional
skills in agriculture

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.
This document connects the FFA mission to the FFA vision and explains how we deliver premier
leadership, personal growth and career success. Over the years, the FFA mission and the FFA vision
have remained constant. How the mission is delivered has changed, and it will continue to do so in
order for FFA to remain relevant in the future.
FFA is the premier youth development organization for school-based agricultural education students
that provides life-changing experiences for its members. Those experiences are driven by a strong
mission and a compelling vision.
This Delivery of the FFA Mission document was created to serve as a reference guide to help
explain the what, why and how of delivering the FFA mission.
To learn more, visit FFA.org and click on What Is FFA/Delivery of the Mission.

College/career-
Delivered ready students
through prepared for FFA Vision
Awards and Agricultural careers Grow Leaders
recognition - Agribusiness systems
Competitive events - Animal systems Build
Conferences - Biotechnology systems Communities
Conventions - Environmental service
Educational resources systems Strengthen
Experiential learning - Food products and Agriculture
Online experiences processing systems
State association - Natural resource
activities/events systems
Local chapter - Plant systems
activities/events - Power, structural and
technical systems
Non-Agricultural careers

FFA Vision: Students whose lives are impacted by FFA and agricultural education will
achieve academic and personal growth, strengthen American agriculture and provide
leadership to build healthy local communities, a strong nation and a sustainable world.

2017 National FFA Organization
Official FFA Manual

The FFA Mission and Character

Do you possess a collection of virtues by
Strategies which to live your life?
Awareness
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives
Do you have a quest for purposeful
of students by developing their potential
understanding?
for premier leadership, personal growth
and career success through agricultural Continuous Improvement
education. Have you shown the pursuit of learning and
growth?
To accomplish this mission, FFA:
Develops competent and assertive Personal Growth
agricultural leadership. Definition: The positive evolution of the
Increases awareness of the global and whole person.
technological importance of agriculture
Physical Growth
and its contribution to our well-being.
Are you striving to remain healthy by
Strengthens agriculture students
understanding, respecting and managing
confidence in themselves and their work.
your bodys needs?
Promotes the intelligent choice and
establishment of an agricultural career. Social Growth
Encourages achievement in supervised Can you have successful interaction that
agricultural experience (SAE) programs. respects the differences of a diverse and
Encourages wise management of the changing society?
communitys economic, environmental
Professional Growth
and human resources.
Do you have an awareness and application of
Develops interpersonal skills in teamwork,
skills necessary for career success?
communication, human relations and
social interaction. Mental Growth
Builds character and promotes citizenship, Are you developing the effective application
volunteerism and patriotism. of reasoning, thinking and coping?
Promotes cooperation and cooperative Emotional Growth
attitudes among all people. Have you experienced the development of
Promotes healthy lifestyles. healthy responses to your feelings?
Encourages excellence in scholarship.
Spiritual Growth
Do you have the reflective inner strength
FFA Mission Precepts to allow you to define your personal beliefs,
Components of premier leadership, personal
values, principles and sense of balance?
growth and career success:

Career Success
Premier Leadership Definition: Continuously demonstrating
Definition: Influence. those qualities, attributes and skills
Action necessary to succeed in, or further prepare
Do you have the skills and competencies for, a chosen profession while effectively
needed to achieve the desired results? contributing to society.

Relationships Communications
Can you build a constituency through Have you developed the oral, written and
listening, coaching, understanding and verbal means whereby interaction takes
appreciating others? place?

Vision Decision Making

Have you set a clear image of what the future Do you have the ability to analyze a situation
should be? and execute an appropriate course of action?

8
Flexibility/Adaptability The following organizations make up The
Do you have the traits that allow you to be National Council for Agricultural Education:
capable of and willing to change? Agricultural Education Division of the
Association for Career and Technical
Technical/Function Skills in Agriculture
Education (ACTE)
Do you have the knowledge and skills
American Association of Agricultural
needed for a career in agriculture and related
Educators (AAAE)
industries?
Association of Public and Land Grant
Universities (APLU)
National Association of Agricultural
Educators (NAAE)
National Association of Supervisors of
Agricultural Education (NASAE)
National FFA Alumni Association
The National Council for National FFA Foundation, Inc.
Agricultural Education National FFA Organization
(teamaged.org/council) National Farm & Ranch Business
The National Council for Agricultural Management Education Association
Education is the coordinating leadership (NFRBMEA)
organization for shaping and strengthening National Postsecondary Agricultural
school-based agricultural education at all Student Organization (PAS)
levels in the United States. National Young Farmer Educational
Association (NYFEA)
The National Council for Agricultural U.S. Department of Education
Education Mission:
The mission of The National Council for
Agricultural Education is to establish high- What Is FFA?
quality agricultural education programs in
Americas schools by stimulating: Because of its multifaceted structure, FFA
The preparation, retention and members face a continuing challenge from
advancement of high-quality agriculture the public and news media when asked,
educators. What is FFA? or What do the letters FFA
The development of programs that stand for? The following was developed by
prepare students for academic and career the National FFA Organization and approved
success. in January 2002 by the board of directors.
Program innovation and adaptability in When providing information to the general
response to changing student and industry public and media in news releases, brochures,
needs. website postings or general conversation,
The use of research-based practices in the following language should be used to
agricultural education programs at all help position the organization and its proper
levels. name.
Expanded opportunities for students
to experience high-quality educational What is FFA?
programs in agriculture. FFA is a dynamic youth development
organization within agricultural education
that prepares students for premier leadership,
personal growth and career success. Students
whose lives are impacted by FFA and
agricultural education will achieve academic
and personal growth, strengthen American
agriculture and provide leadership to build
healthy local communities, a strong nation
and a sustainable world. FFA was created
in 1928 as the Future Farmers of America;
however, the name was changed to the

9
Official FFA Manual

National FFA Structure

You! An FFA Member

Local Chapter
Collegiate Chapter Chapter Members
Local FFA Chapter Officers
Alumni Chapter Chapter Advisor
Chapter Advisory Committee
School Administration and Board of Education

Possible district,
area, region
State FFA Alumni State Association or federation
Association Chapter Delegates FFA associations
State FFA Foundation State Officers
State Advisor and State Leaders
State Department of Education

National FFA National FFA Organization

Alumni Association State Delegates
National FFA National Officers
Foundation National Advisory Leaders
National Board of Directors
U.S. Department of Education

National FFA Organization in 1988 to reflect

the growing diversity of agriculture. Today, FFA Organization
more than 649,000 student members are Structure
engaged in a wide range of agricultural
education activities, leading to more than FFA is structured on three levelslocal,
235 unique career opportunities in the state and national. (See chart above.) The
agricultural science, food, fiber and natural National FFA Organization is led by a board
resources industry. Student success remains of directors and six student national officers.
the primary mission of FFA. Together, they act on recommendations
from the national convention delegates and
What do the letters FFA stand for? agricultural educations stakeholders to set
The letters FFA stand for Future Farmers the vision and policy for FFA. The direction
of America; however, the Future Farmers and policy set by the board of directors
of America organization shall be known reflects the integral nature of FFA to the
and shall do business as the National FFA entire agricultural education program. The
Organization (Article I. Name, National national staff carries out the policies and
Constitution and Bylaws). For 90 years, FFA provides programs and services for the
and agricultural education have grown to organization. Just like chapter officers at the
encompass all aspects of agriculture, from local level, the national officers represent the
production farming, agribusiness and forestry members and actively guide the course of
to biotechnology, marketing and food the organization during their year of service.
processing. A president, secretary and four regional

10
 careers in agriculture through three integral
components: classroom and laboratory
instruction, FFA and SAEs. All three are
important to agricultural educations success.

Supervised Agricultural Experience

If you want to be the master of your universe,
including what you learn in school-based
agricultural education, your supervised
agricultural experience (SAE) is a critical
component. Your SAE is one of the best
ways to control what you learn, do and
earn. For many SAEs, there is potential to
earn cash, awards and recognition in your
community, your state and nationally.

An SAE is a work-based learning experience

related to your career interests and goals. It
is year-round, led by youthe studentand
supervised by your agricultural education
instructor. An SAE consists of projects or
enterprises within the agriculture, food and
natural resources (AFNR) career pathways
where you apply agricultural skills and
vice presidents are elected each year at the
knowledge taught in the classroom to real-
National FFA Convention & Expo.
world experiences.

State associations function within the

There are six types of SAEs. Your program
constitution of the national organization
may include any one of these types or even
but may also create individual leadership,
a combination of several types of enterprises
award and competition programs. Chapters
or projects. Below are the six types of SAEs
are chartered through the state associations.
and an example of each:
As on the national level, state officers lead
the membership of the associations and are
Foundational SAE Every student in
1. 
elected by state convention delegates. The
an agricultural education program
number and types of officers at the state
should start a foundational SAE. Learn
level may vary.
the different facets of agriculture and
what careers in agriculture may interest
The heart of the organization is at the local
you. Start learning personal financial
level. FFA chapters may be chartered in any
management and planning and how
public school with an agricultural education
to safely live and work in agriculture.
program. Leadership is provided by student
Research and create a class presentation
officers elected each year and the agriculture
about careers in agriculture, visit an
teacher who serves as an advisor to guide
agricultural operation or company to
the chapter. Officers include a president,
learn more about the industry. Shadow
vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter
a worker in an agricultural career. With
and sentinel. Additional officers may be
this foundational knowledge, think about
elected to serve other chapter needs, such
implementing one or more of the five
as a parliamentarian and historian. More
immersion SAE categories listed below.
members can get involved in leadership
positions with a mini-chapter system
Note: Agricultural literacy and career
where each agriculture class elects its own
exploration may be part of class work.
officers. FFA is part of a larger program called
Class work hours do not apply to the
agricultural education. Agricultural education
attainment of FFA awards or degrees.
works to prepare students for future

11
Official FFA Manual

Ownership/Entrepreneurship You
2.  community members toward alternative
want to be the boss? Nows your chance. agricultural practices.
Own and operate an agriculture-related
business or enterprise providing goods School-Based Enterprise Dont have all
5. 
or services. Start small and watch what the resources to start a business at home?
happens with hard work and perseverance. Gather some like-minded students and
The basic requirements are that you own start or continue one at school. This type
the enterprise, make the management of SAE is owned and managed by you
decisions and take the financial risk with and your fellow students using school
the ultimate goal of earning a profit. As facilities. It must take place outside of
part of an ownership/entrepreneurship teacher-directed class instruction time
SAE, you might own and operate a lawn and must provide goods and/or services
care service or an agricultural website that meet the needs of an identified
or you could produce bedding plants, market. A few examples of school-based
flowers, crops; raise animals; or sell enterprises include raising livestock in a
fish. You could cut and sell firewood or school facility; renting a portion of the
train dogs. Use your imagination; the school land lab or greenhouse to raise
possibilities in agriculture are endless. plants for sale; building livestock panels; or
repairing lawnmowers in the school shop.
Placement/Internship If you want to
3.  Work with your teacher to find out what
experience the world of work, this is the facilities are available, form a cooperative,
SAE type for you. You will gain experience an LLC, a partnership or some other
and knowledge through working for an business structure, and get rolling.
agricultural employer, and you may be
paid, too. Your job or internship could be 6. Service-Learning In a service-learning
on a farm or ranch or in an agricultural SAE, on your own or with other students,
business, school laboratory, or community conduct a needs assessment. Set the
facility. Track your progress by keeping goals, objectives and budget and then
records of the number of hours you work, promote, implement, and evaluate a
your responsibilities and any earnings. service-learning project. The project may
Your placement SAE might involve be for a school, a community organization,
working for your local farm supply store religious institution or nonprofit
after school, hiring on as a horse groomer organization. It cannot be for the benefit
at a riding stable, or making and selling of an FFA chapter. The project must be
floral arrangements in a florist shop. This pre-approved by a local review committee
type of SAE can also include volunteering that includes your agricultural education
your time. You could volunteer at the teacher and community stakeholders. It
local animal shelter or park or teach a must be a stand-alone project, not part of
gardening or animal care class. an ongoing chapter project or community
fundraiser. The project must align to the
4. Research-Based SAE If you like to Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
research, invent or analyze, this is the (AFNR) Technical Standards and Career
SAE for you. Using the scientific process, Ready Practices.
discover new agricultural knowledge
or validate current knowledge and Included as part of each type of SAE program
research. As a part of your research are:
SAE, you verify and demonstrate or
learn about scientific principles in A. Improvement projects.
agriculture. Some examples of research
opportunities include researching the B. Supplemental skills development.
effects of cropping practices on wildlife
populations, comparing plant growth of Improvement projects and supplemental
hydroponics and conventional methods skills development are part of your total SAE.
or investigating the perceptions of These activities complement the enterprises

12
and projects you select to include in your SAE-Based Awards
SAE. In some cases, students start with There are three different award programs
improvement projects or supplemental skills through which student SAEs may be
development that lead to the development developed or honored:
of major enterprises included in their total
SAE. A. SAE Grants FFA members can apply
for a $1,000 grant through National FFA
Improvement Do you like to make to start or expand an SAE enterprise or
something look better, like your home project. Find out more on page 69 or FFA.
or workplace, or improve the efficiency org/participate/grants-and-scholarships/
of a business or the living conditions of sae-grants.
your family? An improvement program
involves a series of steps and usually Proficiency Awards Many but not all
B. 
requires several days, if not weeks and SAE enterprises will qualify in one of
months, for completion. Examples may the many FFA proficiency award areas
include overhauling a piece of equipment available each year. You can find details
or landscaping a home. on page 67 or on the FFA website, FFA.org/
participate/awards/proficiencies.
Supplemental This takes less than a
day and is not related to your major SAE C. Star Awards Top FFA degree recipients
but is normally taught in agriculture each year are recognized at the local, state
class, involves experiential learning, and and national levels in one of four different
enhances your agricultural skills and star award categories. Learn more on
knowledge. Possibilities include pruning page 69.
a fruit tree, changing oil in a sod cutter,
cutting firewood with a chain saw, caring
for fish in an aquarium, taking care of
livestock on your school farm or growing
bedding plants in your school greenhouse.

13
Official FFA Manual

Program of Activities teamwork. Through participation in FFA,

A Program of Activities (POA) serves to middle school students also:
define chapter goals, outline steps needed to Gain a sense of belonging and of being a
meet those goals and act as a written guide part of something larger than themselves.
to provide a calendar of events the chapter Increase their opportunity to learn and
will follow in the year ahead. The POA is explore important issues and career
divided into three divisions: opportunities related to agriculture.
Growing Leaders
Building Communities The following programs are open for
Strengthening Agriculture participation to all FFA members and
chapters, including those in middle school:
Every year, each FFA chapter takes time to Agriscience Fair
plan ways to provide engaging opportunities Civic Engagement/Living to Serve
focused on growing leaders, building NEW Conduct of Chapter Meetings
communities and strengthening agriculture. Creed Speaking CDE
Discovery FFA Degree
Chapter meetings are held regularly. By National Chapter Award Program
participating in the meetings, members learn Partners in Active Learning Support (PALS)
communication, planning and parliamentary
skills. Recreation and refreshments aid in In addition, FFA recognizes the top five
developing fellowship before and after Middle School Models of Excellence chapters
meetings. in the National Chapter Award Program.
They are also eligible to compete for Premier
Chapter Awards through the National
Middle School Activities Chapter Award Program.
Middle school agricultural education/FFA
offers experiential, hands-on activities that
For more information on middle school
middle school students need and enjoy. FFA
programs, go to FFA.org and search middle
offers these students the opportunity to start
school FFA programs.
developing self-discipline, organizational
and leadership skills, and a high regard for

14
History

history
ffa
FFA
The original idea for the organization of
FFA developed after courses in vocational
agriculture were established by the Smith-
Hughes National Vocational Education Act
in 1917.

In the early 1920s, Virginia formed a Future

Farmers club for boys in agriculture classes.
This innovation caught fire across the
country, and the national organization was
established in 1928 at the Baltimore Hotel in
Kansas City, Mo. National dues to the Future
Farmers of America were set at 10 cents per
member.

Membership grew, and the following

years convention was distinguished by the
selection of the national colors and the
naming of the first Star Farmer of America.
As the years went by, the organization began
providing services to support its expanding in 1965. More new members were admitted
membership. In 1939, a national FFA camp in 1969 when the delegates voted to allow
was founded on the grounds of the original girls to become members of the national
national center in Alexandria, Va. organization.

The National FFA Foundation, Inc., was The 1970s and 80s would bring a host of
created in 1944 to provide funds from new programs and changes, designed to
business and industry to support new keep pace with the evolving membership
programs. Public Law 740, passed by and the rapidly changing needs of the
Congress in 1950, granted FFA a federal industry of agriculture. In 1969 the delegates
charter. Public Law 740 was revised in 1979. voted to establish an alumni class of
In 1998, it underwent technical revision and membership. By 1971, nine states had
became Publication 105-225 by the 105th chartered state alumni associations, and the
Congress. 1952 marked the establishment of National FFA Alumni Association was up
The National Future Farmer magazine. and running. In 1988, the delegates voted
to change the official name from the Future
A consolidation of FFA and the New Farmers Farmers of America to the National FFA
of America, the organization for African- Organization. In 1998, to ensure that the
American agriculture students, took place constitution was not in conflict with the FFA

15
 Official FFA Manual

Federal Charter, a technical amendment was and Adult Education in the U.S. Department
passed by the delegates at the 71st National of Education. The FFA national advisor and
FFA Convention clarifying that the name executive secretary are employees of the U.S.
of the organization is the Future Farmers of Department of Education.
America, but shall be known as and shall do
business as the National FFA Organization. Completed in 2007, the National FFA South
Another name change occurred in 1989, Campus houses the merchandising, customer
when the magazine changed its name to FFA service and distribution departments
history

New Horizons. formerly located at the FFA center. The

ffa

36,000-square-feet facility is located a few

The National FFA Organization is a blocks south of the FFA center and was built
driving force in developing leadership to meet the current customer demand and
in todays youth. Active participation the capacity for future growth.
in career development events, chapter
meetings, award and recognition programs,
committees and service and community
projects provide FFA members with
opportunities to develop personal leadership
skills. The organization motivates young
people to make positive contributions to
their homes, schools, communities, country
and the world.

The National FFA Center was dedicated in

Indianapolis in 1998. It houses the National
FFA Organization, including its alumni
association and the National FFA Foundation.
On June 1, 1998, the Agricultural Education
National Headquarters opened its doors
in Alexandria, Va. This office houses the
National Council for Agricultural Education,
along with the national FFA advisor and NFA
national FFA executive secretary. The The New Farmers of America was an
organization also benefits from its strong agricultural organization for African-
relationship with the Office of Vocational American students prior to the merger of

16
NFA with FFA in 1965. Like FFA, the NFA was
Past National

history
ffa
founded in Virginia. Three individuals who
were instrumental in starting the organization Presidents
were G.W. Owens and J.R. Thomas, teacher
educators in agricultural education at National FFA Presidents
Virginia State College who co-wrote a 1928-29 Leslie Applegate, New Jersey
constitution and bylaws for the New Farmers 1929-30 Wade Turner, North Carolina
of Virginia, and Dr. H.O. Sargent, a federal 1930-31 Leslie Fry, Missouri
agricultural education official who conceived 1931-32 Kenneth Pettibone, Oregon
the idea of the New Farmers of America 1932-33 Vernon Howell, Oklahoma
organization. 1933-34 Bobby Jones, Ohio
1934-35 Andrew Sundstrom, South Dakota
The first state meeting for the New Farmers 1935-36 William Shaffer, Virginia
of Virginia was in May 1927. Other states 1936-37 Joe Black, Wyoming
soon established similar groups and formed 1937-38 J. Lester Poucher, Florida
regional organizations. In August 1935, a 1938-39 Robert Elwell, Maine
national conference was held in Tuskegee, 1939-40 Ivan Kindschi, Wisconsin
Ala., and the New Farmers of America 1940-41 D. Harold Prichard, Mississippi
officially came into existence. In the early 1941-42 Irvin J. Schenk, Indiana
days of the NFA, the national convention 1942-43 Harold Gum, West Virginia*
rotated from state to state on the campuses 1942-43 Marvin Jagels, Idaho*
of the 1890 land-grant colleges of the South. 1943-44 Robert Bowman, California
Later, the national convention was held 1944-45 Oliver H. Kinzie, Oklahoma
every year in Atlanta, Ga., in the municipal 1945-46 J. Glyndon Stuff, Illinois
auditorium. 1946-47 Gus R. Douglass Jr., West Virginia
1947-48 Ervin Martin, Indiana
There were many similarities between 1948-49 Doyle Conner, Florida
the NFA and FFA. The NFA Creed had six 1949-50 George Lewis, Illinois
paragraphs and each paragraph began with 1950-51 Walter Cummings, Oklahoma
I Believe. The emblem had the outline 1951-52 Donald Staheli, Utah
of a boll of cotton instead of an ear of 1952-53 Jimmy Dillon, Louisiana
corn; otherwise, it was the same as the FFA 1953-54 David H. Boyne, Michigan
emblem. The colors were black and gold 1954-55 William D. Gunter Jr., Florida
as were their corduroy jackets. National 1955-56 Daniel Dunham, Oregon
NFA Week was celebrated during the 1956-57 John M. Haid Jr., Arkansas
week of April 5, the birthday of Booker T. 1957-58 Howard Downing, Kentucky
Washington. The NFA also had an award 1958-59 Adin Hester, Oregon
called the H.O. Sargent Award, which was the 1959-60 Jim Thomas, Georgia
most prestigious award for their organization. 1960-61 Lyle Carpenter, Colorado
The award honored a young man who had 1961-62 Victor Butler Jr., Florida
been out of school from three to 10 years and 1962-63 Kenny McMillan, Illinois
was established in farming. 1963-64 Nels Ackerson, Indiana
1964-65 Kenneth Kennedy, Kentucky
1965-66 Howard Williams, North Carolina
1966-67 Gary Swan, New York
1967-68 Greg Bamford, Colorado
1968-69 Jeff Hanlon, Oregon
1969-70 Harry Birdwell, Oklahoma
1970-71 Dan Lehmann, Illinois
1971-72 Tim J. Burke, Iowa
1972-73 Dwight O. Seegmiller, Iowa
1973-74 G. Mark Mayfield, Kansas
1974-75 Alpha E. Trivette, Virginia
1975-76 Bobby Tucker, Texas
1976-77 C. James Bode Jr., Oklahoma

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 Official FFA Manual

1977-78 J. Ken Johnson, Texas National NFA Presidents

1978-79 Mark Sanborn, Ohio 1935-36 David Simmons, Alabama
1979-80 Douglas C. Rinker, Virginia 1936-37 Elbert Pettiford, North Carolina
1980-81 Mark Herndon, Oklahoma 1937-38 E. Porter, Tennessee
1981-82 Scott Neasham, Iowa 1938-39 Lester Albert, Florida
1982-83 Jan Eberly, California 1939-40 Jethro Hill, Arkansas
1983-84 Ron Wineinger, Kansas 1940-41 James Warren Jr., North Carolina
1984-85 Steve Meredith, Kentucky 1941-42 Henry Revels, Louisiana
history

1985-86 Rick Malir, Kansas 1942-43 Lawrence Reddick Jr., Florida

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1986-87 Kevin Eblen, Iowa 1943-44 Amos Henry, Arkansas

1987-88 Kelli Evans, Nebraska 1944-45 Ollie Hines, Virginia
1988-89 Dana Soukup, Nebraska 1945-46 Sam Horton, Florida
1989-90 Donnell Brown, Texas 1946-47 Lawrence Price, Texas
1990-91 Mark Timm, Indiana 1947-48 James Bryant, North Carolina
1991-92 Lee Thurber, Nebraska 1948-49 Rupert Seals, Kentucky
1992-93 Travis D. Park, Indiana 1949-50 Dudley DeRouen, Texas
1993-94 Curtis C. Childers, Texas 1950-51 Calvin I. James, North Carolina
1994-95 Corey D. Flournoy, Illinois 1951-52 Curtis Cooper, Georgia
1995-96 Seth Derner, Nebraska 1952-53 Oliver Hunter, Texas**
1996-97 Corey Rosenbusch, Texas 1952-53 John Johnson, Kentucky
1997-98 Hillary Smith, Georgia 1953-54 Frances Thompson, Maryland
1998-99 Lisa E. Ahrens, Iowa 1954-55 William Jones, South Carolina
1999-00 Chris Vitelli, Florida 1955-56 Cecil Strickland, Texas
2000-01 Trent McKnight, Texas 1956-57 Marvin Roundtree, North Carolina
2001-02 Dane White, California 1957-58 John Knox Jr., Alabama
2002-03 Tim Hammerich, California 1958-59 Martin Goodson, Alabama
2003-04 Javier Moreno, Puerto Rico 1959-60 Robert Mack, Virginia
2004-05 Jackie Mundt, Wisconsin 1960-61 Harley Blane, Kentucky
2005-06 Travis Jett, Oklahoma 1961-62 William Love, Texas
2006-07 Beau Williamson, California 1962-63 Samuel Tate, North Carolina
2007-08 Zach Kinne, Missouri 1963-64 Robert Boone, Tennessee
2008-09 Paul Moya, New Mexico 1964-65 Adolphus Pinson, Texas
2009-10 Levy Randolph, California
2010-11 Riley Pagett, Oklahoma **Resigned
2011-12 Ryan Best, New Mexico
2012-13 Clay Sapp, Florida
2013-14 Brian Walsh, Virginia
2014-15 Andy Paul, Georgia
2015-16 Taylor McNeel, Arkansas
2016-17 David Townsend, Delaware
*Harold Gum resigned his office to join the
military, and vice president Marvin Jagels
replaced him as national president.

18
Historical 1929

history
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National blue and corn gold are adopted
Timeline of FFA as official FFA colors.
Carlton Patton from Arkansas is named
1917 the first Star Farmer of America. This is
The Smith-Hughes National Vocational one of the first awards created by FFA, and
Education Act, (both Senator Hoke Smith it was sponsored until 1949 by the Kansas
and Representative Dudley Hughes were City Star.
from Georgia) establishes vocational First National Chapter Contest is launched
agriculture courses. and sponsored by Farm Journal magazine.
At the Second National FFA Convention in
1925 November, 33 states are represented by 64
Virginia Tech agricultural education delegates.
teacher educators Henry C. Groseclose, Thirty-five state associations with
Harry W. Sanders, Walter S. Newman and approximately 1,500 chapters and 30,000
Edmund C. Magill organize the Future members are affiliated with the national
Farmers of Virginia (FFV) for boys in organization.
agriculture classes. The FFV serves as the
model for the Future Farmers of America. 1930
Official FFA Creed, written by E.M. Tiffany,
1926 is adopted.
The First National Congress of Vocational Edward Drace from Missouri wins the first
Agriculture Students assembles for a National Public Speaking event.
National Livestock Judging Contest at the First Official Dress uniform is adopted:
American Royal Livestock and Horse Show dark blue shirt, blue or white pants, blue
in Kansas City, Mo. cap and yellow tie.
Delegates restrict FFA membership to
boys only.
1927 First FFA Manual printed by The Farm
H.O. Sargent, a federal agent for
Journal of Philadelphia.
agricultural education for African-
Americans at the U.S. Office of Education,
and G.W. Owens, a teacher-trainer at 1931
Virginia State College, write the first The National FFA Radio Program on NBC
constitution and bylaws for the New is launched.
Farmers of Virginia, an organization for
African-American agriculture students. 1932
The organization holds its first state rally A charter is granted to the Puerto Rico FFA
that same year. Association.

1928 1933
Future Farmers of America is established in Blue corduroy jacket is adopted as Official
Kansas City, Mo. Dress.
First National FFA Convention is held in A group of FFA officers and members
Kansas City, Mo.: 33 delegates from 18 make a pilgrimage to Washington, D.C.,
states are in attendance. where they are greeted on the White
Leslie Applegate from New Jersey is House lawn by President Franklin D.
elected first national FFA president. Roosevelt.
First sectional gathering of New Farmers of
America (NFA) members is held. 1935
NFA is founded as a national organization
at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.
David Simmons of Alabama is elected as
the first national NFA president.

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 Official FFA Manual

Active FFA membership exceeds 100,000 1947

members. The first National FFA Band performs at
the National FFA Convention.
1937 National FFA Officers go on the first
During the National FFA Convention, Goodwill Tour, visiting business and
action is taken to establish a national FFA industrial firms and organizations.
camp and leadership training school in
history

Washington, D.C. 1948

The first FFA Chorus and National FFA
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1939 Talent program is held at the National FFA

28.5 acres of land is purchased near Convention.
Alexandria, Va., for the first FFA-owned National FFA Supply Service begins
national headquarters; the land was once operation.
part of George Washingtons estate. Record jump in membership from
Identical twins Albert and Arthur Lacy 238,269 in 1947 to 260,300 in 1948. So
from Hondo, Texas, become the only many members (10,000) attend the 20th
members ever to share the title of Star National FFA Convention that a folding-
Farmer of America.
cot hotel is set up in the basement of the
The H.O. Sargent Trophy Award is created
Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.
to honor H.O. Sargents commitment to
First FFA Week is celebrated during the
helping NFA members achieve success
week of George Washingtons birthday.
and leadership in agriculture.

1942 1949
FFA members join in the war effort. Three The first International Exchange Program
former FFA membersRobert Gray from for FFA members begins with Young
Texas, Travis Hoover from California and Farmers Club of Great Britain.
Melvin Jordan from Oklahomaserve
with then Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle and 1950
participate in the famous air raid on Tokyo. The 81st U.S. Congress passes a bill that
During World War II, delegates revise FFA grants a federal charter to Future Farmers
membership rules so time served in the of America. President Harry S. Truman
armed forces will not count in determining signs the bill on Aug. 30, and it becomes
a members period of eligibility. Public Law 81-740.
During the war years, national conventions
The Rhode Island FFA Association,
are streamlined events, attended only by
with five chapters and 82 members, is
delegates and award winners. In 1942, just
charteredFFA is in all 48 states, plus then
217 people attend the convention.
Territory of Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

1944
The Future Farmers of America Foundation
1952
is formed in Washington, D.C., to raise The FFA Code of Ethics is adopted.
money for FFA programs and activities. First issue of The National Future Farmer
138,548 FFA members serve in the Armed magazine is published.
Services in World War II.
The first National FFA Agriculture 1953
Proficiency Award is presented for The U.S. Post Office Department issues
agricultural mechanics. a special 3-cent postage stampthe cost
of mailing a first-class letter thento
1946 celebrate the 25th anniversary of FFA. The
Attendance at the National FFA first stamps are released in Kansas City,
Victory Convention is 12,500. Those Mo., during the National FFA Convention.
in attendance honor the 260,450 FFA
members who served and the 7,188 who
paid the supreme sacrifice.

20
 President Dwight D. Eisenhower speaks 1968

history
ffa
at the National FFA Conventionthe first Presidential candidate Richard M. Nixon
U.S. president to do so and receives an speaks at the National FFA Convention.
Honorary American Farmer Degree. Nixon is elected U.S. president the
FFA membership reaches 363,369 following month.
members.

1969
1955 FFA opens membership to females,
Photo of American Star Farmer Joe Moore making it possible for them to hold office
is on the cover of Time magazine. and participate in competitive events at
regional and national levels.
1957 Ken Dunagan from Arizona is named the
Former President Harry S. Truman speaks first American Star in Agribusiness.
during the National FFA Convention. The Washington Conference (now
Washington Leadership Conference
1958 WLC) begins.
The National Foundation for Infantile The delegate body of the National FFA
Paralysis presents NFA with a Certificate of Convention establishes alumni class of
Appreciation. membership as part of the constitution.

1959 1971
First National FFA Center is dedicated in The National FFA Alumni Association is
Alexandria, Va., on land that was once part established.
of George Washingtons estate. An FFA The Building Our American Communities
camp had been located here earlier. (BOAC) program begins.
FFA holds its first National Leadership
Training Conference for state officers in 1973
Washington, D.C. (now State Presidents FFA Official Dress standards are created.
Conference SPC). National FFA Secretary Fred McClure from
Texas is the first African-American elected
1964 to a national FFA office.
FFA sells its one-millionth FFA jacket.
1974
1965 President Gerald Ford speaks at the
NFA merges with FFA, increasing FFA National FFA Convention. The speech is
membership by more than 50,000. carried live on network television.
Delegates vote to increase FFA
membership dues from 10 cents to 50 1975
cents, allowing all members to receive the Food for America program launches.
official FFA magazine, The National Future Jimmy Carter, former Georgia governor
Farmer. and a former member of the Plains (Ga.)
FFA Chapter, speaks at the National FFA
1966 Convention. Carter was elected U.S.
First FFA National Agricultural Career president the following year.
Show (now called expo) is held at the First FFA Student Handbook is published.
National FFA Convention to highlight
educational and career opportunities in 1976
agriculture. Julie Smiley from Washington is elected
national FFA vice president and is the first
1967 female to hold a national FFA office.
Elmer J. Johnson helps develop the FFA Alaska becomes the last of the 50 states
archives at the National FFA Center. to obtain a national charter.

21
 Official FFA Manual

1978 President Ronald Reagan speaks at

President Jimmy Carter speaks at the 51st the National FFA Convention via a
National FFA Convention again, this time prerecorded message.
as a U.S. president.
The commemorative marker noting the 1989
site of the organizations founding is The National Future Farmer magazine
unveiled in Kansas City, Mo. changes its name to FFA New Horizons.
history

1979 1990
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Christe Peterson from Wisconsin wins The Partners in Active Learning Support
the first Extemporaneous Public Speaking (PALS) program launches.
Event. National convention delegates vote
to raise the number of official voting
1980 delegates to 475 based on proportional
The National FFA Foundation raises $1 representation.
million in one year for the first time. Delegates vote no to a new FFA Creed
during the 63rd National FFA Convention.

1982
Jan Eberly from California becomes the 1991
first female national FFA president. FFA chapters in the U.S. Virgin Islands
and Guam, along with five chapters in
Micronesia, are chartered.
1983
The Ag Ed Network, the organizations
computerized information service, 1994
launches. Corey Flournoy from Illinois is the first
African-American to be elected national
FFA president; he is also the first urban
1984 student leader.
The first FFA TV public service
announcements air.
1996
H.O. Sargent Award is reinstated,
1986 promoting diversity among chapters.
The first Agriscience Teacher of the Year
FFA announces its decision to move the
Award is presented to Steven McKay from
National FFA Center from Alexandria, Va.,
Boonville, Calif.
to Indianapolis.
FFA announces its decision to move the
1987 National FFA Convention from Kansas
The first national television satellite City, Mo., to Louisville, Ky., in 1999.
broadcast of the National FFA Convention The official website for FFA, FFA.org,
airs. debuts.
Vice President George H.W. Bush speaks
at the National FFA Convention. Bush is
elected U.S. president the following year.
1997
The first Agri-Entrepreneurship Award is
presented.
1988
The Future Farmers of America changes its
name to the National FFA Organization to
1998
The National FFA Center in Indianapolis is
reflect the growing diversity in agriculture.
dedicated on July 20.
Seventh and eighth grade students are
The Agricultural Education National
permitted to become FFA members.
Headquarters is dedicated in Alexandria,
The Agriscience Student Recognition
Va.
Program is introduced.
The National FFA Convention is held in
Kansas City, Mo., for the last time.

22
 Jose Santiago from Puerto Rico is elected Only Blue Will Do! launches. The

history
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national FFA vice president. He is the first campaign focuses on restoring the official
member from Puerto Rico to serve as a FFA jacket colors to the true national
national FFA officer. blue and corn gold, as well as providing a
Public Law 81-740 is revised through the superior-fitting jacket.
105th Congress and replaced by Public FFA Live! launches on RFD-TV.
Law 105-225 on Aug. 12.
2004
1999 The first live webcast of the National FFA
The National FFA Convention is held in Convention premieres on FFA.org.
Louisville, Ky., for the first time with 46,918
in attendance. 2005
Michael Van Winkle from Arkansas wins National FFA launches Seeds of Hope,
the first National Creed Speaking event. a fundraising campaign to rebuild Gulf
Coast states agricultural education and
2000 FFA programs following Hurricane Katrina;
The National FFA Archives at Indiana $835,699 in donations is distributed to
University-Purdue University Indianapolis affected programs.
(IUPUI) opens. The National FFA Foundation tops the $10
Delegates at the National FFA Convention million mark in raising money in one year
approve the Discovery FFA Degree for for FFA programs and services.
middle school students.
2006
2001 The 79th National FFA Convention is
Steven Offer from Wisconsin is named the held in Indianapolis for the first time, with
first American Star in Agriscience. 54,589 in attendance.
Nicholas Streff from South Dakota The National FFA Foundation announces
is named the first American Star in its first $1 million contribution from the
Agricultural Placement. Ford Motor Company.

2002 2007
The 75th National FFA Convention is The FFA Merchandise Center opens in
held in Louisville, Ky. To celebrate this Indianapolis.
special event, the time capsule from FFA membership exceeds the half-million
the 50th National FFA Convention is mark with 500,823 members in 7,358
opened. Special guest Muhammad Ali is chapters.
recognized at Reflections to honor the FFA New Horizons adds online feature
growing diversity of the National FFA FFAnewhorizons.org.
Organization.
Karlene Lindow from Wisconsin is named 2008
American Star Farmer. Lindow is the first The FFA member networking site, FFA
female to receive this award. Nation (now defunct), launches.
Official Dress standards are revised. The FFA board of directors makes the
decision to rotate the National FFA
2003 Convention between Louisville and
Javier Moreno from Puerto Rico is elected Indianapolis, beginning with Louisville in
national president; he becomes the first 2013.
person with a native language other than
English and the first Puerto Rican elected 2009
to this office. FFA celebrates 40 years of women in the
organization.

23
 Official FFA Manual

2010 2014
Dr. Larry Case retires after 26 years as FFA members earn a record 3,765
national FFA advisor. American FFA Degrees.
FFA celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Five FFA jackets are donated to the
founding of NFA. Smithsonians National Museum of
Six college-age FFA members travel to American History.
Zambia for the FFA Global Outreach: The Give the Gift of Blue Program begins.
Africa program.
history

2015
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2011 The 88th National FFA Convention & Expo

The National FFA Alumni Association in Louisville has a record attendance of
celebrates its 40th anniversary. 65,173 members, advisors, supporters and
FFA celebrates Native Americans in FFA, guests.
agriculture and agricultural education FFA announces the national convention
during the 84th National FFA Convention. and expo to move to Indianapolis from
Dr. Steve A. Brown is named national 2016-24.
advisor. First Lady Michelle Obama gives video
greetings to attendees at the national
2012 convention and expo.
Patrick Gottsch donates $1 million Membership in the National FFA Alumni
on behalf of RFD-TV to the National Association reaches 62,705 alumni.
FFA Organization, the single-largest The organizations official website, FFA.
unrestricted donation in the organizations org, is updated to include a new look, a
history. personalized dashboard, the resource My
National FFA Foundation receives a record Journey, the FFA Resume Generator and
of more than $16.2 million in support of the FFA Brand Center. The FFA emblem is
FFA. also newly refreshed to modernize the FFA
FFA members and supporters pack brand.
1,005,048 meals during the national
convention and expos FFA Rally to Fight 2016
Hunger. Membership hits an all-time high with
FFA celebrates Latinos/Hispanics in FFA, 649,355 members in 7,859 chapters.
agriculture and agricultural education National FFA Alumni membership jumps
during the national convention and expo. to 225,891 members, up from 62,705 in
2015.
2013 FFA, Discovery Education and AgCareers.
Sherene Donaldson is named first female com partner to create AgExplorer, a career
national FFA executive secretary. website to help students explore 235
Ram Trucks So God Made a Farmer unique careers in agriculture.
Super Bowl commercial exceeds 18 million
views on YouTube; company donates $1 2017
million to FFA. Convention delegate recommendations
FFA Today Radio Show debuts on to alter Official Dress and the opening
SiriusXMs RURAL RADIO channel. ceremony get approval from the National
FFA Board of Directors.

24
National FFA Organization

history
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Membership by States
Year Order 2014-15 2015-16 2014-15 2015-16
Assoc. Name Chartered Chartered Chapters Chapters Members Members
ALABAMA 1929 36 257 255 14,611 14,250
ALASKA 1976 51 7 10 118 288
ARIZONA 1929 33 73 73 10,046 10,323
ARKANSAS 1928 2 208 203 14,562 14,989
CALIFORNIA 1928 4 317 324 79,526 83,917
COLORADO 1929 15 95 96 5,846 6,114
CONNECTICUT 1930 40 20 20 3,095 3,390
DELAWARE 1930 37 38 38 4,262 3,805
FLORIDA 1929 31 321 332 17,454 17,870
GEORGIA 1929 10 290 306 38,943 40,881
HAWAII 1929 13 13 16 151 311
IDAHO 1929 17 81 83 4,372 4,448
ILLINOIS 1929 21 317 318 17,561 17,738
INDIANA 1929 19 192 199 11,034 11,896
IOWA 1929 22 225 228 14,837 14,803
KANSAS 1929 16 175 181 8,867 9,087
KENTUCKY 1930 39 143 149 14,385 15,032
LOUISIANA 1930 44 181 179 9,904 9,712
MAINE 1930 41 16 13 520 388
MARYLAND 1929 9 45 48 2,391 2,438
MASSACHUSETTS 1931 47 15 15 1,933 2,013
MICHIGAN 1929 29 115 116 6,923 7,894
MINNESOTA 1930 42 178 180 10,538 10,825
MISSISSIPPI 1934 49 104 94 3,756 3,445
MISSOURI 1929 28 337 336 25,882 25,784
MONTANA 1930 38 86 83 5,215 4,861
NEBRASKA 1928 6 159 170 7,467 7,773
NEVADA 1929 11 26 28 2,348 2,748
NEW HAMPSHIRE 1931 46 12 12 483 470
NEW JERSEY 1928 3 36 36 2,659 2,437
NEW MEXICO 1929 25 74 72 3,390 3,433
NEW YORK 1929 24 94 95 3,938 3,902
NORTH CAROLINA 1929 18 278 279 20,106 19,735
NORTH DAKOTA 1929 30 77 80 4,741 4,539
OHIO 1929 14 309 313 24,799 25,806
OKLAHOMA 1928 7 355 359 27,177 27,205
OREGON 1929 25 98 101 5,546 5,554
PENNSYLVANIA 1929 26 146 146 12,736 12,771
PUERTO RICO 1932 48 73 82 2,195 2,224
RHODE ISLAND 1950 50 4 4 95 120
SOUTH CAROLINA 1928 5 86 89 7,324 7,170
SOUTH DAKOTA 1929 32 79 81 4,041 4,361
TENNESSEE 1929 27 185 186 14,081 13,775
TEXAS 1929 34 1,023 1,032 108,791 115,630
UTAH 1929 20 79 81 6,255 6,718
VERMONT 1931 45 13 10 454 355
VIRGIN ISLANDS 1991 53 2 4 33 79
VIRGINIA 1928 1 159 165 8,806 8,985
WASHINGTON 1930 43 163 167 8,024 8,894
WEST VIRGINIA 1929 12 75 69 5,091 4,745
WISCONSIN 1929 23 252 251 19,483 20,500
WYOMING 1929 8 51 52 2,572 2,924
Totals 7,757 7,859 629,367 649,355

25
 Official FFA Manual

Emblem

The plow signifies labor and tillage of the

soil, the backbone of agriculture and the
historic foundation of our countrys strength.

The eagle is a national symbol that serves

The national FFA emblem, consisting of five
as a reminder of our freedom and ability
symbols, is representative of the history,
traditions

to explore new horizons for the future of

goals and future of the organization. As
agriculture.
a whole, the emblem covers the broad
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spectrum of FFA and agriculture. Each

element within the emblem has unique
significance.

The owl, long recognized for its wisdom,

symbolizes the knowledge required to be
successful in the industry of agriculture.

The cross section of the ear of corn provides

the foundation of the emblem, just as corn
has historically served as the foundation crop
The words Agricultural Education and FFA
of American agriculture. It is also a symbol of
are emblazoned in the center to signify the
unity, as corn is grown in every state of the
combination of learning and leadership
nation.
necessary for progressive agriculture.

The emblem and the letters FFA are

protected by trademark registration in the
U.S. Patent Office and by Public Law 105-225,
105th Congress.

The rising sun signifies progress and holds a

promise that tomorrow will bring a new day,
glowing with opportunity.

26
Motto pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging;
for I know the joys and discomforts of
agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness
The FFA motto gives members 12 short for those associations which, even in hours
words to live by as they discover the of discouragement, I cannot deny.
opportunities available in the organization:
Learning to Do I believe in leadership from ourselves and
Doing to Learn respect from others. I believe in my own
ability to work efficiently and think clearly,
Earning to Live
with such knowledge and skill as I can
Living to Serve secure, and in the ability of progressive
agriculturists to serve our own and the public
The FFA Creed interest in producing and marketing the

traditions
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product of our toil.
The FFACreed was written by E.M. Tiffany
and adopted at the 3rd National FFA I believe in less dependence on begging
Convention. It was revised at the 38th and more power in bargaining; in the life
and 63rd conventions. It is recited by new abundant and enough honest wealth to help
members to reflect their growing belief in make it sofor others as well as myself; in
agriculture and agricultural education. less need for charity and more of it when
needed; in being happy myself and playing
I believe in the future of agriculture, with square with those whose happiness depends
a faith born not of words but of deeds upon me.
achievements won by the present and past
generations of agriculturists; in the promise I believe that American agriculture can and
of better days through better ways, even as will hold true to the best traditions of our
the better things we now enjoy have come to national life and that I can exert an influence
us from the struggles of former years. in my home and community which will stand
solid for my part in that inspiring task.
I believe that to live and work on a good
farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural

27
 Official FFA Manual

Colors Official Dress Guidelines

Official Dress for an FFA member includes:
An official FFA jacket zipped to the top.
As the blue field of our nations flag and
Black slacks and black socks/nylons or
the golden fields of ripened corn unify our
black skirt and black nylons.
country, the FFA colors of national blue and
White collared blouse or white collared
corn gold give unity to the organization.
shirt.
All FFA functions and paraphernalia should
Official FFA tie or official FFA scarf.
proudly display the colors.
Black dress shoes with closed heel
and toe.
For printing specifications, the official FFA
colors are:
Note: Official garb of recognized religions
Coated Stock Uncoated Stock
Blue PMS 2945C Blue PMS 2935U may be worn with Official Dress.
Yellow- PMS 116C Yellow- PMS 115U
Red- PMS 485C Red- PMS 2035U
Hex Colors (for web)
Blue - #004c97
Red - #da291c
Yellow - #ffcd00
traditions

Salute
ffa

The Pledge of Allegiance is the official salute

of the FFA organization. To properly conduct
the salute, face the United States flag, place
the right hand over the left part of the chest,
and holding it there, repeat the following
pledge:

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the

United States of America and to the
Republic for which it stands, one Nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all.

Note: Repeat the pledge as it is punctuated.

There is no comma or pause following the
word nation.
The official FFA jacket was established
by the delegates at the 1933 National
The salute should always be used in the
FFAConvention. Official Dress standards
official closing ceremony for meetings and
were created by the delegates at the 1973
at other FFA gatherings. At the conclusion of
national convention and most recently
the pledge, the hand should be dropped to
revised by the delegates at the 2016 National
the side, and the members should again face
FFA Convention & Expo.
the presidents station.

FFA Official Dress

The uniform worn by FFA members at
local, state and national functions is called
Official Dress. 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.

28
Proper Use of the FFA Jacket tobacco and alcohol when underage and
The blue corduroy jacket is the most at all times when representing FFA. In
recognizable symbol of the organization. As addition, members should exhibit their
a member, it is one of your responsibilities to leadership qualities when they encounter
ensure its proper use. Specific guidelines are substances including tobacco and alcohol
outlined below. and serve to discourage others from
The jacket is to be worn only by members. inappropriate behavior.
The jacket should be kept clean and neat. All chapter degree, officer and award
The back of the jacket should have only medals should be worn beneath the name
a large official FFA emblem, the name on the right side of the jacket, with the
of the state association and the name of exception of a single State FFA Degree
the local chapter, region, district or area. charm or American FFA Degree key.
The front of the jacket should have only These should be worn above the name or

traditions
ffa
a small official FFA emblem, the name of attached to a standard degree chain.
the individual, one office or honor and the No more than three medals should
year of that office or honor. be worn on the jacket. These should
The jacket should be worn on official represent 1.) the highest degree earned,
occasions with the zipper fastened to the 2.) the highest office held and 3.) the
top. The collar should be turned down and highest award earned by the member.
the cuffs buttoned.
The jacket should be worn by members Give the Gift of
and officers on all official FFA occasions,
as well as other occasions where the
Blue Program
chapter or state association is represented.
The Give the Gift of Blue Program was
It may be worn to school and other
established as a way to provide official blue
appropriate places.
corduroy jackets to FFA members who may
The jacket should only be worn to places
not otherwise be able to afford them. FFA
that are appropriate for members to visit.
members who want to apply for a jacket
School letters and insignia of other
can go to FFA.org/giveblue. Members will
organizations should not be attached to or
be required to write a short essay on what
worn on the jacket.
owning an FFA jacket would mean to them
When the jacket becomes faded and
and provide a list of their FFA, community
worn, it should be discarded or the
and school activities. FFA advisor approval
emblems and lettering removed.
is required. Members will receive an email
The emblems and lettering should be
confirmation of their application and be
removed if the jacket is given or sold to a
placed in a queue to receive a jacket as funds
non-member.
become available.
A member should act professionally when
wearing the official FFA jacket.
FFA advisors and members can also nominate
Members should refrain from use of
a member to be awarded a jacket. A similar
application process, including
advisor approval, is required.

The program is funded by

individual donations and
corporate sponsors. Donations
are tax deductible and can be
made at FFA.org/giveblue.

29
 Official FFA Manual

Responsibilities 7. Demonstrate good sportsmanship by

being modest in winning and generous
of Members in defeat.
8. Make myself aware of FFA programs and
For a chapter to operate effectively, each activities and be an active participant.
member must play an active role. FFA is truly 9. Conduct and value a supervised
an organization of, by and for its members. agricultural experience program.
Members decide and direct the activities 10. Strive to establish and enhance my skills
of their own chapter. They hold positions through agricultural education in order
of leadership and conduct all activities. The to enter a successful career.
success or failure of chapter activities and 11. Appreciate and promote diversity in our
programs rests with the membership. organization.

Each member is charged with the Adopted by the delegates at the 1952
responsibility of upholding the ideals and National FFA Convention. The Code of Ethics
principles of the organization, as well as was revised by the delegates at the 1995
participating in all chapter activities. National FFA Convention.

Kinds of FFA
traditions

Membership
ffa

To be eligible for active membership in

a chartered FFA chapter, a student must
be enrolled in a secondary agricultural
education program.

State associations may consider secondary

agricultural education programs to be

The FFA Code grades 7-12.

of Ethics To become an active member and retain

membership, a student must:
FFA members conduct themselves at all 1. While in school, be enrolled in at least
times to be a credit to their organization, one agricultural education course during
chapter, school, community and family. As an the school year and/or follow a planned
FFA member, I pledge to: course of study. Either course must include
a supervised agricultural experience
1. Develop my potential for premier program, the objective of which is
leadership, personal growth and career preparation for a career in agriculture.
success. 2. Show an interest in the affairs of the
2. Make a positive difference in the lives of organization by attending meetings,
others. striving for degrees of membership and
3. Dress neatly and appropriately for the participating in other organized activities
occasion. (See page 29 for proper use of of the chapter.
Official Dress.) 3. Pay all current state and national dues by
4. Respect the rights of others and their the date determined by the chapter.
property. 4. Display conduct consistent with the
5. Be courteous, honest and fair with others. ideals and purposes of the National FFA
6. Communicate in an appropriate, Organization.
purposeful and positive manner.

30
 formed in 1931 and has continued to be an
influential part of agricultural education
on the postsecondary level. Since college
is considered higher education, Collegiate
FFA provides a higher level of opportunity
for membership and empowers values-
driven pre-professionals to lead and serve in
education, industry and communities.

FFA Degrees
A member may retain active membership FFA is structured into a degree program
until Nov. 30 following his or her fourth that rewards active FFA members for

traditions
ffa
National FFA Convention & Expo after progress in all phases of leadership, skills and
graduation from high school. For more occupational development. The Discovery
information on active membership, read the FFA Degree, the Greenhand FFA Degree and
National Constitution and Bylaws, Article V, the Chapter FFA Degree are awarded at the
Section B on page 82. chapter level. State associations award top
members with the State FFA Degree. The
Annual national dues are $7 for active highest degree, the American FFA Degree, is
members, of which $2 is used to provide conferred upon an elite group of members
a years subscription to FFA New Horizons at the national level. For the most up-to-date
magazine. State associations and local degree requirements, visit FFA.org.
chapters may also collect dues.

FFA clothing, jewelry and gift items can

be ordered through the National FFA Blue
catalog. Chapter supplies, plaques, trophies
and award pins can be ordered through
the National FFA Gold catalog. All items,
including agricultural education resources
and teaching tools, are available online
at ShopFFA.org. Profits earned from the Discovery FFA Degree
sale of official items help finance the FFA To be eligible to receive the Discovery FFA
organization and national activities. Degree from a chapter, a member must meet
the following minimum requirements:
In addition to active membership, individuals 1. Be enrolled in an agriculture class for at
can become members in three other ways least a portion of the school year while in
honorary, alumni and collegiate. Honorary grades 7-8.
membership is conferred upon those 2. Have become a dues-paying member of
individuals who have rendered outstanding FFA at local, state and national levels.
service to FFA and agricultural education. 3. Participate in at least one local FFA
The Honorary Chapter, State and American chapter activity outside of scheduled class
FFA Degrees are limited at each level by time.
a majority vote at regular meetings or 4. Have knowledge of agriculturally related
conventions. Alumni membership is open career, ownership and entrepreneurial
to former active members, collegiate and opportunities.
honorary members and other FFA supporters. 5. Be familiar with the local FFA chapters
For more information on alumni membership, Program of Activities.
visit FFA.org/alumni. Collegiate FFA was 6. Submit written application for the degree.

31
 Official FFA Manual

3. Have participated in the planning and

conducting of at least three official
functions in the chapters Program of
Activities.
4. A student after entering agricultural
education must have:
a. Earned and productively invested
at least $150 by the members own
Greenhand FFA Degree efforts; or worked at least 45 hours in
To be eligible to receive the Greenhand FFA excess of scheduled class time; or a
Degree from the chapter, a member must combination thereof; and
meet the following minimum qualifications: b. Developed plans for continued
1. Be enrolled in agricultural education and growth and improvement in a
have satisfactory plans for a supervised supervised agricultural experience
agricultural experience program. program.
2. Learn and explain the FFA Creed, motto, 5. Have effectively led a group discussion
salute and FFA mission statement. for 15 minutes.
3. Describe and explain the meaning of the 6. Have demonstrated five procedures of
FFA emblem and colors.
traditions

parliamentary law.
4. Demonstrate a knowledge of the FFA 7. Show progress toward individual
Code of Ethics and the proper use of the achievement in the FFA award programs.
ffa

FFA jacket. 8. Have a satisfactory scholastic record.

5. Demonstrate a knowledge of the 9. Have participated in at least 10 hours
history of the organization, the chapter of community service activities. These
constitution and bylaws and the chapter hours are in addition to and cannot be
Program of Activities. duplicated as paid or unpaid supervised
6. Personally own or have access to the agricultural experience hours.
Official FFA Manual and the Official FFA 10. Submit a written application for the
Student Handbook. Chapter FFA Degree.
7. Submit written application for the
Greenhand FFA Degree. Other requirements may be established by
the chapter and/or the state FFA association.

Chapter FFA Degree

To be eligible to receive the Chapter FFA State FFA Degree
Degree from the chapter, a member must To be eligible to receive the State FFA
meet the following minimum qualifications: Degree from the state association, a
1. Must have received the Greenhand FFA member must meet the following minimum
Degree. qualifications:
2. Must have satisfactorily completed 1. Have received the Chapter FFA Degree.
the equivalent of at least 180 hours 2. Have been an active FFA member for at
of systematic school instruction in least two years (24 months) at the time of
agricultural education at or above the receiving the State FFA Degree.
ninth grade level, have in operation 3. While in school, have completed the
an approved supervised agricultural equivalent of at least two years (360
experience program and be enrolled in an hours) of systematic school instruction
agriculture course. in agricultural education at or above
the ninth grade level, which includes

32
 a supervised agricultural experience These hours are in addition to and cannot
program. be duplicated as paid or unpaid supervised
4. A student after entering agricultural agricultural experience hours.
education must have:
a. Earned and productively invested at The percentage of the total state
least $1,000; or membership that may receive the State FFA
b. Worked at least 300 hours in excess of Degree and other requirements may be
scheduled class time; or established by the state FFA association.
c. A combination thereof, in a supervised
agricultural experience program.
5. Demonstrate leadership ability by:
a. Performing 10 procedures of
parliamentary law.

traditions
ffa
b. Giving a six-minute speech on a topic
relating to agriculture or FFA.
c. Serving as an officer, committee
chairperson or participating member
of a chapter committee.
6. Have a satisfactory scholastic record
as certified by the local agricultural
education instructor and the principal or
superintendent. American FFA Degree
7. Have participated in the planning and To be eligible to receive the American FFA
completion of the chapters Program of Degree from the National FFA Organization,
Activities. the member must meet the following
8. Have participated in at least five different minimum qualifications:
FFA activities above the chapter level. 1. Have received the State FFA Degree, have
9. Have participated in at least 25 hours of been an active member for the past three
community service, within at least two years (36 months) and have a record of
different community service activities. satisfactory participation in activities on

Procedure for Equating Hours Worked with Dollars Earned and

Productively Invested for the American FFA Degree
Hours* Formula Actual Dollars Earned Minimum Standard
Worked Factor Test and Productively Invested Equivalency Factor
2,250 X 3.56 8,010.00 + 1,990.00 = 10,000
2,103 X 3.56 7,486.68 + 2,513.32 = 10,000
1,952 X 3.56 6,949.12 + 3,050.88 = 10,000
1,802 X 3.56 6,415.12 + 3,584.88 = 10,000
1,652 X 3.56 5,881.12 + 4,118.88 = 10,000
1,502 X 3.56 5,347.12 + 4,652.88 = 10,000
1,352 X 3.56 4,813.12 + 5,186.88 = 10,000
1,202 X 3.56 4,279.12 + 5,720.88 = 10,000
1,052 X 3.56 3,745.12 + 6,254.88 = 10,000
901 X 3.56 3,207.56 + 6,792.44 = 10,000
751 X 3.56 2,673.56 + 7,326.44 = 10,000
601 X 3.56 2,139.56 + 7,860.44 = 10,000
451 X 3.56 1,605.56 + 8,394.44 = 10,000
OR
0 10,000.00

*These hours cannot contribute income that is being used as productively invested income.

33
 Official FFA Manual

the chapter and state levels. Degree application authorized by the

2. Have satisfactorily completed the National FFA Organization.
equivalent of at least three years (540
hours) of systematic secondary school Honorary American Degree
instruction in an agricultural education
program, or have completed at least the
Teacher
The purpose of the Honorary American
equivalent of 360 hours of systematic
Degree Teacher award is to recognize
secondary school instruction in
agricultural education instructors/FFA
agricultural education and one full year of
advisors who have demonstrated total
enrollment in a postsecondary agricultural
program quality by using those factors that
program, or have completed the program
contribute to successful local programs
of agricultural education offered in the
with a national impact. Nominees must
secondary school last attended.
have taught for a minimum of 10 years and
3. Have graduated from high school at least
have at least 85 percent FFA membership
12 months prior to the national convention
in their agricultural education program.
at which the degree is to be granted.
Recipients in this category are selected
4. Have in operation and have maintained
on the basis of their contributions in the
records to substantiate an outstanding
following seven areas: classroom/laboratory
traditions

supervised agricultural experience

instruction; experiential learning of students
program, through which the member has
(SAE); National FFA Organization awards
exhibited comprehensive planning and
ffa

and recognition; building partnerships;

managerial and financial expertise.
agricultural education program marketing;
5. A student after entering agricultural
agricultural education program development
education must have:
and evaluation; and professional
a. Earned at least $10,000 and
development of agricultural education
productively invested at least $7,500;
teachers. Applications should be submitted
or
online by 11:59 p.m. EDT June 15.
b. Earned and productively invested
$2,000 and worked 2,250 hours in
excess of scheduled class time. Any Honorary American FFA Degree
combination of hours, times a factor The purpose of the Honorary American
of 3.56, plus actual dollars earned FFA Degree program is to recognize
and productively invested must be individuals who have rendered outstanding
equal to or greater than the number service to agricultural education and FFA.
10,000. Hours used for the purpose Individuals nominated must have provided
of producing earnings reported as exceptional service to agriculture, agricultural
productively invested income shall education and/or FFA on a national level.
not be duplicated as hours of credit to Those nominated from a state must have
meet the minimum requirements for the approval of the state FFA advisor.
the degree. Nominations may also be made by members
6. Have a record of outstanding leadership of the National FFA Board of Directors and
abilities and community involvement and officers, National FFA Organization, and
have achieved a high school scholastic National FFA Foundation division directors.
record of C or better as certified by the
principal or superintendent. The Honorary American FFA Degree is the
7. Have participated in at least 50 hours of highest honorary degree presented by the
community service, within at least three National FFA Organization at the annual
different community service activities. national convention and expo. Applications
These hours are in addition to and cannot should be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. EDT
be duplicated as paid or unpaid supervised June 15.
agricultural experience hours.
8. Applicants must complete and submit
the current version of the American FFA

34
Official FFA Opening and Closing
Ceremonies Ceremonies
Official FFA ceremonies are a source of pride, Opening the Meeting
identity and tradition among FFA members When the time set for opening the meeting
and chapters. Ceremonies emphasize the arrives, the president, after quietly arranging
purpose of meetings, the duties of officers for any necessary officer substitutions,
and the significance of recognition given to rises, raps for attention, secures order and
individuals. proceeds as indicated below. The other
officers rise as called upon by the vice
All official FFA ceremonies are to be president and remain standing until seated
memorized, rehearsed and conducted with by the president.
pride and dignity. A walk-through in the
room where the meeting, banquet or special President: The __________ (meeting room,
function is to be held will ensure a smooth banquet hall, etc.) will come to order. We are
performance if proper physical arrangements now holding a meeting of the __________
are complete and all parties know their (chapter name, district name, etc.) FFA
responsibilities and speaking assignments. __________ (chapter, district, etc.) Mr./
Never forget that you and your chapter are Mdm. Vice President, are all officers at their
on display. Your performance should reflect stations?
sincerity and professionalism.
Vice President: (Rising and facing the
Use correct terminology according to president) I shall call the roll of officers,
gender. For example, use madam president

ceremonies
ffa
determine if they are at their stations and
in addressing a female president. report back to you, Mr./Mdm. President.

Printable versions of the FFA ceremonies

featured in this manual are available on
FFA.org/resources/chapter-resources.

35
 Official FFA Manual

Vice President: (Calling roll of officers) The secretaries wherever corn is grown and FFA
sentinel. members meet.

Sentinel: Stationed by the door. Vice President: The advisor.

Vice President: Your duties there? Advisor: Here by the owl.

Sentinel: Through this door pass many Vice President: Why stationed by the owl?
friends of the FFA. It is my duty to see that
the door is open to our friends at all times Advisor: The owl is a time-honored emblem
and that they are welcome. I care for the of knowledge and wisdom. Being older than
meeting room and paraphernalia. I strive to the rest of you, I am asked to advise you
keep the room comfortable and assist the from time to time, as the need arises. I hope
president in maintaining order. that my advice will always be based on true
knowledge and ripened with wisdom.
Vice President: The reporter.
Mr./Mdm. Vice President, why do you keep
Reporter: The reporter is stationed by the a plow at your station?
flag.
Vice President: The plow is the symbol
Vice President: Why by the flag? of labor and tillage of the soil. Without
labor, neither knowledge nor wisdom can
Reporter: As the flag covers the United accomplish much. My duties require me to
States of America, so I strive to inform the assist at all times in directing the work of
people in order that every man, woman and our organization. I preside over meetings in
child may know that the FFA is a national the absence of our president, whose place is
organization that reaches from the state of beneath the rising sun.
Alaska to the Virgin Islands and from the
state of Maine to Hawaii. Advisor: Why is the president so stationed?
ceremonies

Vice President: The treasurer. Vice President: The rising sun is the token
of a new era in agriculture. If we will follow
Treasurer: Stationed at the emblem of the leadership of our president, we shall be
ffa

Washington. led out of the darkness of selfishness and

into the glorious sunlight of brotherhood and
Vice President: Your duties there? cooperation. Mr./Mdm. President, all officers
are at their stations.
Treasurer: I keep a record of receipts and
disbursements just as Washington kept his President: (Rises and faces the vice president)
farm accountscarefully and accurately. I Thank you, Mr./Mdm. Vice President. (All
encourage thrift among the members and take seats at tap of gavel.) The secretary will
strive to build up our financial standing call the roll of members.
through savings and investments. George
Washington was better able to serve Secretary: There are __________ members
his country because he was financially and __________ guests present, Mr./Mdm.
independent. President.

Vice President: The secretary. President: Thank you. FFA members, why
are we here? (All members stand at three
Secretary: Stationed by the ear of corn. taps of gavel.)

Vice President: Your duties there? All members in unison: To practice

brotherhood, honor agricultural
Secretary: I keep an accurate record of all opportunities and responsibilities and
meetings and correspond with other

36
develop those qualities of leadership which under God, indivisible, with liberty and
an FFA member should possess. (All are justice for all.
seated at one tap of gavel.)
President: I now declare this meeting
President: May we accomplish our adjourned. (Tap once with gavel and the
purposes. I now declare this meeting of the meeting is adjourned.)
__________ (chapter name, district name,
etc.) FFA __________ (chapter, district, etc.) Examples of opening and closing ceremonies,
duly open for the transaction of business, or which outline responsibilities for a chapters
attention to any matters which may properly historian and parliamentarian officers, are
be presented. available at FFA.org/ffaresources/chapter/
pages/chaptermeetings.aspx.
Note: The secretary may call the complete
roll if necessary and report on that basis.
Discovery FFA Degree
However, it is a time-consuming procedure
for a local chapter because all members Ceremony
names are in the secretarys book and can be
quickly consulted and checked beforehand. Secretary: Mr./Mdm. President, I have
the applications for __________ (number)
students enrolled in (agricultural education,
Closing the Meeting agriscience, agribusiness, horticulture, etc.)
When the business at hand has been
who are candidates for the Discovery FFA
disposed of or an appointed time for closing
Degree.
has arrived, the procedure is as indicated
below.
President: Our constitution outlines

ceremonies
ffa
minimum qualifications for this degree. We
President: Mr./Mdm. Secretary, do you have
shall now determine if these candidates
a record of any further business which should
qualify. Mr./Mdm. Advisor, have all
now be transacted?
candidates paid full FFA dues at local, state
and national levels?
Secretary: (Rises, replies and is seated.) I
have none, Mr./Mdm. President.
Advisor: They have.

President: Does any member know of any

President: Have they each participated
new or unfinished business which should
in at least one chapter activity outside of
properly come before this meeting? (If no
scheduled class time?
answer, proceed as follows.)
Advisor: They have.
We are about to adjourn this meeting of the
__________ (chapter name, district name,
President: Have these candidates met all
etc.) FFA __________ (chapter, district, etc.).
other minimum qualifications of Article 6,
As we mingle with others, let us be diligent
Section B of the national constitution?
in labor, just in our dealings, courteous to
everyone and, above all, honest and fair in
Advisor: They have.
the game of life. Fellow members and guests,
join me in a salute to our flag.
President: The secretary will please read the
names of the successful candidates.
(Tap three times with gavel to call members
to stand, face the flag at the reporters
(Secretary reads the list of candidate names)
station and, with their right hands over their
hearts, repeat the following salute.)
President: Will the officers take their places
beside me?
All in unison: I pledge allegiance to the Flag
of the United States of America and to the
(After officers are stationed by the president.)
Republic for which it stands, one Nation
Will the candidates please rise? Candidates,

37
 Official FFA Manual

you are about to receive the Discovery

FFA Degree in a national organization of Greenhand FFA
members who will become the leaders in the Degree Ceremony
broad industry of agriculture. Will you strive
to continue development of your personal Secretary: Mr./Mdm. President, I have
and professional skills through participation the applications for __________ (number)
in the FFA? If so, answer We will. students enrolled in (agricultural education,
agriscience, agribusiness, horticulture, etc.)
Candidates: We will. who are candidates for the Greenhand FFA
ceremonies

Degree.
Secretary: I am proud to add these names
President: Our constitution outlines
ffa

to the list of our membership embarking on

a journey of personal growth and premier minimum qualifications for this degree. We
leadership development which will lead shall now determine if these candidates
them to career success in the broad field of qualify. Mr./Mdm. Advisor, do all candidates
agriculture. have satisfactory plans for programs of
supervised agricultural experience?
Advisor: Today, you take the first step in an
exciting journey which can provide you with Advisor: They have. (The advisor should
experiences which will set a foundation for give a brief summary statement regarding
success that will carry throughout your life. I enrollment, production agriculture,
challenge you to grasp all the opportunities ornamental horticulture, agribusiness,
offered and wish you every success in that etc., including career plans and supervised
journey. agricultural experience programs.
For example, number of students in
President: Fellow officers, join me in production agriculture, number of students
welcoming these recipients of the Discovery in horticulture, number of students in
FFA Degree. (President leads applause and agribusiness.)
welcomes each candidate with a handshake.
Other officers shake hands with the newly President: Have these candidates met all
installed degree recipients as well.) other minimum qualifications of Article 6,
Section C of the national constitution?

38
Advisor: They have. Secretary: The FFA is a national organization
of young men and women preparing for
President: The secretary will please read the careers in agriculture. I am proud to add your
names of the successful candidates. name to the roll of the __________ FFA
Chapter, __________ (State) Association and
(Secretary does so.) the National Organization.

President: Will the officers please take their Vice President: Success in a career and in
places beside me? life is largely the result of a sound education
and a willingness to work. Without labor,
(After officers are stationed by President.) we accomplish little, and unless our labor
is directed by intelligent thinking, we
Will the candidates please rise? Candidates, accomplish nothing.
you are about to receive the Greenhand
FFA Degree in a national organization of Advisor: The pin worn by Greenhands is
members who expect to enter a career in made of bronze. Because of its hardness and
the industry of agriculture. Will you strive to endurance, bronze has been used for ages
further develop your abilities through active by those who sought a better substitute for
participation in the FFA? If so, answer We crude stone instruments. May those qualities
will. of hardness and endurance carry you far in
our organization.
Candidates: We will.
Although you have done well and merit this
President: The basic beliefs of FFA members recognition, let me remind you that there
are outlined in the FFA Creed, which will be are heights yet to be attained. Just as there

ceremonies
ffa
presented by __________ (officer, member, are metals more precious than bronze, there
greenhand, etc.). are rarer and more precious laurels to be
won in our organization. The silver pin of the
(FFA Creed is presented.) Chapter FFA Degree and the golden charm of
the State FFA Degree await those who earn
President: I hope that you will always carry them. In order to attain these higher degrees,
the spirit of the Creed in your hearts and the you must possess rare and golden qualities.
words in your memory. You must be malleable, but never crushed;
ductile, but never drawn into anything base
Sentinel: Career development is a life-long or dishonorable; glowing with enthusiasm,
process. Your activities in this organization but unaltered by the heat of conflict. It is my
will help you acquire the ability to cooperate sincere wish that some of you will eventually
with others for the benefit of all. A good be awarded the golden key of the American
attitude and a respect for the rights of others FFA Degree.
are essential for success in life.
Your future is before you. Through hard
Reporter: The vast agricultural complex work and wise decisions, you can attain the
forms the foundation of our American highest place in our organization so eagerly
economy. You have chosen well by your sought by all worthy members.
expression of interest in a future career in
this, our nations largest field of endeavor. President: The FFA organization practices
agricultural leadership, citizenship and
Treasurer: By your enrollment in agricultural cooperation. If you develop your abilities, you
education, you have taken an important may become a leader in this organization.
step toward becoming a useful citizen We need you, and the country needs
in our democracy. May you, like George strong leadership. We now welcome you as
Washington, use your talents and training for Greenhands. The advisor will now present
the betterment of yourselves and your fellow each of you with the Greenhand pin.
man.

39
 Official FFA Manual

Chapter FFA Degree 10.Submit a written application for the

Chapter FFA Degree.
Ceremony
(Other requirements may be established
Secretary: Mr./Mdm. President, it is my by the chapter and/or the state FFA
privilege to announce that __________ association.)
(number) members are candidates for the
Chapter FFA Degree. (Reads their names.) President: Mr./Mdm. Advisor, have
all candidates met or exceeded these
President: Our constitution sets up standards?
minimum qualifications which must be met
before members advance to a higher degree. Advisor: They have.
The secretary will please read the section of
our constitution which outlines the standards President: Will the candidates please rise,
for this degree. and will the officers take their positions for
this ceremony?
Secretary: (Reads Article 6, Section D.) To be
eligible to receive the Chapter FFA Degree Sentinel: Fellowship and brotherhood are
from the chapter, the member must meet the desirable aspects of a full and satisfying life.
following minimum qualifications: Your many friends in the FFA share with you
1. Must have received the Greenhand FFA the satisfaction of your achievement. May
Degree. you continue to advance in the FFA.
2. Must have satisfactorily completed
the equivalent of at least 180 hours Reporter: We enjoy many benefits through
of systematic school instruction in the FFA. It is important that all of you inform
agricultural education at or above the others about this organization so that its
ninth grade level, have in operation influence can be a contributing factor in their
an approved supervised agricultural lives. Let us work together to build a better
experience program and be enrolled in an America.
agricultural education course.
ceremonies

3. Have participated in the planning and Treasurer: FFA members learn the
conducting of at least three official importance of sound financial practices. The
functions in the chapter Program of skills you are developing in keeping records
ffa

Activities. and accounts will be valuable assets to you

4. A student after entering agricultural throughout life. May you use this training
education must have: to support yourself, your family and worthy
a. Earned and productively invested activities of your community.
at least $150 by the members own
efforts; or worked at least 45 hours in Secretary: You have earned the highest FFA
excess of scheduled class time; or a degree a chapter can bestow on its members.
combination thereof; and As secretary, it is my pleasure to inscribe
b. Developed plans for continued growth your name in our permanent records. May
and improvement in a supervised you continue your individual growth and
agricultural experience program. development in our organization.
5. Have effectively led a group discussion for
15 minutes. Vice President: Planning and completing
6. Have demonstrated five procedures of a task brings a certain satisfaction that is
parliamentary law. the reward of the industrious individual.
7. Show progress toward individual Our forefathers worked hard to transform
achievement in the FFA award programs. America from a wilderness to a great nation.
8. Have a satisfactory scholastic record. Your attainment of this degree demonstrated
9. Have participated in at least 10 hours your willingness to work. You have done well
of community service activities. These and have taken a major step toward fulfilling
hours are in addition to and cannot be your goals in the FFA.
duplicated as paid or unpaid SAE hours.

40
Advisor: Those who succeed best in life, State Advisor: I have, Mr./Mdm. President,
regardless of occupation, know the means and have found all candidates fully qualified.
whereby the great problems may be solved.
Ignorance leads to neglect, waste, want and State President: We will now proceed to
poverty, while wisdom leads to industry, raise these members to the State FFA Degree.
productivity and happiness. You have studied Will the candidates please rise?
and learned in order to earn this degree.
Every worthwhile recognition carries with State Sentinel: The State FFA Degree is the
it additional responsibilities. Your increased highest degree our state association can
leadership ability should be reflected by your bestow. Some of you will one day earn the
further involvement in the activities of our coveted golden key of the American FFA
chapter. Degree. We urge you to maintain throughout
your adult lives the same enthusiasm and
President: The pin symbolizing the Chapter dedication that you bring to this ceremony
FFA Degree is made of silver. Just as there today.
are metals more precious than silver, there
are more precious laurels to be won in our State Reporter: It is a great honor to be
organization. The golden charm of the nominated for the State FFA Degree. It is still
State FFA Degree and the golden key of the a greater honor to be selected for this degree
American FFA Degree await those who earn by your fellow members of the __________
them. It is our hope that you reach these FFA Association.
higher goals in our organization. I am pleased
to present each of you with the silver pin of State Treasurer: Your new achievement
the Chapter FFA Degree. brings you greater honors as well as
additional responsibilities. You have widened

ceremonies
ffa
(President presents pin to each candidate. the field of your service and influence in the
Secretary reads each name as the pins are strengthening of agriculture, the most basic
being presented.) industry of our nation.

Please be seated, and will the officers return State Vice President: You have been urged
to their stations? to advance toward higher degrees in the FFA.
We commend you for your accomplishments
State FFA Degree and encourage you to work toward new and

Ceremony higher goals in our organization and in your

chosen occupation.

State President: (Raps for attention.) We State President: In meeting the

shall proceed with the degree ceremonies. requirements of the Greenhand and Chapter
Mr./Mdm. Secretary, what have you to report FFA Degrees, you were told that the golden
concerning candidates eligible for this charm of the State FFA Degree was awaiting
degree? you. The bronze emblem of the Greenhand
gave way to the silver emblem of the
State Secretary: I am pleased to submit the Chapter FFA Degree which now has evolved
names of __________ (number) candidates into that golden charm. This is symbolic of
who have been selected by the State growth and development in your chosen
Executive Committee to receive the State occupation. May the permanence of the
FFA Degree. rare and golden qualities of the emblem
be a constant reminder of the strength of
State President: Our constitution sets up your education and the worthiness of your
minimum qualifications which must be met achievement. Therefore, on behalf of the
before candidates are eligible for election __________ FFA Association, I confer upon
to this degree. Mr./Mdm. Advisor, have you you the State FFA Degree with its honors and
carefully examined and reviewed the records privileges, and present to you this charm, the
of these candidates? emblem of the degree.

41
 Official FFA Manual

(The Secretary will read the names of the 3. Have graduated from high school at least
newly elected State FFA Degree recipients 12 months prior to the national convention
who will come forward to receive their at which the degree is to be granted.
charms; each recipient is congratulated by 4. Have in operation and have maintained
the state officers. All return to their seats.) records to substantiate an outstanding
supervised agricultural experience
State President: Please be seated. Will the program through which a member has
officers return to their stations? exhibited comprehensive planning,
managerial and financial expertise.
American FFA Degree 5. A student after entering agricultural

Ceremony education must have:

a. Earned at least $10,000 and
productively invested at least $7,500;
National President: (Raps for attention.) We or
now come to one of the most important b. Earned and productively invested
activities of the national FFA convention: $2,000 and worked 2,250 hours in
the election and raising of candidates to the excess of scheduled class time. Any
American FFA Degree. This degree marks the combination of hours, times a factor
highest level of membership which may be of 3.56, plus actual dollars earned
achieved in our organization. and productively invested must be
equal to or greater than the number
As you know, our constitution sets 10,000. Hours used for the purpose
qualifications which must be met before of producing earnings reported as
candidates are eligible for election to the productively invested income shall
American FFA Degree. Mr./Mdm. Secretary, not be duplicated as hours of credit to
will you please read the qualifications for this meet the minimum requirements for
degree? the degree.
6. Have a record of outstanding leadership
National Secretary: (Rises and reads the abilities and community involvement and
qualifications as set forth in Article 6, have achieved a high school scholastic
ceremonies

Section F, of the National FFA Constitution.) record of C or better as certified by the

principal or superintendent.
To be eligible to receive the American FFA 7. Have participated in at least 50 hours of
ffa

Degree from the National FFA Organization, community service, within at least three
the member must meet the following different community service activities.
minimum qualifications: These hours are in addition to and cannot
be duplicated as paid or unpaid SAE
1. Have received the State FFA Degree, have hours.
been an active member for the past three
years (36 months) and have a record of National President: Mr./Mdm. Advisor, have
satisfactory participation in the activities the records of each of these candidates been
on the chapter and state levels. carefully reviewed?
2. Have satisfactorily completed the
equivalent of at least three years (540 National Advisor: They have, Mr./Mdm.
hours) of systematic secondary school President. All candidates nominated have
instruction in an agricultural education been found worthy of the honor of the
program or to have completed at American FFA Degree and are recommended
least the equivalent of 360 hours of for approval at this time.
systematic secondary school instruction in
agricultural education and one full year of National President: The chair will entertain
enrollment in a postsecondary agricultural a motion to approve these candidates for the
program or have completed the program American FFA Degree.
of agricultural education offered in the
secondary school last attended.

42
(One delegate moves and another seconds Third Vice President: As your officers, it is
that the candidates recommended receive our duty to acknowledge achievement in a
the American FFA Degree. Vote should be fitting and proper manner according to the
taken on all candidates at the same time.) provisions of our constitution. We know you
are proud to have attained your goal, and we
National President: Mr./Mdm. Secretary, are equally proud to reward your efforts in
what is the result of the vote? the name of the National FFA Organization.

National Secretary: Mr./Mdm. President, Second Vice President: Boundaries

the vote is __________ to __________ (or within our country exist only in name. True
unanimous). American citizens are interested in and loyal
to their local communities and states, but
National President: Thank you, Mr./Mdm. their greatest devotion is to their country.
Secretary. I now declare the candidates Recipients of the American FFA Degree
approved according to your vote. Will the see beyond limited horizons. They concern
other national officers prepare to raise these themselves not only with the affairs of their
members to the American FFA Degree? Will local chapters and state associations, but also
the candidates please stand? with the National FFA Organization, working
for the advancement of agriculture, which, in
(All candidates RISE at three taps of the turn, strengthens America.
gavel. Candidates REMAIN STANDING
during the ceremony as officers recite the First Vice President: As recipients of the
ritual.) Greenhand, Chapter and State FFA degrees,
you were encouraged to advance to the
Fourth Vice President: Congratulations! American FFA Degree. Through your untiring

ceremonies
ffa
By your accomplishments you have proven efforts you have now succeeded in attaining
not only your interest but your efficiency in a significant goal. This honor carries with it
agriculture, the worlds essential industry. additional responsibility, and we look upon
You are entitled to the honor and privileges this occasion as a milestone in your life
which accompany the American FFA of achievement in agriculture. Your vision
Degree. May your efforts in the future be has expanded beyond the limits of your
as meaningful and productive as they have community and the confines of your state
been in the past. until it reached the broad horizon of the
great United States of America. Therefore,

43
 Official FFA Manual

you are expected to set a worthy example National President: Please be seated. Will
of a progressive agriculturist and to exert the officers return to their stations?
leadership in local, state and national affairs.

National Advisor: I charge you to continue

Honorary Member
your demonstrated faith in agriculture. Ceremony
Always be proud to work in the industry of
agriculture and value your achievements. President: It is always a pleasure to receive
With all the virtues of independence in honorary members into the FFA. The purpose
thought and action, be mindful of your of this ceremony is to recognize, from time
individual limitations and your vital need to to time, the efforts of others made on our
cooperate with your neighbors in the larger behalf. Mr./Mdm. Secretary, please read the
business and social activities which have section of the national constitution which
become an essential part of our society. provides for honorary membership. (Reads
Remember, in union there is strength. Article 5, Section E.)

National President: The fact that the Secretary: Honorary membershipfarmers,

emblem of the FFA is surmounted by an school superintendents, principals, members
American eagle is significant. The eagle is of boards of education, chapter advisors,
symbolic of strength, courage, the national teachers, staff members in agricultural
scope of our organization and the extended education, business people and others who
honor which has been conferred upon you. are helping to advance agricultural education
and the FFA and who have rendered
From earliest times, the eagle has been outstanding service, may be elected to
used as an emblem of leadership, power and honorary membership by a majority vote of
progress. At the head of their legions, the the members present at any regular meeting
Romans carried a golden eagle perched upon or convention.
a spear.
President: Mr./Mdm. Secretary, will you
In 1782, the United States adopted as its introduce those who are to receive this
ceremonies

emblem the eagle with outspread wings, a honor?

shield upon its breast and holding an olive
branch and a sheaf of arrows in its talons. The Secretary: Mr./Mdm. President, members
ffa

eagle is a bird of superb strength, keenness of and guests, I am pleased to read the
sight and marvelous powers of flight. As the following names:
eagle soars high, so let your vision soar and
lead you to greater heights of achievement. (Secretary reads the names of the
Bring clear and purposeful thought to bear recipient(s)).
on your problems. Be strong and fearless in
spirit and action. President: Will the officers take their places
beside me? Will the ushers please present
On behalf of the National FFA Organization, the candidates?
I confer upon you the American FFA Degree,
together with its honors and privileges. (To explain why the honor is being conferred,
the secretary gives a summary of what each
(Candidates BE SEATED at 1 tap of the gavel.) candidate has done.)
Will the vice president escort the newly-
elected degree recipients to the platform to Sentinel*: I welcome you as friends of the
receive a key and a certificate? FFA. It is my privilege as sentinel to extend
to each of you the symbolic handclasp of
(Candidates receive the degree as their friendship and brotherhood.
names are read.)
Reporter*: As reporter, I am pleased
to inform you that the FFA is a national
youth organization whose purpose is to

44
develop agricultural leaders. Welcome to As FFA Alumni members, we are entrusted
membership. with the greatest tasks: to help educate our
youth and ensure the success of their future.
Treasurer*: Your contribution as a useful As parents, community leaders and friends,
citizen in our democracy serves as an each of us has a responsibility and we must
example for our members to follow. As fulfill that duty. Each student will need you;
treasurer, I welcome you to our organization. help when you can, be trustworthy and
honest, but most importantly, make each
Secretary*: The FFA needs counsel and moment a positive learning experience.
guidance from recognized leaders. It is my
pleasure as secretary to add your names to Service as an FFA Alumni member is an
our roll of honorary members. honor and privilege, through which we
counsel, guide, support, listen and mentor.
Vice President*: As vice president, I We can secure the promise of FFA and
welcome you to the FFA. I would inform agricultural education through premier
you that our members learn to appreciate leadership, personal growth and career
the dignity of labor. Without labor, neither success. Will all FFA Alumni member
knowledge nor wisdom can accomplish candidates please rise?
much.
(FFA Alumni member candidates rise.)
President: On behalf of every member,
I wish to say we are proud to have you as Alumni President: Do you pledge to be an
honorary members. May this affiliation prove advocate for agricultural education and FFA
valuable to all. I impress upon you that we by being diligent in your endeavors to ensure
look to you for counsel and guidance. It is the success of the FFA and FFA Alumni in our

ceremonies
ffa
because of the great respect we have for community? If so, answer I do.
you that you have been elected to honorary
membership. May we always cooperate for Alumni Member Candidates: I do.
the benefit of all. I now confer upon you
honorary membership in the __________ Alumni President: I, (Name), President of
FFA (chapter, association, etc.) and present the (Chapter, State or National) FFA Alumni
you with this token of membership. (Chapter or Association) confer upon
you membership within the FFA Alumni
*These portions may be omitted if it is organization, with all rights, privileges and
desired to shorten this ceremony. Italicized responsibilities!
portions may be omitted in the event that
officers other than those indicated are Let us welcome our new members with a
presenting the parts. round of applause.

FFA Alumni (Round of applause)

Membership Induction Alumni President: FFA alumni members

Ceremony may be seated.

FFA Alumni President: In 1971 the National Congratulations! Membership within the
FFA Alumni Association was established in FFA Alumni is essential in securing the
support of the FFA organization. Since that success of the FFA and agricultural education.
time, thousands of individuals at the local, Through our continued cooperation, we will
state and national levels have joined the FFA realize new visions and goals and achieve
Alumni to secure the promise of FFA and tremendous success.
agricultural education for future generations.
Cooperation is the foundation upon which
we build success. Only through our efforts
together are we able to reach new heights.

45
 Official FFA Manual

Ceremony for your duty to assist in conducting meetings

and ceremonies.
Installing Officers
Retiring President: It is an honor to be
Retiring President: __________, as an officer in the FFA. From time to time
president-elect, you have been selected during the year, you may encounter difficult
by your fellow members to be the leader problems, but through cooperation, hard
of our chapter* for the coming year. You work and dedication, you will succeed and
are therefore responsible for guiding our the FFA will prosper. Do each of you accept
chapter* in all its worthy undertakings. May the responsibilities of your office, and will
you work intelligently and seriously to fulfill you do your best to uphold the ideals and
the responsibilities of your office. principles of the FFA? If so, answer We do.

Retiring Vice President: __________, Newly Elected Officers: We do.

as vice president-elect, your record of
accomplishment indicates you have those Retiring President: I now declare each
qualities of leadership which we should all of you properly and duly installed in the
possess. You are to assist the president in respective office to which you were elected.
directing the work of our chapter*, preside May your year of service be marked by
over meetings in his/her absence and keep all integrity, dedication and a cooperative spirit.
committees working effectively. Seek harmony among your fellow officers
and set high standards of leadership for all
Retiring Secretary: __________, as chapter* members. Retiring officers (turning
secretary-elect, you have been chosen to to them), will you please escort the newly
keep accurate minutes of our meetings and installed officers to their stations?
to carry on the chapter* correspondence. You
should provide the chapter* with the order (The new president presents brief remarks.)
of business and committee assignments for
each meeting. You will also keep a list of *Use association, organization, etc. when
members, a record of degrees awarded and appropriate.
ceremonies

have custody of the constitution and bylaws.

This and all ceremonies can be found on
Retiring Treasurer: __________, as FFA.org under chapter resources.
ffa

treasurer-elect, you have been placed in a

position of trust. Your duties require you
to keep an accurate record of receipts
and disbursements and to provide regular
financial reports. It is also your responsibility
to assist in developing the chapter* budget
and maintaining sound financial practices.

Retiring Reporter: __________, as reporter-

elect, your duty is to inform the public about
the FFA. You are expected to work closely
with the news media, including state and
national FFA publications. You should keep a
record of photographs and articles published
concerning the FFA and its members and be
responsible for compiling our FFA history.

Retiring Sentinel: __________, as sentinel-

elect, your duties include welcoming our
friends, caring for the meeting rooms
and FFA equipment and providing for the
comfort of our members and guests. It is also

46
National Quality FFA 5. FFA members are involved in the planning
and implementation of a Program of
Chapter Standards Activities (POA).

The key to a successful FFA chapter is active 6. The FFA chapter conducts regularly
members! When you become actively scheduled chapter meetings.
involved in your chapter, you strengthen
the chapter. In return, a strong local chapter 7. An awards recognition program planned
provides a solid foundation for your success and conducted by FFA members is in
in FFA and beyond. The experiences of place.
thousands of former FFA members prove that
the following features will contribute greatly 8. The FFA chapter has a current budget,
to the success of your FFA chapter and to which provides the financial resources to
your success as well. support the POA.

The National Quality FFA Chapter Standards 9. Capable and trained officers lead the FFA
serve as a foundation for consistent delivery chapter.
of quality FFA chapters across the nation
focused on growing leaders, building 10. The FFA chapter has an active, dedicated
communities and strengthening agriculture. support group (i.e., FFA Alumni, agriculture
These standards are designed to be used by booster club).
local advisors, administration, community
partners and/or stakeholders, FFA Alumni 11. Stakeholders are engaged in developing
and/or an assessment team to conduct an and supporting a quality chapter.
evaluation of the local FFA chapter and
develop clear goals and objectives for 12. SAE is an integral component of the
chapter improvement. agricultural education program, with all
students maintaining an exploratory SAE
The National Quality FFA Chapter and career plan of study.

Standards include the following 13 13. A recruitment and retention plan is

indicators: yielding steady or increasing student
enrollment.
1. All students enrolled in the agricultural
education program have the opportunity For more information, including a detailed
to be a member of FFA. rubric, visit FFA.org/nationalchapter.
operations
chapter

2. Students build a progressive leadership

and personal development plan.

3. All students participate in meaningful

leadership and personal development
activities in each component of the
agricultural education program:
Classroom and laboratory instruction
Experiential, project, and work-based
learning through SAE
Leadership and personal development
through FFA

4. The FFA chapter constitution and bylaws

are up-to-date and approved by chapter
members.

47
 Official FFA Manual

Official Chapter Equipment

1 FFA Banner

A Complete Set of Officer Stations (Symbols)

7 or more Official FFAManuals

1 Official FFAFlag

1 Gavel and Block

1 Scrapbook

*All items are available through the National FFA Gold

catalog or on ShopFFA.org.

Program of Activities The divisions are:

Growing Leaders
Building Communities
The Program of Activities (POA) serves to Strengthening Agriculture
define chapter goals, outline steps needed to
meet those goals and act as a written guide Each division in the POA has five quality
to provide a calendar of events the chapter standards. Superior chapters conduct
will follow in the year ahead. A well-planned activities that relate to each of the quality
POA will ensure chapter activities meet the standards.
needs of its members, provide direction
from year to year, lead to a workable budget, Successful FFA chapters organize their
provide experience in planning and serve as a POA by using committees. The number
reference point throughout the year. of committees will vary by chapter. The
chapter vice president coordinates the work
Success is a result of creative planning and of committees, and every member should
detailed preparation. In order to invest in serve on at least one committee. One way to
chapter success, students set goals and plan form committees is by the standards for each
the necessary steps to accomplish these division:
goals. By engaging in the development and Leadership
delivery of a quality POA, students develop Healthy Lifestyle
leadership and planning skills that are
operations

Scholarship
essential in all careers. The key to a quality
chapter

Personal Growth
POA is getting every member involved. Career Success
Environmental
Tools are available to help chapters prepare Human Resources
their annual POA. These tools are available at Citizenship
FFA.org/POA. Stakeholder Engagement
Economic Development
Each chapter builds its POA around three Support Group
major areas called divisions. Divisions focus Chapter Recruitment
on the types of activities a chapter conducts. Safety
Agricultural Advocacy
Agricultural Literacy

48
The committees should develop goals
and activities. When their work has been
completed, each committee should report
its recommendations to the entire chapter
for approval, rejection or amendment.
When finalized, the chapters POA should
be made available to the members, school
administrators, advisory committee and
other key stakeholders.

Additional information is available in

the Official FFA Student Handbook, the
Advisors Guide to the Student Handbook
and the Program of Activities Resource
Guide.

operations
chapter

49
 Official FFA Manual

Chapter Officers Appoint committees and serve on them as

an ex-officio, nonvoting member.
Coordinate the activities of the chapter
Chapter officers serve a vital function in and evaluate the progress of each division
FFA. By taking a major leadership role, these of the POA.
students grow from the experience and Represent the chapter in public relations
benefit the chapter. It should be the officers and official functions.
goals to lead by example and encourage
other members to participate in chapter
activities. The following are general duties Vice President
expected of all officers: Assume all duties of the president, if
A genuine desire to be part of a leadership necessary.
team. Develop the POA and serve as an
A willingness to accept responsibility. ex-officio, nonvoting member of the POA
A sincere desire to work with all chapter committees.
members in meeting their leadership, Coordinate all committee work.
personal and chapter goals. Work closely with the president and
A commitment to lead by example. advisor to assess progress toward meeting
Knowledge and understanding of chapter goals.
the chapter, state and national FFA
constitutions, bylaws and programs. Secretary
A working knowledge of parliamentary Prepare and post the agenda for each
procedure. chapter meeting.
The ability to memorize official Prepare and present the minutes of each
ceremonies. chapter meeting.
There are specific duties and responsibilities Place all committee reports in the
that generally relate directly to each office: secretarys file.
Be responsible for chapter
correspondence.
President
Maintain member attendance and activity
Preside over meetings according
records and issue membership cards.
to accepted rules of parliamentary
Have on hand for each meeting:
procedure.
- The secretarys file
operations
chapter

50
 -Copy of the POA, including all standing Advisor
and special committees Supervise chapter activities year-round.
-Official FFA Manual and the Official Inform prospective students and parents
FFA Student Handbook about FFA.
-Copy of the chapter constitution and Instruct students in leadership and
bylaws personal development.
Build school and community support for
Treasurer the program.
Receive, record and deposit FFA funds and Encourage involvement of all chapter
issue receipts. members in activities.
Present monthly treasurer reports at Prepare students for involvement in career
chapter meetings. development events and leadership
Collect dues and special assessments. programs.
Maintain neat and accurate treasury
records. Additional Officers a Chapter
Prepare and submit the membership roster
and dues to the National FFA Organization
Might Elect*
through the state FFA association office in Historian
cooperation with the secretary. Develop and maintain a scrapbook of
Serve as chairperson of the finance memorabilia to record the chapters
committee. history.
Research and prepare items of significance
Reporter of the chapters history.
Serve as chair of the POA public relations Prepare displays of chapter activities and
committee. submit stories of former members to the
Plan public information programs with media.
local radio, television, newspaper and Assist the reporter in providing
service clubs and make use of other photography for chapter needs.
opportunities to tell the FFA story. Parliamentarian
Release news and information to local and Be proficient with parliamentary
regional news media. procedure.
Publish a chapter newsletter or website. Rule on all questions of parliamentary
Prepare and maintain a chapter scrapbook. conduct at chapter meetings.
Send local stories to area, district and state Serve as a participant or an ex-officio
reporters and to any school publications. member of the parliamentary procedure
Send articles and photographs to FFA New team.
operations
chapter

Horizons and other national and regional Conduct parliamentary procedure

publications and websites. workshops at the chapter level.
Work with local media on radio and Chair or serve as ex-officio member on the
television appearances and FFA news. conduct of meetings committee.
Serve as the chapter photographer.
Chaplain
Present the invocation at banquets and
Sentinel other functions.
Assist the president in maintaining order. Conduct reflections services at summer
Keep the meeting room, chapter camps and conferences.
equipment and supplies in proper
condition.
Welcome guests and visitors.
Other Possibilities
To meet local needs and to expand
Keep the meeting room comfortable.
leadership opportunities, other officers may
Take charge of candidates for degree
be designated at the chapter and mini-
ceremonies.
chapter level. Each officer group should
Assist with special features and
at least have the six parliamentary offices.
refreshments.
Further information is available in the Official
FFA Student Handbook.

51
 Official FFA Manual

*Opening ceremonies for other officer As meetings are planned, preparations must
positions can be found on FFA.org. be made in advance by the officer team.
These may include, but are not limited to:
Becoming a State or Placing the meeting schedule on the
schools activity calendar before the start
National Officer of the school year.
FFA members who take advantage of the
Making sure officer and committee
many leadership opportunities in FFA
reports are written and ready to present.
become top leaders in the organization. Each
Posting the agenda several days prior to
state elects a group of student officers to
the meeting to give all members a chance
lead its membership for the year. Qualified
to prepare for discussion and encourage
candidates must have obtained the State FFA
attendance.
Degree. Once elected, state officers engage
Having one or two chapter officers visit
in a leadership development continuum
with each class prior to the meeting to
that reinforces their prior knowledge and
share the agenda and generate discussion.
trainings for position-related work that builds
Assigning all responsibilities for special
upon each other.
guests, programs, recreation and
refreshments.
National FFA office is the highest elected
office in the organization. Members must
have received the American FFA Degree and Arranging the Meeting Room
be selected by their state association to be a An organized meeting room will set the
national officer candidate. All candidates go stage for conducting chapter business. The
through intensive interviews conducted by a correct room arrangement for a meeting is
nominating committee at the National FFA diagrammed on the next page. The following
Convention & Expo. Six national officers are station markers should be placed at the
then elected to lead the organization. officers stations:
Rising Sun President

Chapter Meetings Plow Vice President

Ear of Corn Secretary
Bust of Washington Treasurer
Every chapter meeting should be an American Flag Reporter
informative and enjoyable experience. Owl Advisor
Besides conducting chapter business, good Shield of Friendship Sentinel
meetings may include entertainment, guest
speakers, recreation and refreshments. A properly furnished meeting room adds
Variety in programs is essential for dignity to FFA functions and instills pride
maintaining successful meetings and in the members. The sentinel should make
member attendance. sure the chairs and podium are correctly
positioned and the stations for each office
Planning Chapter Meetings are in place prior to each meeting. All of this
The executive committee should plan the equipment should be kept presentable at
operations

agenda and post it in the chapter meeting all times and properly displayed or stored
room several days prior to each meeting.
chapter

when not in use. The American flag must be

Members should discuss the items of prominently displayed.
business with the advisors guidance.
A little imagination can transform a
Official opening and closing ceremonies are traditional meeting room into an interesting
to be used at all meetings. Well-performed depiction of chapter achievement.
ceremonies build pride and enthusiasm not Many chapters display a wall of fame
only in the officer team but within the entire featuring chapter trophies, plaques,
chapter. A majority of chapter business ribbons, certificates and other awards. A
should involve items planned in the Program photographic display of State and American
of Activities. FFA Degree recipients, winning teams or
individuals encourages members to excel.

52
 President

Secretary
Reporter
Treasurer

Advisor
Vice President
Sentinel Stationed at the door

An attractive bulletin board provides a place When the flag is displayed either
to post the upcoming agenda, notices, horizontally or vertically against a wall, the
announcements, photos, news clippings, stars should be in the top left corner.
current project status and much more. Some A flag in poor condition should be
chapters have an executive work area where destroyed as a whole, privately, preferably
the officers may meet and keep their records. by burning.
operations
chapter

The American Flag For more information, refer to Flag Rules and
The American flag is used as a symbol to Regulations at usflag.org/flagetiquette.html.
foster citizenship among members. It should
be displayed at all official FFA meetings and Order of Business
functions. The following are some simple An established order of business should
rules governing its use: be followed at all chapter meetings. When
The flag shall never be subjected to members know what to expect, they can
contempt, disrespect or insult. participate more effectively. The following
It may not be used for advertising order is suggested for regular meetings but
purposes, and nothing should be attached can be changed to suit individual chapter
to the cloth of the flag. needs. The most important reason for using
No other flag or pennant should be this order is so that significant items will not
displayed above the flag. be overlooked and member participation will
Never allow the flag to touch the ground be heightened.
or to be used as drapery or as a costume.
Always carry the flag aloft and free.
March right in a line of flags or in front of
the center of the other flags.

53
 Official FFA Manual

Opening Ceremony should be conducted, committee and should follow the meeting to
including the call to order, roll call and increase interest in attendance.
quorum determination.
*Guests and speakers frequently are unable
Reading and approval of the minutes of the to stay through an entire meeting. Special
previous meeting should be prepared and features are positioned early in the program,
presented by the secretary and approved yet may be changed to suit the needs of
by the members as read or as amended. the meeting. Official business should be
Their reading is omitted if they were sent to completed before entertainment, recreation
members in advance. or refreshments.

Reports of officers, boards and standing Parliamentary Procedure

committeesThe treasurer, and all other The purpose of parliamentary procedure is to
officer reports, should be presented. promote efficient meetings so that business
Standing committee reports are presented in can be transacted in an orderly manner.
the order they are listed in the bylaws. Each chapter member should know how to
conduct and take part in a meeting in order
Reports of special (select or ad hoc) to protect the rights of all members.
committees that were established for a
specific project should present their findings A knowledge of parliamentary procedure not
in the order the committees were appointed. only strengthens chapter meetings but also
provides members with valuable leadership
Special orders allows the consideration of tools for participation in the chapter,
specially scheduled business at this time. community and other organizations.

Unfinished business and general orders Chapter officers, in particular, need to

are designed to consider motions that were know the rules of parliamentary procedure.
pending and items on the agenda that were Observing parliamentary procedure will
not considered when the previous meeting ensure that:
adjourned, motions that were postponed to One item is addressed at a time.
the present meeting, and motions that were Courtesy is extended to everyone.
laid on the table. The majority rules.
The rights of the minority are protected.
New business allows members to introduce
new items for consideration that are on the Knowledge of parliamentary procedure
meeting agenda and others introduced by becomes a life-long asset, valuable for
chapter members. leading or participating in meetings in an
informed and efficient way. At the chapter
Special features include speakers, panels, level, officers and members find it much
guest appearances, award presentations and easier to conduct and take part in meetings
other nonbusiness items. when supported by a background of
operations

parliamentary knowledge.
Ceremonies are used only when new
chapter

members are initiated, Discovery FFA

Degrees are awarded, Discovery FFA Degree
Use of the Gavel
All officers and members should understand
recipients are raised to the Greenhand
the use and meaning of the gavel. It is the
FFA Degree, Greenhands are raised to the
symbol of authority and, when used correctly,
Chapter FFA Degree or officers are installed.
ensures orderly meetings.
Announcements
One tap of the gavel follows the
announcement of adjournment, the
Closing Ceremony
completion of a business item or is a
message to the members to be seated.
Entertainment, recreation and/or
refreshments are planned by the recreation

54
 Summary of Parliamentary Motions
TABLE OF MOTIONS
Interrupt? Second? Debate? Amend? Vote? Reconsider?
PRIVILEGED MOTIONS
Fix the Time to Which
to Adjourn No Yes No Yes Maj Yes
Adjourn No Yes No No Maj No
Recess (12) No Yes No Yes Maj No
Raise a Question of
Privilege Yes No No No (1) No
Call for the Orders of
the Day Yes No No No (15)* No
SUBSIDIARY MOTIONS
Lay on the Table No Yes No No Maj (3)*
Previous Question No Yes No No 2/3 Yes
Limit or Extend Limits
of Debate (12) No Yes No Yes 2/3 Yes
Postpone to a Certain
Time (or Definitely) (12) No Yes Yes Yes Maj Yes
Commit or Refer (12) No Yes Yes Yes Maj Yes
Amend (12) No Yes (5) Yes Maj Yes
Postpone Indefinitely (12) No Yes Yes (16) No Maj (4)
MAIN MOTIONS
Main Motion No Yes Yes Yes Maj Yes
INCIDENTAL MOTIONS (11)
Suspend the Rules No Yes No
(9)* No
No
Withdraw a Motion * * No
Maj (13)* No
(3)
Objection to the
Consideration of a
Question (10) Yes No No No 2/3 Neg. (3)
Point of Order Yes No No* No (1)* No
Parliamentary Inquiry Yes No No No (1) No
Appeal Yes Yes Yes* No (7) Yes
Request for Information Yes No No No (1) No
Division of the Assembly Yes No No No (14) No
Division of a Question No Yes No Yes Maj No
MOTIONS THAT BRING A QUESTION AGAIN BEFORE THE ASSEMBLY (8)
Reconsider* (2) No* Yes (5) (16) No Maj No
Rescind No Yes Yes (16) Yes (6) (3)
operations
chapter

Take from the Table No Yes No No Maj No

Discharge a Committee No Yes Yes (16)* Yes (6) (3)
Amend Something
Previously Adopted No Yes Yes (16) Yes (6) (3)

The first 13 motions are listed by precedence. After the chair states a motion, higher-ranking motions are in order and lower-
ranking motions are not (except for Amend as shown on the chart and Previous Question).
* - Refer to Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised for rule(s)
(1) Chair decides or answers. Normally no vote is taken.
(2) Only made by a member who voted on the prevailing side and is subject to time limits.
(3) Only the negative vote may be reconsidered.
(4) Only the affirmative vote may be reconsidered.
(5) Debatable when applied to a debatable motion.
(6) Majority with notice, or two-thirds without notice or majority of entire membership.
(7) Majority or tie vote sustains the chair.
(8) None of these motions (except Reconsider) is in order when business is pending.
(9) Rules of order, two-thirds votestanding rules, majority vote.
(10) Must be proposed before debate has begun or a subsidiary motion is stated by the chair (applied to original main motions).
(11) The incidental motions have no precedence (rank). They are in order when the need arises.
(12) A main motion is made when no business is pending.
(13) The maker of a motion may withdraw it without permission of the assembly before the motion is stated by the chair.
(14) On demand of a single member, the chair must take a rising but not necessarily a counted vote.
(15) Upon a call by a single member, the orders of the day must be enforced.
(16) Has full debate. May go into the merits of the question which is the subject of the proposed action.

55
 Official FFA Manual

Two taps of the gavel call the meeting to it be attainment of the Discovery, Greenhand
order. or Chapter FFA degrees, a chapter proficiency
award or a scholarship.
Three taps of the gavel is the signal for all
members to stand in unison on the third tap. The school administration should play a
prominent role in the chapter banquet. By
A series of sharp taps is used to restore presenting scholarships and other awards,
order at a meeting. For instance, if discussion superintendents, principals and guidance
ventures away from the main motion and counselors become part of the team and
attention needs to be brought back to the give recognition to the students work.
matter at hand, the chairman should rap the Companies and private individuals sponsor
gavel a number of times to get the groups proficiency awards and several other awards
attention. through the National FFA Foundation or state
FFA foundations. When local representatives
Summary of Motions of the sponsoring companies are available,
The Summary of Motions can be found they should be given the opportunity to
on page 55. For more information on make these presentations.
parliamentary procedure, see the Official
FFA Student Handbook. Even more detail is The entire banquet, including the meal and
operations

available in parliamentary procedure books program, should not exceed two-and-a-half

chapter

such as Roberts Rules of Order, Newly hours. If desired, a reception with punch
Revised. or an open house tour of the facility and
a review of projects might precede the

Chapter Banquet banquet.

All chapter members should receive

The chapter banquet is the highlight of the
instruction on appearance and table
year for many FFA chapters. The banquet is
manners. Students should sit with their
an opportunity for chapter members to work
parents.
together to showcase chapter and individual
accomplishments. A carefully planned
Banquet preparations should be assigned to
program should see that every member is
specific members and special committees.
recognized for some achievement, whether

56
Most chapters select a general chairman and public relations committee can also initiate
form these committees: other publicity activities. It is important to
Menu and serving know the newspapers, websites, and radio
Program outline (including entertainment) and television stations serving your area.
and creation of the paper program Assemble contact information for education
Invitations, guest list, thank-you cards and reporters or community events calendars
letters in all appropriate media. If your school has
Room arrangement and decorations a school newspaper, make sure you submit
Publicity (before and after the event) regular information to it. A quick visit or
Courtesy Corps phone call to introduce yourself can be a nice
Set up and clean up personal touch. Talk to the reporters you
plan to contact and ask them their preferred
Detailed suggestions for planning and format for receiving articles or news releases.
conducting a banquet may be found at They will likely prefer to receive information
FFA.org/resources/educators. In addition, the electronically.
National FFA Gold catalog carries banquet
decorations, awards and chapter supplies. When preparing articles or news releases
for publication, they should be typed,
Public Relations double-spaced and edited for sentence
structure, spelling, punctuation and clarity.
Consider asking a teacher from your English
By communicating with your school and
or journalism department for advice on
community, your FFA chapter can build
preparing posts, articles and news releases.
prestige as a valuable, active and involved
Articles should be approved by your chapter
organization. This communication and
advisor and, in some instances, by a school
visibility is called public relations. If you
administrator prior to submitting to the
take public relations seriously, you and your
media.
chapter can benefit from community interest
and support both of which are vital to the
Dont forget FFA New Horizons magazine,
success of your FFA projects and agricultural
FFA videos and all the electronic options
education program.
available to you. Facebook and Twitter
can be important tools to help you get the
Although the reporter is charged directly
word out about your chapter activities and
with keeping the community informed
accomplishments. Make sure that your
of FFA activities, keep in mind that every
website, social network pages and online
member has the responsibility to represent
posts are professional and reflect properly
agricultural education and FFA. Your actions
operations
chapter

on your chapter and FFA. Remember, the

while you are in Official Dress or other FFA
entire world can see the information you put
apparel can positively affect the image of
online; this can be a great opportunity but
FFA in your community.
also a great responsibility. If you have a story
to share with us, fill out the story submission
The public relations effort can be one of
form at FFANewHorizons.org/submit-your-
the most important and challenging in the
story/.
chapter, because many of your chapter
activities will interest local media. The
When planning your chapters public
public relations committee should create
relations program, keep the following in
a promotion plan, considering the entire
mind:
years worth of chapter activities. The
chapter reporter serves as chairperson of
Names are newsYour name, names of
the public relations committee; members
current and former members, award or
then relay information to the reporter and
contest winners, parents and others increase
work with him or her to prepare regular
reader interest.
news releases, website updates and social
network posts on chapter happenings. The
News release formatAlways provide your

57
 Official FFA Manual

contact name and telephone number at

the top of the release. For a news release Tips for Social
template, visit the FFA Brand Center on Networking
FFA.org.
Social networking sites like Facebook
News storiesTell the reader the basics (facebook.com/nationalffa), Twitter (http://
who, what, when, where, why and how. twitter.com/nationalffa) and Instagram
(instagram.com/nationalffa) are fun, cheap
Feature storiesWhen more in-depth and easy ways to communicate with your
coverage of an interesting chapter member members and supporters. There are a few
or function is in order, write a feature story. things youll want to keep in mind, though, to
ensure social networking success.
PhotographsOften a single, good
photograph has more impact than an article. 1. Update oftenbut not too often.
Clear, sharp photos are welcomed by most We know that your chapter has tons of
newspaper editors. All photographs should exciting news to share with the world,
include a cutline detailing the activity in the but that doesnt mean you have to share
picture. it all at once! For sites like Facebook and
Twitter, its a good idea to stick to only
Human interest storiesFFA members are one to two updates a day and space them
often good candidates for this type of story out over time. Instead of sending three
because of the variety of their activities. updates in one hour, for example, try
FFA members renovating the city park or sending one update in the morning, one in
conducting projects tell of their commitment the afternoon and one in the evening.
to community service.
Twitters platform allows for more
Special eventsFFA activities including frequent updating, but still you should try
community development projects, National to limit it to three to five tweets per day,
FFA Week and the state convention are ideal and again, space them out. One tweet
for involving the community and the media. every two hours is a good rule of thumb.
Follow school policy for media use during
Radio and TV programsThese outlets school hours.
provide excellent coverage but require
careful planning. Be sure you are prepared 2. Watch your tone.
for any TV or radio program. In TV, it is Writing on social networks is a little
important to have good visuals. Looking different from the writing youd do for
sharp in Official Dress can make a lasting an essay in your English class or even for
impression. your FFA chapters website. Its okay to
be a little less formal and a little more
National FFA WeekThis special week for conversational. But youll still want to
FFA members offers a unique opportunity pay attention to your grammar and
to share your message with your school and spelling. Avoid using too much slang and
operations

the community. FFA Week materials from the make sure your message can be easily
chapter

National FFA Gold catalog should be ordered understood by all types of audiences.
early, and FFA.org/FFAweek has all the Your fellow FFA members, parents, and
tools and templates you need to plan a full community business leaders can and will
week of events. Window displays, outreach follow you on your social networks.
activities, open house programs, full-page
advertisements for the local newspaper, Also, keep it positive. Your chapters social
guest FFA appearances at service clubs, radio networking site is not the best place to
and TVthese and more can bring attention complain about how unfair it is that your
to the presence of FFA as a positive influence chapter lost the state livestock judging
in the community. competition. Remember, once youve made
a comment on a social networking site, it
can be difficult, if not impossible, to retract.

58
3. Reciprocate! magazine is owned and operated by FFA,
The best thing about social networking is and the FFA Board of Directors and national
that its, wellsocial! Your purpose is not officers control its policies. By paying their
only to send out messages and updates to national dues, FFA members automatically
your followers but also to communicate subscribe to FFA New Horizons; a portion
with them. Try to respond to most of the of each members dues goes toward the
comments and messages you get through operation and publication of the magazine.
your social networking sites. And try to In addition to submitting news about
engage your audience by asking them individual members and activities in their
questions and requesting feedback on chapters, members may consider giving FFA
your activities. New Horizons gift subscriptions to school
administrators, libraries, and important
FFA Resources chapter or community supporters.

Want to use FFA New Horizons in the

The National FFA Organization offers
classroom? FFANewHorizons.org also
several resourcesmost of them freefor
features teaching guides to go with each
FFA members, agriculture teachers, teacher
issue of the magazine.
educators, agricultural education majors and
FFA advisors. These materials are designed
to help you succeed in every aspect of
Find free resources for the chapter and
your agriculture programfrom classroom
advisor as well as for alumni members at
instruction and leadership training to SAE
FFA.org/resources.
resources.

FFA New Horizons

FFA.org
Visit FFA.org for all of your FFA needs.
Visitors can quickly and easily access
important information about FFA and
understand the mission and vision. If you
want to learn more, simply sign up for
an account and create a profile to access
more in-depth coverage.
My Profile Log in to FFA.org for a
personalized experience each time you
return. FFA.org will know you and the
operations
chapter

news and information you may be looking

for.
Manage My FFA Once you are
logged in to FFA.org, a new personalized
dashboard will be available on every
webpage. The dashboard allows you quick
access to tools specific to your FFA role.
Personalized links make it easy to edit your
profile and manage your FFA applications,
calendars, rosters, accomplishments and
more. Each role type will benefit from
FFA New Horizons is the official member
accessible news and information specific
magazine of the National FFA Organization.
to them.
The magazine is filled with information
Resources Find free resources and
about FFA, agricultural education, career
lessons at FFA.org/resources.
possibilities and chapter and individual
FFA Brand Center As with any brand,
accomplishments. FFA New Horizons is
the National FFA Organization has a
published four times a year and mailed to
certain look and feel to set it apart from
FFA members, alumni and supporters. The
other organizations. The FFA Brand Center,

59
 Official FFA Manual

FFA.org/brand, is a section of FFA.org Substitute Secondary Print Typeface

that helps to define the organizations Verdana
identity, tone and voice, and should be In instances where Lasiver typeface is not
considered a resource center as you available, the substitute typeface is Verdana,
create materials and messaging about a core font in word processing applications.
local and state FFA activities and events.
Whether you are creating print pieces
Career-Based
or improving your website, look for
information on the emblem, specific Resources
color codes for national blue and corn
gold, recommended typefaces/fonts, and AgExplorer
other helpful information. Download National FFA, Discovery Education and
the brand guide for specific guidelines AgCareers.com joined forces to create a
and download actual art files of the FFA robust, comprehensive career resource
emblem for use at the state and local to help you explore the broad range
levels. Also download templates for of agricultural careers. The industry
frequently used documents, letterhead, of agriculture can open up a world
the three-component model and Delivery of possibilities, and the demand for
of the Mission documents to help you professionals in every agricultural area is high.
show the unique value of FFA with AgExplorer lets you learn more about which
prospective members, parents, supporters, career may be right for you by watching
and administrators. Email branding@ffa. videos, participating in virtual field trips,
org to learn more. exploring 235* unique career profile pages
and completing the interactive Career Finder
Colors:
to see which careers match your interests. Be
For printing specifications, the PMS codes for
sure to check it out at FFA.org/AgExplorer.
official FFA colors are:
Coated Stock Uncoated Stock
*The number of careers in agriculture will
Blue PMS 2945C Blue PMS 2935U
continue to change based on innovations
Yellow- PMS 116C Yellow- PMS 115U
and advancements.
Red- PMS 485C Red- PMS 2035U
Hex Colors (for web)
Blue - #004c97 My Journey
Red - #da291c My Journey is a personalized online
Yellow - #ffcd00 experience focused on premier leadership,
personal growth and career success. It
Fonts:
The National FFA Organization uses
several typefaces in official documents and
marketing materials:

Primary Print Typeface Klinic Slab

Klinic Slab is a contemporary, versatile slab
operations

serif that is available in four weights with

chapter

corresponding italics.

Substitute Primary Print Typeface Georgia

In instances where Klinic Slab typeface is not
available, the substitute typeface is Georgia,
a core font in word processing applications.

Secondary Print Typeface Lasiver

Lasiver is a simple and dynamic sans serif
that is available in seven weights with
corresponding italics.

60
provides you with a place to explore, build of people working on behalf of others or a
and connect to activities, videos and quizzes particular cause, without payment, for their
that will help you become career-ready time and services. Potential community
while building leadership skills. Explore service projects include adopt-a-highway,
resources important to you, build yourself canned food or clothing drive, or tutoring
a better future and connect to people and other students.
opportunities in and out of FFA. Check it out
Service-Learning
at FFA.org/my-journey.
A common misconception is that service-
learning is the same as community service,
FFA Resume Generator but there are distinct differences. For
The FFA Resume Generator is your tool for example, service-learning occurs over the
saying good-bye to guesswork and writers course of a semester or year, makes learning
block and hello to success when creating more hands-on, includes intentional and
your resume by focusing on your strengths, structured reflection, and creates reciprocal
describing your experiences and developing partnerships. Service-learning projects
a polished resume. It will walk you through provide a meaningful way of applying the
the process of creating a resume so you no leadership and educational skills learned in
longer have to worry if you are including school and through FFA to meet an identified
the right things or if you are formatting community issue.
your resume correctly. Your information
is saved so that updating your resume is a Simply put, the value of service-learning is in
breeze, and you can generate your resume in learning by doing. One example of a service-
several different file types. The FFA Resume learning project is creating a community
Generator is available on My Journey. garden to harvest produce throughout the
year to donate to local food pantries. FFA
FFA Programs, Events members also hold educational workshops

and Platforms on how to create backyard and container

gardens.
National FFA Week
Service Engagement
Each year, FFA chapters around the country
Living to Serve celebrate National FFA Week during the
The National FFA Organization embraces the week of George Washingtons birthday.
idea of giving back to our communities. The The National FFA Organization creates
last line of the FFA motto, Living to Serve, and distributes materials including an
signifies the vital role service plays in the official FFA Week proclamation, poster and
organization. In an effort to increase service planning guide to help chapters plan,
engagement, the National FFA Organization conduct and celebrate successful FFA Week
occasionally has grants available to chapters. activities. Whether its hosting a teacher
Funding and resources can be found on appreciation breakfast, conducting an Ag
the Living to Serve webpage, FFA.org/ Olympics, speaking in groups to community
livingtoserve. organizations or coordinating a volunteer
Service can take on several meanings. service project, FFA members have great
Community service and service-learning opportunities each year to showcase their
are two forms of service that are commonly accomplishments, abilities and contributions
confused. The following information includes to local schools, organizations and
definitions and examples of ways to engage communities.
your chapter in both forms of service.
We Are FFA
events and platforms
ffa programs,

Community Service
Community service is the engagement
of individuals or groups in an organized The We Are FFA platform was created
activity that contributes to the local, national to promote the appreciation of diversity
or world community. It is also known as through inclusiveness. We encourage
volunteering, which is defined as the practice members to celebrate diversity while
becoming multiculturally aware through

61
 Official FFA Manual

inclusive activities.
We believe as different as we are, we all The organization offers three conferences
desire the same. We all want a sense of in which any FFA member may participate.
belonging. Each of the three conferences is purposefully
Our vision is to further develop an designed to create a continuum of
inclusive organization where every person leadership learning and is cross-walked with
is respected, connected and affirmed. the national FFA precepts. In addition to
Our opportunity is to deliver national developing these valuable characteristics,
programs and provide resources that participants will meet new friends from
serve as a model in removing barriers and across the United States. 212 and 360
creating opportunities for success for every conferences are hosted by individual
student, in every classroom, every day. districts, regions or states. The Washington
Leadership Conference is hosted by the
Agricultural Literacy National FFA Organization in Washington,

and Advocacy D.C. Visit FFA.org/participate/conferences

for more conference information.

Based on member and stakeholder

feedback, the National FFA Organization
212
212 the temperature at which water
has established an agricultural literacy
boils will focus on taking students to the
and advocacy platform, which seeks to
boiling point of leadership. At 211 water
develop and deliver a suite of skills, tools,
is extremely hot, but just one more degree
resources and experiences based on effective
gets us to the next level. These conferences
communication, critical thinking, civic
focus on student development. Students will
comprehension, and holistic understanding.
be challenged to push the limits. Themes for
Our student members are not only future
this conference include virtues and growth.
consumers themselves but will be powerful
212 is recommended for middle school,
influencers of consumer awareness.
ninth- and 10th-grade students.

Chapter Leadership The rotation for this conference is:

Continuum 2016-17 Virtues
2017-18 Growth
The year 2016 marked the beginning of
a revision process for the entire Chapter 360
Leadership Continuum. The curriculum 360 will take students full circle in chapter
model will be evaluated and the specific leadership development. The conference
names and content of leadership experiences will cover every angle for developing action
may change as a result of this revision. plans for their chapters. Themes for this
conference include vision and influence.
FFA retreats and leadership conferences 360 conferences focus on chapter
may last from a few days up to a week. They development and is recommended for 11th-
provide a chance for members to focus on and 12th-grade students.
their leadership skills and personal growth.
Most often, they include recreation and fun, The rotation for this conference is:
too. Retreats and leadership seminars are 2016-17 Vision
offered in most states. 2017-18 Influence

The National FFA Organization provides Washington Leadership

several leadership and personal growth
Conference
events and platforms

conferences that can make an impact in a

WLC provides the ultimate leadership
local FFA chapter and community. These
experience for members of the National FFA
conferences give members the chance to
ffa programs,

Organization. This program is designed for

develop and refine skills that will create a
those members who are ready to take their
lifetime of leadership.
leadership skills to a higher level. Located in

62
our nations capital, WLC hosts one-week operation tours, participate in leadership/
conferences over the course of the summer. team building activities, as well as tour test
The conference focuses on the following plots and other local/regional agricultural
areas: businesses and operations. Each participant
Self-Awareness will also create a vision statement, which will
Diversity help encourage the growth and success of
Advocacy their operations. The program is designed
Service to provide participants with relevant and
WLC is a hands-on leadership conference applicable knowledge for their farming
that puts practical tools and valuable operations, as well as to create a network of
experiences into the hands of FFA members. resources and friends they can draw upon
throughout their careers.
New Century Farmer
New Century Farmer is an exclusive, State FFA Officer
highly competitive program dedicated to
supporting and developing young people
Leadership Continuum
committed to a career in production
If you choose to expand your FFA
agriculture. Participants are FFA members
involvement beyond the chapter level, you
between the ages of 18 and 24 who are
can run for a state officer position. The
currently attending or are recent graduates of
National FFA Organization has a series of
a two- or four-year college or university.
conferences created to assist officers in
being competent and confident in their state
During an intensive all-expenses paid, five-
leadership roles. This series of conferences
day conference in Des Moines, Iowa, selected
is referred to as the State FFA Officer
college students will network with industry
Leadership Continuum.
experts, presenters and each other. They will
attend a series of workshops and sessions
discussing topics ranging from the global Blast Off
marketplace and farm financing to consumer This first training conference of the
trends and farm succession. continuum serves as the foundation
for the development of leadership and
In addition to classroom learning, personal growth skills for state officers.
participants will take part in field and The conference is specifically designed for

events and platforms

ffa programs,

63
 Official FFA Manual

officers to: State Presidents Conference

Identify strengths and individual SPC is the third component of the
contributions to the team. continuum. The conference, involving two
Develop personal best assessment and students from each state association, is held
personal growth plans. in Washington, D.C., and is designed to:
Understand the key concept of Inspire and motivate state association
stakeholders. student leadership.
Master speech development and delivery. Begin the delegate committee process.
Develop personal management and social Advocate for FFA, agricultural education
skills. and career and technical education.
Exchange views among state associations
National Leadership Conference and further develop the spirit of national
for State Officers unity and cooperation.
This conference is the second component Explore the heritage of our nations capital.
of the State FFA Officer Leadership Training
Continuum. The focus of NLCSO is to International Leadership Seminar
help officer teams identify their strengths for State Officers
and weaknesses and continue to develop This seminar is an international travel
individual leadership styles, which will experience for current and past state officers.
enhance their ability to work together as a The seminar empowers state officers by
team. The objectives of NLCSO are: providing them with a global perspective.
Team development. Through this experience, participants
Development of communication gain knowledge by visiting farms and
strategies. agribusinesses, sharing the culture and
Open forum for exchange of ideas developing themselves as culturally aware
between states. students.
Preparation of chapter visits, programming
and presentation material.
Presentation development and delivery
Delegates
State officers may also serve as delegates
techniques.
at the national convention and expo.
Delegates represent each state regarding
events and platforms
ffa programs,

64
the issues they would like the National FFA and motivation that leads to further

recognitions
awards and
Organization to take under advisement. The achievements in FFA.
purpose of the delegate process is to set the
future direction of the organization.
Awards and
National FFA Recognitions
Convention & Expo FFA has an extensive awards program,
implemented at all levels. Awards provide
The National FFA Convention & Expo is incentive for members to set goals and
similar in purpose to a state convention but is work toward achieving them. The result is a
held on a much larger scale. The convention membership dedicated to progress in their
and expo is the largest student gathering chosen areas of interest.
in the nation and, in most recent years, has
maintained an attendance of 65,000. Detailed information can be found at
FFA.org/participate/awards.
National officers preside over business
sessions conducted by 475 delegates Agriscience Fair
representing their respective state The National FFA Agriscience Fair recognizes
associations. student researchers studying the application
of agricultural scientific principles and
The national convention and expo has been emerging technologies in agricultural
approved by the National Association of enterprises. The agriscience fair is for middle
Secondary School Principals, which allows and high school students. Participation
students an opportunity to experience begins at the local level and progresses to
education-filled programs outside of school. state and national levels.

A wide variety of educational programs, Competition is open to all FFA members in

events and activities are available at the grades 7-12. There are six divisions:
national convention and expo: Division 1 individual member in grades 7
A national expo aligned to the eight and 8
career pathways. Division 2 team of two members in
National career and leadership grades 7 and 8
development events and award Division 3 individual member in grades 9
competitions. and 10
National band, chorus and talent Division 4 team of two members in
programs. grades 9 and 10
Leadership workshops for members and Division 5 individual member in grades
agriculture educators. 11 and 12
Main arena sessions featuring motivational Division 6 team of two members in
guest speakers, retiring addresses of the grades 11 and 12
national officers, recognition and award
presentations to student, teacher and Categories include:
chapter finalists, as well as honoring and Animal Systems
recognizing FFA supporters and sponsors. Environmental Services/Natural Resource
National FFA Days of Service, a program Systems
that helps FFA members discover the value Food Products and Processing Systems
of community service and volunteering Plant Systems
within their communities. Power, Structural and Technical Systems
Career Success Tours, which enable Social Science
students to explore careers in fields as
they relate to agriculture. For official rules, policies and resources, visit
FFA.org/agrisciencefair.
For many members, the National FFA
Convention & Expo provides the inspiration

65
 Official FFA Manual

Career and Leadership National events should reflect instruction

that currently takes place in the entire
Development Events (CDE/LDEs) agricultural education program, including
The National FFA Organization is dedicated
classroom instruction, laboratory instruction,
to organizing experiences that will meet the
instruction in leadership and supervised
future needs of students while accomplishing
agricultural experience. Events are intended
recognitions

the current purposes of agricultural

awards and

to be an outgrowth of instruction. In
education.
addition, it is appropriate for the national
organization to develop events and awards
The primary goal of career and leadership
that stimulate instruction in emerging
development events is to develop individual
areas that reflect both current and future
college and career readiness skills through
community, national and global workforce
personal growth and premier leadership.
needs. These events should be developed
with significant input from FFA members,
Individuals will be challenged to develop
teachers, partners, respective industry
critical-thinking skills, effective decision-
sponsors and others involved in agricultural
making skills, foster teamwork and promote
education. The National FFA Organization
communication while recognizing the
continues to encourage accessibility and
value of ethical competition and individual
provide opportunities for achievement
achievement.
and recognition for students with diverse
backgrounds.
The activities in each event:
Include problem solving, critical thinking
Events that include team activities should be
and teamwork skills, where appropriate.
based on cooperation and teamwork while
Encourage appreciation for diversity by
recognizing the value of competition and
reducing barriers to participation among
individual achievement. Where appropriate,
members.
team activities will be included that require
Develop general leadership and recognize
two or more members from one chapter
individual and team achievement.
working cooperatively.
Promote concentrated focus on future
needs of members and society.
For rules and procedures and a description of
each event, visit the CDE webpage, FFA.org/
CDE. New rules and procedures are in place
for 2017-21.

National FFA Career Development Events

Agricultural Communications
Agricultural Sales
Agricultural Technology and Mechanical
Systems
Agronomy
Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Management
Dairy Cattle Handlers Activity
Environmental and Natural Resources
Farm and Agribusiness Business
Management (formerly Farm Business
Management)
Floriculture
Food Science and Technology
Forestry
Horse Evaluation
Livestock Evaluation
Marketing Plan
Meats Evaluation and Technology

66
 Milk Quality and Products The top 10 chapters in each division receive

recognitions
awards and
Nursery/Landscape a National FFA Premier Chapter award
Poultry Evaluation plaque. Of those top ten in each division, a
Veterinary Science top premier chapter will be chosen in each
division. Only three-star chapters are eligible
for these awards.
National FFA Leadership Development
Events
Agricultural Issues Forum Middle School Models of Excellence
Conduct of Chapter Meetings (new event Five middle school chapters will be chosen
beginning in 2017) as Middle School Models of Excellence
Creed Speaking chapters. These chapters exhibit exemplary
Employment Skills (formerly Job Interview) qualities in all categories of growing leaders,
Extemporaneous Public Speaking building communities and strengthening
Parliamentary Procedure agriculture. Of those five chapters, a top
Prepared Public Speaking winner will be chosen as the National FFA
Middle School Model of Excellence chapter.
Only three-star middle school chapters are
National Chapter Award Program
eligible for this award.
The National Chapter Award Program is
designed to recognize FFA chapters that
All national finalist chapters are bestowed
actively implement the mission and
a prestigious plaque, as well as widespread
strategies of the organization. These chapters
national recognition that includes
improve chapter operations using the
publication in the Chapter Success Guide
National Quality FFA Chapter Standards
for chapters and groups looking for best
(NQCS) and a Program of Activities (POA)
practices in growing leaders, building
that emphasizes growing leaders, building
communities and strengthening agriculture.
communities and strengthening agriculture.
The FFA mission and strategies should be
For official rules, policies and resources, visit
used as a guide in planning, implementing
FFA.org/nationalchapter.
and assessing accomplishments.

Proficiency Awards
National 3, 2, 1-Star Awards
Members who excel in specific supervised
On the national level, judges rate chapters
agricultural experience enterprises can
based on their applications as a three-star,
compete in the proficiency award program.
two-star or one-star. Each chapter receives
Proficiency awards encourage members
a multiyear plaque with an engraved plate,
to develop specialized skills that will apply
more commonly known as a spur.
toward a future career. Not every SAE has
a proficiency award area in which it can
Models of Excellence compete, and a member may have an SAE
Ten high school chapters will be chosen in which only a portion of their project(s)
as Models of Excellence chapters. These qualifies in a proficiency area. Carefully read
chapters exhibit exemplary qualities in all the proficiency award area descriptions to
categories of growing leaders, building see if your SAE, or parts of it, qualify in an
communities and strengthening agriculture. award area.
An overall national winner will be chosen out
of the Models of Excellence chapters. Only Proficiency awards are presented at the local,
three-star high school chapters are eligible state and national levels. Members may be
for this award. recognized for their excellence with plaques,
cash and even an international agriculture
travel experience.
Premier Chapter Awards
National FFA recognizes the top chapters
A member can select from four proficiency
with innovative activities in each of the
award categories. Placement is for work or
three divisions: growing leaders, building
experience-only SAE programs. The second
communities and strengthening agriculture.

67
 Official FFA Manual

is Entrepreneurship for SAEs that involve

ownership of an agricultural production Honorary Awards
or service enterprise. The third category is
Combined and is for members who have Honorary American Degree
both placement and entrepreneurship Teacher
enterprises in the same proficiency award The purpose of the Honorary American
recognitions
awards and

area. The fourth is Research and involves Degree Teacher award is to recognize
planning and conducting a scientific agricultural education instructors/FFA
experiment based on hypothesis and the use advisors who have demonstrated total
of the scientific method of investigation on program quality by using those factors that
the hypothesis. This may include qualitative, contribute to successful local programs
experimental, descriptive and quasi- on a national level. Nominees must have
experimental research. taught for a minimum of 10 years and have
at least 85 percent FFA membership in their
Proficiency award areas may vary each agricultural education program. Recipients
year, depending on participation, changing in this category are selected on the basis of
definitions and sponsorship. For a complete their contributions in the following seven
list of available proficiency award areas for areas: classroom/laboratory instruction;
the current year, visit FFA.org/participate/ experiential learning of students; National
awards/proficiencies. FFA Organization; building partnerships;
agricultural education program marketing;
The Proficiency Award Handbook and agricultural education program development
the Agriscience Research Proficiency and evaluation; and professional
Award Handbook, tip sheets, videos and development of agricultural education
other helpful resources for completing a teachers.The deadline for online submissions
proficiency award application are available is June 15.
online, FFA.org/participate/awards/
proficiencies.
Honorary American FFA Degree
The purpose of the Honorary American
SAE Grants FFA Degree program is to recognize
The SAE Grant program provides grants of individuals who have rendered outstanding
$1,000 to FFA members who need financial service to agricultural education and FFA.
assistance to begin or expand an SAE Individuals nominated must have provided
enterprise. The number of grants available exceptional service to agriculture, agricultural
each year varies based on sponsorship. education and/or FFA on a national level.
The SAE Grant application opens online in Those nominated from a state must have
the fall. The application asks for specific the approval of the state FFA advisor.
descriptions, budgets and goals for the Nominations may also be made by members
planned SAE enterprise. Financial need is of the National FFA Board of Directors and
strongly considered in the selection process officers, National FFA Organization, and
and is described by the applicant and their National FFA Foundation division directors.
FFA advisor. All grant funds must be spent
on the SAE enterprise; FFA advisors are The Honorary American FFA Degree is the
required to verify this. FFA members in highest honorary degree presented by the
grades 7-12 are eligible to apply. Visit National FFA Organization at the annual
FFA.org/participate/grants-and- national convention and expo. The deadline
scholarships/sae-grants for more information for online submissions is June 15.
or to apply.
Distinguished Service Citation
The Distinguished Service Citation is the
highest award presented to an organization,
agency, business, industry or other group by
the National FFA Organization.

68
The purpose of the award is to recognize Visit FFA.org/scholarships for more

recognitions
awards and
outstanding contributions made at the information.
national level to agricultural education
and FFA. States are asked to nominate
organizations, agencies or other groups for the
Star Awards
Distinguished Service Citation. The deadline
Outstanding members at each FFA degree
for online submissions is June 15.
level are selected as Star award winners.
The rewards at each level increase starting
VIP Citation with the Star Greenhand and Star Chapter
The VIP Citation recognizes individuals who awards at the chapter level to the State Star
have made outstanding contributions to and American Star awards at the state and
agricultural education and FFA over a long national levels. State and national awards
period of time, on a national level. States include cash prizes.
are asked to nominate individuals for VIP
Citation. This recognition may be awarded
Star Greenhand
to, but not necessarily limited to, those
Star Greenhand is given at the chapter level
individuals holding the Honorary American
to the most active first-year member. This
FFA Degree. The deadline for online
member has a strong supervised agricultural
submissions is June 15.
experience (SAE) and demonstrates a high
level of leadership. Ask your chapter FFA
Visit FFA.org/participate/awards/honorary-
advisor how to apply.
awards for more.

Chapter Star Farmer

Scholarships Chapter Star Farmer goes to the chapter
member who has earned the Chapter FFA
Chapter members planning to further their Degree, has an outstanding entrepreneurship
education can apply for scholarships through SAE in production agriculture and
the National FFA Organization. Scholarships demonstrates the most involvement in all
are sponsored by businesses and individuals areas of the chapters activities. Ask your
through the National FFA Foundation and are chapter FFA advisor how to apply.
awarded for a wide variety of experiences,
career goals and higher education plans. FFA
awards about $2 million annually.

69
 Official FFA Manual

Chapter Star in Agribusiness State Star in Agribusiness

Chapter Star in Agribusiness goes to the The top State FFA Degree recipient with a
chapter member who has earned the nonproduction, entrepreneurial agribusiness
Chapter FFA Degree, has an outstanding SAE in each state is recognized by the state
nonproduction entrepreneurship SAE in association as the State Star in Agribusiness.
agriculture and demonstrates the most Your state FFA association determines the
recognitions
awards and

involvement in all areas of the chapters application process for this award.
activities. Ask your chapter FFA advisor how
to apply. State Star in Agricultural
Placement
Chapter Star in Agricultural The State FFA Degree recipient in each state
Placement with the best placement SAE and proven
Chapter Star in Agricultural Placement goes leadership skills is selected to be the State
to the chapter member who has earned the Star in Agricultural Placement. The members
Chapter FFA Degree, has an outstanding placement experience can include paid
placement SAE in agribusiness or production and/or unpaid labor hours. Your state FFA
agriculture, and is actively involved in all association sets the application method for
areas of the chapter. Ask your chapter FFA this award.
advisor how to apply.
State Star in Agriscience
Chapter Star in Agriscience In each state, one member with an SAE in
The Chapter FFA Degree recipient selected agriscience research and experimentation
as the Chapter Star in Agriscience will have and receiving their State FFA Degree is
an outstanding SAE in which the member chosen as the State Star in Agriscience. This
is actively engaged in agriscience research includes members who are actively engaged
and experimentation, which meets a in research in an agriculture, food and natural
recognized agriculture, food and natural resources pathway individually or members
resources pathway standard. This includes cooperating on research projects with others,
members who are actively engaged in doing including but not limited to teams in school,
their own research individually, as well as experiment stations or colleges/universities.
those members who are cooperating on The member must be actively involved in
research projects with others, including but the development of the experiment design,
not limited to teams in school, industry or collection of data, interpretation of the data
colleges/universities. The member must and publicizing the results to be considered
be actively involved in the development of as a State Star in Agriscience. Their program
the experiment design, collection of data, could be an entrepreneurship or placement
interpretation of the data and publicizing type program. Check with your FFA
the results to be considered by the local advisor to learn how to apply in your state
chapter for selection as the Chapter Star association.
in Agriscience. Their program can be
an entrepreneurship or placement type American Star Farmer
program. Ask your chapter FFA advisor how The American FFA Degree recipient with the
to apply. top entrepreneurship, production agriculture
SAE each year is recognized as the American
State Star Farmer Star Farmer. One candidate from each state
Outstanding achievement in an can apply. Four national finalists are selected
entrepreneurship production agriculture SAE to compete for this honor at the National
and active participation in FFA are recognized FFA Convention & Expo. Considered the
with the State Star Farmer award. Each year, highest recognition in the nation for an
state associations select one member from aspiring young farmer, the award recognizes
the top applicants for the State FFA Degree. achievement in both career and leadership
Your state FFA association determines how to development.
apply for the award.

70
 recognitions
awards and
American Star in Agribusiness from each statewho is actively engaged in
Each state selects the American FFA Degree doing their own individual research or who
recipient from their state with the best may be cooperating on research projects with
nonproduction entrepreneurship SAE to others including but not limited to teams
compete for selection as the American Star in school, experiment stations or colleges/
in Agribusiness. Four national finalists are universitiesis allowed to apply. The member
chosen to compete for this prestigious award must be actively involved in the development
at the National FFA Convention & Expo. This of the experiment design, collection of data,
is the highest achievement for a member interpretation of the data and publicizing
pursuing a career in agribusiness. the results to be considered as an American
Star in Agriscience. Their project could be an
entrepreneurship or placement type.
American Star in Agricultural
Placement For additional information about the
The American FFA Degree recipient with the American Star Awards, application tips,
best placement SAE and proven leadership scoring rubrics and how to apply, visit the
skills is selected to be the American Star American Star Awards webpage, FFA.org/
in Agricultural Placement. The members participate/awards/american-star-awards.
placement experience can include paid and/
or unpaid labor hours. Four finalists are
chosen from among the candidates selected
by each state to compete at the National FFA
Convention & Expo.

American Star in Agriscience

American FFA Degree recipients applying
from each state to become the American Star
in Agriscience have an SAE in which they are
actively engaged in agriscience research and
experimentation. The project must be within
a recognized agriculture, food and natural
resources pathway standard. One candidate

71
 Official FFA Manual

National FFA and provide leadership to build healthy

local communities, a strong nation and a
Alumni Association sustainable world.

A major strategy of The mission of the National FFA Alumni

FFA is to support Association is the same as the National FFA
the local program Organization: To make a positive difference
by committing in the lives of students by developing
resources to mobilize their potential for premier leadership,
volunteers at all personal growth and career success through
levels of agricultural agricultural education.
education and FFA.
FFA Alumni serve as The purposes of an alumni chapter are to:
an additional support Support and promote FFA, FFA activities
mechanism in local programs and help in and agricultural education on the local,
planning, resource development, mentoring state and national levels.
teachers and members, creating supervised Facilitate involvement and support of
agricultural experience development former members; business, industry
opportunities, and building community and community leaders; parents; school
support and involvement. officials; and others interested in FFA and
agricultural education.
The National FFA Alumni Association is part Promote and maintain an appreciation of
of the National FFA Organization. National the American free enterprise system.
FFA Alumni membership types include: Enhance the personal and interpersonal
associate, annual, lifetime, nontraditional, development aspect of FFA.
nontraditional on a college campus and
affiliation program 2.0. Membership in The two long-term strategic goals of the
alumni association

the association is open to anyone who is alumni association are to:

interested in supporting and promoting Have an active, fully engaged FFA Alumni
national ffa

agricultural education and FFA on the local, chapter for every FFA chapter.
state and national levels. See Article V, Become leaders in advocacy for
Section C of the National FFA Constitution agricultural education at the local level.
for more.
The association is focused on outreach,
The vision of the National FFA Alumni engagement and strengthening state and
Association is the same as the National local FFA Alumni. Through resources and
FFA Organization: Students whose lives are training, the national association strives to
impacted by FFA and agricultural education educate, motivate and enable volunteers at
will achieve academic and personal all levels to support and advocate for FFA and
growth, strengthen American agriculture agricultural education.

The alumni association

holds its national general
meeting at the National
FFA Convention & Expo.

The National FFA Alumni

Council, at the request of
the National FFA Board
of Directors, advises
the direction of the
alumni association. For
additional information
visit FFA.org/alumni.

72
Bylaws of the FFA Alumni Association. They must also pay
National dues for each member.
National FFA Alumni Section III.
Association State FFA Alumni Associations
A state FFA alumni association shall be
ARTICLE I Name/Emblem eligible to charter when:
A. It is organized with at least 50 charter
Section I. members who paid National FFA Alumni
The name of this National FFA Organization dues.
association shall be the National FFA Alumni
Association. Section IV.
Local FFA alumni chapters
Section II. A Local FFA alumni chapter shall be eligible
The emblem of the National FFA Alumni to become chartered when:
Association is a triangular shield with an FFA A. It has at least 10 charter members who
emblem and the word Alumni below it. have paid state and national dues. Local
FFA alumni chapters may charter directly
ARTICLE II Purpose with the National FFA Alumni Association
Section I. when no state FFA alumni association
The purpose of the National FFA Alumni exists.
Association shall be: B. Its bylaws and/or constitution are in
A. To support and promote FFA activities and harmony with the National FFA Alumni
agricultural education on local, state and Association
national levels. C. It has an executive group with officers.
B. To provide a tie to and assist FFA and

alumni association
national ffa
Section V.
agricultural education personnel to Membership-at-Large
involve former members, supporters and Membership-at-Large is designated for
volunteers in worthy activities. a member that does not have a local FFA
C. To promote greater knowledge of alumni and pays dues directly to the State
the agricultural industry and support and National FFA Alumni Associations.
education in agriculture.
Section VI.
D. To cooperate with the National FFA
The state FFA alumni associations or local
Board of Directors and the National FFA
FFA alumni chapters are eligible to maintain
Foundation.
active status provided the requirements
E. To promote and maintain an appreciation
stated in this article continue to be met.
of the American free enterprise system.
F. To promote the personal development Section VII.
of the FFA and FFA alumni members and Reports and Audits
volunteers. A. Books and records of the National FFA
Alumni Association may be inspected
ARTICLE III Organization by any member or his/her agent at any
reasonable time.
Section I. B. There shall be an annual audit of the
The National FFA Alumni Association is an National FFA Alumni Association.
association of the National FFA Organization. C. The fiscal year and reporting year are from
Section II. January 1 to December 31.
The National FFA Alumni Association
consists of chartered state FFA alumni ARTICLE IV Membership
associations, local FFA alumni chapters and
Section I.
members-at-large, which operate in harmony
Membership shall be open to anyone
with the National FFA Organization. Any
interested in supporting FFA, agricultural
group using the name FFA Alumni must
education, agriculture or volunteerism.
charter with the state, if a state alumni
Membership in the FFA Alumni includes
association exists, as well as the National
many rights, benefits, and privileges,

73
 Official FFA Manual

however, no level of membership entitles 5.Membership renewal procedures are

any member to act for and/or on behalf of conducted by a roster system. Local
any local, state or the National FFA Alumni FFA alumni chapters and state FFA
Association regarding any policy or position alumni associations must submit
unless granted by and through these bylaws membership via FFA.org on an annual
and/or is otherwise granted specifically, basis.
in writing, by the National FFA Alumni C. Life Membership
Association. 1.The life membership amount is
deposited in an investment fund. A
Section II.
percentage is returned to the operating
Types of Membership
fund according to the Spending and
A. Associate Membership
Distribution Policy.
1.Associate Membership is a free five-
2.Upon the death of a life member,
year national membership to graduating
whose life membership began before
and recent graduates at that is provided
January 1,1997 an amount equal to the
to potential members annually.
amount of their life membership will be
2.Associate Membership entitles the
presented in their name as a scholarship
member to electronic information from
as designated.
the National FFA Alumni Association
3.State FFA alumni associations and local
3.Associate Members will not be
FFA alumni chapters may establish their
included in any rebate or awards
own life membership category and set
program. Associate members have no
dues for life members.
voting rights and will not be included
4.Life Membership dues of the National
in official membership counts to
FFA Alumni Association shall be
determine the number of national
recommended by the National FFA
voting delegates for a state.
Alumni Council and approved by a
4.Associate membership is offered for a
majority vote of the delegates present
maximum of five (5) years immediately
alumni association

at the annual meeting.

following high school graduation.
B. Annual Membership
national ffa

1.All annual members have equal class ARTICLE V Officers

and privileges. Section I.
2.Alumni membership is a 12-month The officers of the National FFA Alumni
period beginning September 1 and Association will be the President, President-
ending August 31. Elect and the immediate Past-President.
3.Annual membership dues of the
National FFA Alumni Association shall Section II.
be recommended by the National FFA Duties/qualifications of officers
Alumni Council and approved by a A. President
majority vote of the delegates present 1.The president will be the principal
at the annual meeting. officer of the association.
4.State FFA alumni associations and local 2.The president will preside at all
FFA alumni chapters may establish meetings of the National FFA Alumni
their own membership dues for annual Council, the executive committee
membership in addition to the national and the association and carry out the
dues. general mission and objectives of the
State FFA alumni associations association.
have the option to adopt an FFA 3.The president will be an ex officio
Alumni Affiliate Program Fee for the member of all committees except the
Annual Membership. This structure nominating committee.
restricts annual members to receive B. President-Elect
only electronic communications. 1.The president-elect, at the direction of
Members are eligible for all awards the president, will act in the presidents
offered by the National FFA Alumni behalf, and perform such duties as are
Association. usual and customary of a vice president.

74
C. Past President ARTICLE VI Executive Council
1.Should the president-elect not be able
or available to perform the assigned Section I.
duties of that office, the immediate The executive body of the National FFA
past president will assume the duties Alumni Association shall be the National
of that office until such time as the FFA Alumni Council, henceforth known as
president-elect is able to resume such the Council, which advises and consults the
duties or until the National FFA Alumni National FFA Alumni Executive Director and
Council appoints a person to complete operates under the legal authority of the
the unexpired term of office of the National FFA Board of Directors.
president-elect. Section II.
Section III. The Council shall consist of the following
Nomination and Selection voting members serving a three (3) year term
A. President each:
1.The president of the association will A. Six individuals elected by the membership;
be the previous years president-elect six Regional Vice Presidents.
unless 2/3 of the delegates vote to B. One Organization Representative each
remove the president-elect from office. elected from the members of each of the
2.If the president-elect is removed from following organizations:
office, the position of president will be American Association for Agricultural
filled via nominations by the delegates Education (AAAE)
from qualified council members. National Association of Agricultural
3.Once removed from office that Educators (NAAE)
individual may never again serve on the National Association of Supervisors of
Agricultural Education (NASAE)

alumni association
national ffa
National FFA Alumni Council.
B. President-Elect C. Two past National FFA Officers; one
1.Candidates for president-elect will immediate past National FFA Officer
be selected from qualified council elected by the student membership will
members by a five (5) member be appointed each year - two (2) year term
nominating committee who are each.
members of the council and appointed D. National FFA Alumni President, President-
by the council president. Elect, and Past President one (1) year
2.Any candidate for the office of term each.
president-elect must first have been Section III.
elected by the delegates to any other The National FFA Advisor, or a designated
elected position on the council and representative, the National FFA Foundation
served on the council at least one Executive Director, or a designated
year immediately prior to running for representative and the National FFA Alumni
president-elect. Association Executive Director shall serve as
3.The past president or other retired ex officio non-voting members.
council members may not be a
Section IV.
candidate for president-elect without
The National FFA Convention and Expo
first being elected again and serving
alumni delegates shall elect the National FFA
one year on the council.
Alumni President-Elect during the National
C. Past President
FFA Convention and Expo - alumni annual
1.The retiring president will serve as the
meeting.
immediate past president.
Section V.
Section IV.
The FFA Alumni Council Executive
Terms of Office
Committee will provide representation to
All officers will serve for one year or until
serve as stakeholders on the National FFA
the successor is elected or appointed to that
Board of Directors.
office.

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Section VI. F. The maximum number of consecutive

Procedure for Selection of members to the years a person may serve on the Council is
Council eight years.
A. Six regional vice presidents to represent G. Any Council member who completes
the membership in each region as defined their own three-year term, and is not
in the National FFA Alumni manual, elected President-Elect must retire. Any
shall be elected during the National FFA elected member leaving the Council must
Convention and Expo alumni annual wait three years before returning to the
meeting by the convention alumni Council.
delegates from their respective regions. H. Each individual of the Council must be a
Each regional vice president must live member in good standing of the National
within their respective region during the FFA Alumni Association.
entire term of service. I. Members of the Council appointed to
B. Any member in good standing is eligible Organizational Representative or Past
to run for the Council. All candidates National FFA Officer positions will serve
will be screened by a five-member no more than one three-year term.
nominating committee who are members However, they may serve for a maximum
of the Council and appointed by the of five years consecutively if they are
Council president. Council members initially appointed to fulfill a persons
who are a candidate for any Council remaining term of two years or less. A
position are not eligible to serve on the person who fulfills their appointed term
nominating committee. The committee to a Organizational Representative or Past
will establish the nomination procedure. National FFA Officer position must wait
If no eligible candidates are presented a minimum of three years before being
by the committee, the position will be appointed to the Council again, or before
filled at the National FFA Convention being a candidate for an Regional Vice
and Expo alumni annual meeting by President position.
alumni association

taking nominations from the floor, and

Section VII.
then proceeding with the usual election
Duties of the Council
national ffa

process for that position. If no person

A. To direct the operation of the association
accepts a nomination from the floor, the
in accordance with its bylaws.
Council will appoint a person to fill that
B. If a Council member misses two
position.
consecutive meetings the Council, by a
C. All elections will be conducted by ballot
majority vote, may remove that individual
and election results will be announced at
from the Council. The vacancy shall be
the National FFA Convention and Expo
filled as specified in Article VI, Section IX,
alumni annual meeting.
of these bylaws.
D. Terms shall start with the conclusion of
C. Any Council member may be removed
the National FFA Convention and Expo
from the Council for just cause by a 2/3
alumni annual meeting.
vote of the Council. Once removed from
E. Members of the Council will serve no
office, that Council member may never
more than one three-year term.
again serve on the Council.
Any individual appointed to fill a
D. Should the president be removed from
vacancy of an Regional Vice President
office, the current president-elect will
will serve until the next alumni annual
assume the presidency and complete
meeting, at which time an election will
the term of the removed president as
be held to fulfill the remainder of that
well as serving their own one-year term.
term. That person may run for a full term
In such case, the current past president
for that position.
may remain on the Council. If the past
Any individual appointed to fill
president chooses not to remain on the
a vacancy of an Organizational
Council, the position will remain unfilled,
Representative or Past National FFA
until the current president completes their
Officer will serve the remaining term of
term and becomes past president.
two years or less.

76
E. Except for the office of president, any ARTICLE VII Meetings
vacancy on the Council as the result of
the removal of a Council member shall be Section I.
filled by the executive committee. There shall be an annual meeting of the
membership of the National FFA Alumni
Section VIII: Association that will be held as part of
Reimbursements the National FFA Convention and Expo.
A. Members of the Council shall not be paid Additional membership meetings may be
a salary for their work as a member of the called by the president or by a majority of
Council. the Council members in a petition to the
B. The National FFA Alumni Association executive director.
shall pay travel expenses for the Council
members consistent with the National FFA Section II.
Organization Operating Policies. Delegates
C. Travel expenses for activities of A. Total Delegate Count
the Council members will not be The number of voting delegates will be
reimbursed in excess of the budgeted set at a total of 275.
amount approved by the National FFA B. Delegate Allotment
Organization. Two (2) delegates per state FFA alumni
D. Receipts for travel (hotel and airplane) are association in good standing.
required. If travel is by private car, the Remaining delegates allocated from
amount paid shall not exceed the cost of the May 15th membership count in the
travel by common carrier (airplane). following manner:
E. All requests for travel reimbursements 51% determined from the states
must be on FFA travel vouchers. percent of national life members
49% determined from the states

alumni association
national ffa
F. The National FFA Organization will pay
travel expenses for one Council member percent of national active alumni
per state visit per year. The inviting state chapters
will pay for lodging and meals while the C. Each State Association will be required to
council member is in their state. register delegates prior to the delegate
meeting at the annual convention. Only
Section IX. FFA Alumni members properly registered
Vacancies will be allowed to serve as voting
A. Whenever a vacancy of a Regional Vice delegates.
President or Past National FFA Officer D. Council members are not eligible to be
occurs, other than from expiration of delegates.
the term of office, the Council executive
committee will appoint a person to fill Section III.
that position until the next election. Time of the annual meeting and any other
B. Whenever a vacancy of an Organizational necessary meetings of the National FFA
Representative occurs, the leadership Alumni Association shall be held at such
of the organization that the member place and time as prescribed by the Council.
represents shall appoint a person to fill the Section IV.
unexpired term of office. A quorum will consist of 50 percent of the
Section X. registered delegates.
Meetings Section V.
A. The Council shall meet at least twice per The minutes of the previous annual meeting
year. Additional meetings may be called will be published and posted online 60 days
by the president or by a majority of the prior to the annual meeting presented and
Council members upon petition to the thus will not need to be read at the annual
executive director. meeting.
B. The Council shall be able to vote and
conduct business over conference calls
and other electronic means.

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ARTICLE VII Committees govern the association in all cases to which

they are applicable and in which they are
Section I. not inconsistent with these bylaws and any
The National FFA Alumni Association shall special rules of order the association may
have a standing committee made up of the adopt.
President, President-Elect and Past President
called the Executive Committee. The
executive committee will perform the duties
ARTICLE XI Amendments
prescribed by these bylaws and those that Section I.
are delegated to them by the council. Proposed amendments to the National
FFA Alumni Association bylaws may be
Section II.
submitted to the executive director by
The Council president has the authority to
the Council, state FFA alumni associations,
create sub committees and appoint Council
local FFA alumni chapters, or by any active
members to those committees.
member; any of which must be in good
A. These committees shall be served by a
standing. Proposed amendments must be
chairperson from the Council appointed
in writing and received by the executive
by the Council president.
director 90 days prior to the opening of the
B. These standing committees must report
annual meeting.
on their activities at each Council meeting.
C. The Council president has the authority Section II.
to create special committees and Proposed amendments will be reviewed
appoint FFA alumni members to those by the Council and sent to the delegate
committees. body with one of the following three
recommendations:
ARTICLE IX Administrative Staff A. Recommend adoption
B. No recommendation
Section I. C. Do not recommend adoption
alumni association

The executive director of the National FFA The amendments shall be submitted to the
Alumni Association shall be hired by the membership at least 60 days prior to the
national ffa

National FFA Organization who will include opening date of the annual meeting.
a member/s of the National FFA Alumni
Council, Executive Committee to participate Section III.
in the selection process. If the proposed amendment is unclear or
incomplete the Council will return it to the
Section II. party making the proposal for clarification
The executive director shall be responsible and/or perfection prior to being decided on
for Council meeting minutes.: by the Council.
Section III. Section IV.
Position description of the executive director Affirmation by 2/3 of the delegates voting
shall be approved by the Council and shall be necessary to adopt an amendment.
maintained by the National FFA Organization.
Section IV. Adopted October 29, 2004
The pay grade level for the executive director Amended October 25, 2005
shall be determined by the human resources Amended October 26, 2006
compensation structure of the National FFA Amended October, 2008
Organization. Amended October 2009
Amended October, 2010
Section V.
Amended October, 2011
The National FFA Alumni staff shall follow
Amended October, 2012
the policies of the National FFA Organization.
Amended October, 2015
Amended October, 2016
ARTICLE X Parliamentary
Authority
The rules contained in the current edition of
Robert Rules of Order Newly Revised shall

78
 The National FFA Foundation Sponsors
Board is composed of key leaders in business
and industry. The Individual Giving Council
provides direction and oversight to grow
FOUNDATION endowments, major gifts and annual gifts.
The latter two groups conduct an annual
campaign that generates more than $20
million in contributions for national, state

National FFA and local programs annually.

Foundation Donations to the National FFA Foundation

support FFA member programs at all levels
The National FFA Foundation secures (local, state and national) ensuring that
funding and partnerships that help FFA membership dues are kept low and that
members develop their potential for premier participation fees for leadership conferences
leadership, personal growth and career and other events are minimized.
success through agricultural education.
Foundation sponsors and donors make FFA members can ensure continued support
possible award and recognition programs, from the foundation by sending a note of
scholarships, service engagement activities, thanks to sponsors and donors. Those who
global engagement programs, National FFA receive awards or participate in foundation-
Convention & Expo functions, educational funded programs can obtain names and
materials, teacher training and more. addresses of the appropriate contact for
each sponsor or donor. All FFA members
Created in 1944, the foundation brings and advisors can send notes of thanks for
together companies, organizations and any activity. After graduation, members have
individuals to raise money for essential FFA an opportunity to give back and continue
programs and activities. Since that time, supporting the work of FFA by becoming
foundation supporters have contributed individual donors to the foundation and
more than $300 million on behalf of FFA through membership in the National FFA
and to support the work of other agricultural Alumni Association.
education organizations.
National FFA Foundation
The foundation is governed by a board 6060 FFA Drive
of trustees that includes the national FFA P.O. Box 68960
president, educators, business leaders, Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960
FFA.org/donate
foundation
national ffa

individual donors and FFA Alumni.

79
 Official FFA Manual

National FFA economic, environmental, recreational

and human resources of the community.
Constitution and 4. To encourage and recognize achievement
Bylaws in supervised agricultural experience
programs, scholarship, leadership and
other individual and group activities by
National FFA Organization providing awards to deserving members
(Effective January 1, 2015, as amended at the and chapters.
84th National FFA Convention,October 2011
and ratified by the National FFA Board of
Directors, February 23, 2012) Article III. Organization
Section A
Article I. Name The National FFA Organization is the
The Future Farmers of America organization organization of, by and for students enrolled
shall be known and shall do business as the in agricultural education programs. It shall
National FFA Organization. Recognized units consist of chartered state associations
of the organization may officially use the composed of not less than four chapters
letters FFA and/or the words Future Farmers chartered by a state association and having
of America to designate the organization, its a total active membership of not less than
units and/or members. 125 members. In the event a state association
falls below the 125 members and four
chapters, it shall remain as a chartered state
Article II. Objectives of the association of the National FFA Organization.
Organization More than one chapter may be chartered in
The objectives of the organization shall a school when deemed appropriate by the
be consistent with Section 3 of the state governing body.
organizations federal charter, Public Law
105-225 (formerly Public Law 81-740). The Section B
organization shall cooperate with national Chapters of the National FFA Organization
and state government agencies and officials shall be chartered only in such schools
in vocational education to accomplish the where recognized systematic instruction in
following objectives: agricultural education is offered under the
1. To be an integral part of the organized provisions of federal vocational education
instructional programs in agricultural legislation. Such chapters shall operate as
education which prepare students for an integral part of the instructional program
a wide range of careers in agriculture, of agricultural education. Schools with
agribusiness and other agriculture-related large enrollments and/or multiple programs
occupations. in agricultural education may establish
2. To strengthen the confidence of subsidiary chapters of the parent chapter.
students in themselves and in their Each subsidiary chapter shall be organized
work by developing desirable work and operated in accordance with all the
habits and the effective usage of provisions of the national, state and local
their time; by learning to assume constitutions. Subsidiary chapters shall be
responsibility; and by developing coordinated by the officers and advisors of
competencies in communications, the parent chapter.
human relations and other social abilities Section C
leading to the intelligent choice of a Students enrolled in agricultural education
career and successful employment or may meet in state convention, adopt a
entrepreneurship in the agricultural constitution which shall not conflict with
industry. that of the national organization, elect
3. To provide agriculture-related programs officers, develop a Program of Activities
and activities which will develop pride, and apply to the national organization for a
responsibility, leadership, character, state association charter. Upon receipt of a
national ffa

scholarship, citizenship, patriotism charter from the national organization, the

and thrift; and which will improve the state association shall be part of the National
policies

80
FFA Organization and shall be empowered to National FFA Board of Directors.
charter local chapters. 3. Provisions of the state FFA constitution
do not conflict with the National FFA
Section D
Constitution and association activities are
Collegiate chapters may be chartered by
in harmony with the ideals and purposes
the state association in two- or four-year
of the National FFA Organization.
postsecondary institutions where agricultural
courses are taught.
The National FFA Board of Directors shall
have the power to suspend the charter of any
Each chartered collegiate chapter may adopt
state association which violates the National
a constitution which shall not conflict with
FFA Constitution and Bylaws. A report of all
that of the national organization or the
suspensions shall be presented by the Board
respective state association. They may also
to the delegates at the next succeeding
elect officers and establish a Program of
national convention. In the event a state
Activities.
association is not in good standing at the
time of the opening of a national convention,
Collegiate chapter members shall pay
the delegates in session at that national
National FFA Organization dues.
convention shall have the power, upon
recommendation of the National FFA Board
Article IV. Procedures for of Directors, to withdraw the charter and
Determining Standing of State refuse such association official representation
Associations and Chapters at the annual national convention. When
such action is taken, the association in
Section A question and the chapters and members
A state FFA association shall be in good thereof shall be denied the privileges of
standing with the National FFA Organization membership in the organization. Upon
when the following conditions are met: meeting the requirements for good standing,
policies
national ffa

1. All annual national dues have been paid to a state association may be reinstated by
the National FFA Organization or shown action of the National FFA Board of Directors.
by postmark or other reliable evidence
to have been mailed to the national FFA Section B
treasurer on or before May 15. A chapter shall be in good standing with
2. All reports have been submitted to the the state association when the following
national organization as requested by the conditions are met:

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 Official FFA Manual

1. All annual, state and national dues have Section B

been paid by the date determined by the Active Membership - To be eligible for
state association. active membership in a chartered FFA
2. All reports have been submitted as chapter, a student must be enrolled in a
requested by the state association. secondary agricultural education program.
3. Provisions of the chapter constitution do State associations may consider secondary
not conflict with the State or National FFA agricultural education programs to be
Constitutions and chapter activities are in grades 7-12.
harmony with the ideals and purposes of
the National FFA Organization. To become an active member and retain
membership, a student must:
The governing body of the state association 1. While in school, be enrolled in at least
shall have the power to suspend the charter one agricultural education course
of any chapter which violates the state or during the school year and/or follow a
National FFA Constitution and Bylaws. A planned course of study; either course
report on all suspensions shall be presented must include a supervised agricultural
to the delegates at the next succeeding state experience program, the objective of
convention. In the event a chapter is not in which is preparation for an agricultural
good standing with the state association career.
at the time of the opening of a state 2. Show an interest in the affairs of the
convention, the delegates in session at that organization by attending meetings,
state convention shall have the power, upon striving for degrees of membership and
recommendation of the state association participating in other organized activities
governing body, to withdraw the charter and of the chapter.
refuse such chapter official representation at 3. Pay all current state and national dues by
the state convention. When such action is the date determined by the chapter.
taken, the chapter in question and members 4. Display conduct consistent with the
thereof shall be denied the privileges of ideals and purposes of the National FFA
membership in the state association. Upon Organization.
meeting the requirements for good standing,
a chapter may be reinstated by action of the A member may retain active membership
state association governing body. until November 30, following the fourth
National FFA Convention after graduation
In the event a local department of from high school.
agricultural education is discontinued, its
chartered FFA chapter may officially operate A member in good standing at the time
for a period not to exceed three years (36 of induction into the armed forces of the
months) from the date of discontinuance, United States of America or into the FFA
provided proper supervision is given by international program shall be in good
a person having the approval of the local standing during the period of active
school administrator and the state FFA service without further payment of dues
advisor. The chapters charter must be or attendance at meetings. Time spent
surrendered to the state advisor at the end of in the armed forces or FFA international
the three-year period if a local department of program shall not be considered as elapsed
agricultural education is not in operation in time in determining the maximum period
the school at that time. of four conventions following graduation
from high school or leaving high school.
Article V. Membership Members using this waiver of service time
for the purpose of maintaining active
Section A membership for application for advanced
Membership in the National FFA degrees of membership must resume active
Organization shall be of four kinds: active, participation within six months after having
alumni, collegiate and honorary. been honorably discharged from military
national ffa
policies

82
service or completing their FFA international the Chapter FFA Degree, the State FFA
program and indicate such a desire by Degree and the American FFA Degree. The
paying dues and attending meetings. national organization shall set the minimum
Members participating in a six-month armed qualifications for each degree. The Discovery
services program or participating in the FFA FFA Degree is intended for use in state
international program for six months shall associations and local chapters where middle
be eligible for one full year of extended school membership is offered. Receipt of this
membership. No individual may retain active degree is not necessary in order to obtain
membership beyond his or her twenty-third the Greenhand FFA Degree or subsequent
birthday. degrees.
Section C Section B
Alumni Membership - Membership shall be Discovery FFA Degree - To be eligible to
open to former active members, collegiate receive the Discovery FFA Degree from
and honorary members, present and former a chapter, the member must meet the
professional agricultural educators, parents following minimum requirements:
of FFA members and others interested in and 1. Be enrolled in agricultural education class
supportive of FFA. for at least a portion of the school year
while in grades 7-8.
Section D
2. Have become a dues paying member of
Collegiate Membership - Collegiate
the FFA at local, state and national levels.
membership shall be open to students who
3. Participate in at least one local FFA
are enrolled in agricultural courses or who are
chapter activity outside of scheduled class
pursuing career objectives in the industry of
time.
agriculture or have an interest in the future
4. Have knowledge of agriculturally related
welfare of the agricultural industry at a two-
career, ownership and entrepreneurial
or four-year postsecondary institution having
opportunities.
a collegiate FFA chapter.
5. Be familiar with the local FFA chapter
Section E program of activities.
Honorary Membership - Farmers, school 6. Submit written application for the degree.
superintendents, principals, members of
Section C
boards of education, chapter advisors,
Greenhand FFA Degree - To be eligible to
teachers, staff members in agricultural
receive the Greenhand FFA Degree from
education, business people and others who
the chapter, the member must meet the
are helping to advance agricultural education
following minimum qualifications:
and the FFA and who have rendered
1. Be enrolled in agricultural education and
outstanding service, may be elected to
have satisfactory plans for a supervised
honorary membership by a majority vote of
agricultural experience program.
the members present at any regular meeting
2. Learn and explain the FFA Creed, motto,
or convention.
salute and FFA Mission Statement.
3. Describe and explain the meaning of the
Honorary membership shall be limited to the
FFA emblem and colors.
Honorary Chapter FFA Degree in the local
4. Demonstrate a knowledge of the FFA
chapter, Honorary State FFA Degree in the
Code of Ethics and the proper use of the
state association and the Honorary American
FFA jacket.
FFA Degree in the national organization.
5. Demonstrate a knowledge of the
history of the organization, the chapter
Article VI. Degrees and Privileges constitution and bylaws and the chapter
of Active Membership
policies
national ffa

Program of Activities.
6. Personally own or have access to the
Section A
Official FFA Manual and the FFA Student
There shall be five degrees of active
Handbook.
membership based on individual
7. Submit written application for the
achievement. These are the Discovery
Greenhand FFA Degree.
FFA Degree, Greenhand FFA Degree,

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Section D
Chapter FFA Degree - To be eligible to
receive the Chapter FFA Degree from
the chapter, the member must meet the
following minimum qualifications:
1. Must have received the Greenhand FFA
Degree.
2. Must have satisfactorily completed
the equivalent of at least 180 hours
of systematic school instruction in
agricultural education at or above the
ninth grade level, have in operation
an approved supervised agricultural
experience program and be enrolled in an
agricultural education course.
3. Have participated in the planning and
conducting of at least three official
functions in the chapter Program of
Activities.
4. A student after entering agricultural
education must have:
a. Earned and productively invested
at least $150 by the members own
efforts; or worked at least 45 hours in
excess of scheduled class time; or a 3. While in school, have completed the
combination thereof; and equivalent of at least two years (360
b. Developed plans for continued growth hours) of systematic school instruction
and improvement in a supervised in agricultural education at or above
agricultural experience program. the ninth grade level, which includes
5. Have effectively led a group discussion for a supervised agricultural experience
15 minutes. program.
6. Have demonstrated five procedures of 4. A student after entering agricultural
parliamentary law. education must have:
7. Show progress toward individual a. Earned and productively invested at
achievement in the FFA award programs. least $1,000; or
8. Have a satisfactory scholastic record. b. Worked at least 300 hours in excess of
9. Have participated in at least 10 hours scheduled class time; or
of community service activities. These c. A combination thereof, in a supervised
hours are in addition to and cannot be agricultural experience program.
duplicated as paid or unpaid SAE hours. 5. Demonstrate leadership ability by:
10. Submit a written application for the a. Performing 10 procedures of
Chapter FFA Degree. parliamentary law.
b. Giving a six-minute speech on a topic
Other requirements may be established by relating to agriculture or the FFA.
the chapter and/or the state FFA association. c. Serving as an officer, commit-tee
Section E chairperson or participating member
State FFA Degree - To be eligible to receive of a chapter committee.
the State FFA Degree from the state 6. Have a satisfactory scholastic record
association, the member must meet the as certified by the local agricultural
following minimum qualifications: education instructor and the principal or
1. Have received the Chapter FFA Degree. superintendent.
2. Have been an active FFA member for at 7. Have participated in the planning and
national ffa

least two years (24 months) at the time of completion of the chapter Program of
receiving the State FFA Degree. Activities.
policies

84
8. Have participated in at least five different 4. Have in operation and have maintained
FFA activities above the chapter level. records to substantiate an outstanding
9. Have participated in at least 25 hours of supervised agricultural experience
community service, within at least two program through which a member has
different community service activities. exhibited comprehensive planning,
These hours are in addition to and cannot managerial and financial expertise.
be duplicated as paid or unpaid SAE hours. 5. A student after entering agricultural
education must have:
The percentage of the total state a. Earned at least $10,000 and
membership which may receive the State productively invested at least $7,500;
FFA Degree and other requirements may be or
established by the state FFA association. b. Earned and productively invested
$2,000 and worked 2,250 hours in
Written records of achievement of all excess of scheduled class time. Any
requirements, verified by the chapter FFA combination of hours, times a factor
advisor, shall be submitted to the state of 3.56, plus actual dollars earned
association at least one month prior to the and productively invested must be
state FFA convention at which the State FFA equal to or greater than the number
Degree is to be received. The state advisor 10,000. Hours used for the purpose
shall provide for review of the records and of producing earnings reported as
submit a recommendation to the state productively invested income shall
association governing body, which shall not be duplicated as hours of credit to
nominate at the state FFA convention the meet the minimum requirements for
candidates who have been found worthy to the degree.
receive the honor. The State FFA Degree will 6. Have a record of outstanding leadership
be conferred upon the candidates subject to abilities and community involvement and
approval by the delegates at the state have achieved a high school scholastic
convention. record of C or better as certified by the
principal or superintendent.
Section F
7. Have participated in at least 50 hours of
American FFA Degree - To be eligible to
community service, within at least three
receive the American FFA Degree from the
different community service activities.
National FFA Organization, the member must
These hours are in addition to and cannot
meet the following minimum qualifications:
be duplicated as paid or unpaid SAE hours.
1. Have received the State FFA Degree, have
been an active member for the past three
years (36 months) and have a record of Article VII. Procedure for Selecting
satisfactory participation in the activities American FFA Degree Recipients
on the chapter and state levels.
Section A
2. Have satisfactorily completed the
Applications for the degree must
equivalent of at least three years (540
be approved by the state advisor or
hours) of systematic secondary school
representative(s) thereof and be received
instruction in an agricultural education
by the national organization not later than
program or to have completed at
midnight of June 30 or show by postmark or
least the equivalent of 360 hours of
other reliable evidence to have been mailed
systematic secondary school instruction in
to the national organization on or before
agricultural education and one full year of
June 15, prior to the national convention at
enrollment in a postsecondary agricultural
which the degree is to be received.
program or have completed the program
policies
national ffa

of agricultural education offered in the Section B

secondary school last attended. Applications must be submitted on the
3. Have graduated from high school at least official form provided by the National FFA
12 months prior to the national convention Organization.
at which the degree is to be granted.

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Section C Article IX. National Officers and

The National FFA Board of Directors shall
review the American FFA Degree applications
Procedures for Election
and recommend those candidates meeting Section A
the minimum qualifications. Final approval The elected officers of the National FFA
of the candidates shall be given by the Organization shall be a president, four vice
delegates present at the national FFA presidents (one from each of four regions of
convention. the United States established in the bylaws)
and a secretary.
Article VIII. Emblem Section B
Section A The elected officers shall constitute the
The official emblem of the National FFA board of student officers. It shall be the
Organization shall include five symbols, duty of this board to advise and make
namely: the plow, representing labor and recommendations to the National FFA Board
tillage of the soil; the owl, representing of Directors with respect to the activities and
wisdom; the rising sun, representing business of the organization.
progress; a cross-section of an ear of corn, Section C
representing common agricultural interests; A state FFA association may recommend
and an American eagle surmounting the one candidate for national office each year.
cross-section of the ear of corn, representing The states candidate shall be approved
the national scope of the organization. The by the state advisor on a nomination form
emblem shall also include the letters FFA submitted to the national executive secretary
and the words Agricultural Education. on or before August 1. All candidates shall
Section B be notified as to their eligibility on or before
The emblem shall be uniform in all state August 15. Those declared ineligible may
associations and recognized units thereof. file an appeal with the national advisor not
All members shall be entitled to display the later than September 1. The FFA Governing
emblem. Committee shall vote on any appeal and
formally notify the candidate of their
Section C decision no later than September 15.
Greenhand FFA Degree recipients shall be
entitled to wear the official bronze emblem Section D
pin; Chapter FFA Degree recipients shall be The national officers shall hold the American
entitled to wear the official silver emblem FFA Degree at the time of their election and
pin; State FFA Degree recipients shall be must be active members for the duration
entitled to wear the official gold emblem of their term in office. They shall be elected
charm; and American FFA Degree recipients annually by a majority vote of the delegates
shall be entitled to wear the official gold assembled at the national convention. A
emblem key. member cannot hold a national office and a
state office at the same time.
Section D
Honorary Chapter FFA Degree recipients Section E
shall be entitled to wear either the official A nominating committee consisting of nine
silver or gold emblem pin; Honorary State official national convention delegatesone
FFA Degree recipients shall be entitled to chairperson selected at large and two from
wear the official gold emblem charm; and each of the four regionsshall study and
Honorary American FFA Degree recipients review the qualifications of each eligible
shall be entitled to wear the official gold candidate. This committee shall submit its
emblem key. nominations to the delegates assembled at
the national convention.
Section E
Collegiate FFA chapter members and FFA Section F
advisors shall be entitled to wear the official The president and the secretary shall be
elected from the candidates at large. The
national ffa

gold owl pin.

position of the vice presidents shall follow a
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86
which the second vice president is elected a state program of agricultural education
during the current year shall be entitled to under the provisions of federal vocational
the first vice president the next succeeding education legislation and shall be designated
year and so on for the other offices. by the National FFA Board of Directors.
Section G
National FFA officers shall serve from one Article XI. State and Chapter
national convention through the next Officers
succeeding national convention and shall
Section A
not be re-elected, nor eligible for election
The officers of the state FFA associations
to another national office. In the event a
shall be: president, vice president, secretary,
national convention is not held in any given
treasurer, reporter and sentinel. Other officers
year, the National FFA Board of Directors
may be elected as deemed appropriate by
shall make provisions for the appointment
the state advisor and/or state FFA governing
of national officers for the next succeeding
body. The state supervisor of agricultural
year. The National FFA Board of Directors
education shall be the state FFA advisor.
shall have the power to appoint a qualified
An executive secretary, executive treasurer,
member to fill any office which becomes
executive secretary-treasurer and/or other
vacant between national conventions.
state FFA officials may be named by the state
advisor subject to the approval of the state
Article X. The National Advisor, FFA governing body. All state FFA officers
Executive Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected annually by a majority vote
The national advisor shall be the senior of the delegates present at any regular
program specialist for agriculture, convention of the state association.
agribusiness and natural resources, United
Section B
States Department of Education, successor
The officers of an FFA chapter shall be:
in office to the chief of the Agricultural
president, vice president, secretary, treasurer,
Education Service. The executive secretary
reporter and sentinel. Other officers may
shall be a member of the agricultural
be elected as deemed appropriate by the
education staff at the United States
local advisor and/or governing body. The
Department of Education. The national
teacher(s) of agricultural education shall be
treasurer shall be an employee or member
the FFA advisor(s). Chapter officers shall be
of a state agency that directs or supervises
elected annually or semi-annually by the
members present at any regular meeting of
the chapter.
Section C
If a state association has been chartered for
two years or more, all state officers shall have
attained the State FFA Degree. If a chapter
has been chartered for two years or more,
all chapter officers shall have attained the
Chapter FFA Degree.

Article XII. Meetings and

Conventions
Section A
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Except in case of an extreme emergency

declared by the National FFA Board of
Directors, a convention of the National FFA
Organization shall be held annually. The
purpose of the national convention shall
be to conduct the business of the national
organization and to recognize outstanding

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achievements of FFA members and chapters. Article XIV. National Board of

The time and place of the convention shall
be determined by the National FFA Board of
Directors
Directors. Section A
Governing Body
Section B
1. The governing body of the organization
At the national convention an official
shall be the National FFA Board of
delegate assembly limited to 475 delegates
Directors, which shall consist of: the
will convene. This delegate body will
national FFA advisor, who shall serve
consist of two official delegates from each
as chairperson; four state supervisors
state association to be designated as chair
of agricultural education; and four
and vice chair of the state delegation, plus
staff members of the United States
additional official delegates based on the
Department of Education with expertise
individual state associations percentage of
and job duties in agricultural education.
national FFA membership. The delegates
The national FFA executive secretary and
shall be selected by the state FFA association.
treasurer shall serve as ex-officio members
A quorum shall exist when both the
of the National FFA Board of Directors.
following conditions are met at the time
2. The terms of office of members of the
business is conducted: a majority of the
National FFA Board of Directors and the
official delegates registered at the national
method of selection of such members,
convention are present and at least twenty-
other than the ex-officio members, shall
six (26) state associations are represented
be prescribed in the bylaws.
by official delegates. Business items shall
3. The National FFA Board of Directors shall
only be considered when approved by a
meet at least once each year at such time
delegate committee or by a two-thirds vote
and place as may be prescribed by the
of the delegate body, except for proposed
board and shall present an annual report.
amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws
meeting the requirements outlined in Article Section B
XVII. Governing Committee
The chairperson and two members of the
Section C
National FFA Board of Directors shall be
Except in case of extreme emergency, a
designated by the board to serve as the
convention of the state FFA association
Governing Committee and shall have the
shall be held annually prior to the national
power to deal with items of business of the
convention at a time and place to be
national organization. All official actions of
determined by the governing body of the
the Governing Committee shall be reported
state FFA association. The state association
to the National FFA Board of Directors.
shall determine the number and method
of selection of delegates to the state
convention. Article XV. Dues
Section A
Article XIII. Committees Annual membership dues of the National
The president of the National FFA FFA Organization shall be established by
Organization shall appoint three regular a majority vote of the delegates at the
committees annually: the Nominating national convention. In the event the annual
Committee, which shall place in nomination national convention is not held and/or
the candidates for the board of student the official delegates fail to set dues, the
officers; the Auditing Committee, which annual membership dues of the national
shall review the auditors report(s) on all organization will remain the same as the
FFA financial accounts; and the National previous year. The National FFA Board of
Program of Activities Committee, which shall Directors shall submit its recommendation
establish the annual goals and objectives of concerning dues to each state association
the national organization. Other committees at least 45 days prior to the National FFA
may be appointed as deemed necessary. Convention.
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88
Section B to the bylaws shall require a majority vote
The membership year of the National FFA of the official delegates at the national FFA
Organization shall be from September 1 to convention.
August 31.
Section C
Section C Amendments to the bylaws must not conflict
Annual membership dues of a state FFA with the National FFA Constitution.
association shall be established by a majority
vote of the delegates present at the state FFA
convention.
Bylaws
Section D Article I. Relationship to the
The annual membership dues of a chapter
shall be established by a majority vote of the
Constitution
The bylaws shall be a part of the constitution
members at a regular chapter meeting.
of the National FFA Organization.

Article XVI. Parliamentary Article II. Location of Offices

Authority The headquarters and principal office of
The rules contained in the current edition the National FFA Organization shall be at
of Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised the United States Department of Education
shall govern the National FFA Organization in Washington, District of Columbia. The
in all cases to which they are applicable and business offices shall be designated by the
in which they are not inconsistent with this National FFA Board of Directors.
constitution and bylaws, any special rules
of order the National FFA Organization
may adopt and any statutes applicable to
Article III. Procedure for Electing
this organization that do not authorize the Members of the Board of Directors
provisions of this constitution and bylaws to Section A
take precedence. The four state supervisors of agricultural
education on the National FFA Board of
Article XVII. Amendments Directors shall be elected (one from each of
the four regions of the United States) by the
Section A
members of their professional organizations
Proposed amendments to the National
in the respective regions. In the event an
FFA Constitution and Bylaws may be
elected member of the National FFA Board
submitted by a state FFA association,
of Directors is unable to attend a scheduled
the board of student officers or the
meeting, the elected alternate or other
National FFA Board of Directors. Proposed
representative selected by that board
amendments from a state FFA association
member shall serve at that meeting.
must be submitted in writing to the national
organization by January 1 for review by Section B
the National FFA Board of Directors. All The four regions of the National FFA
proposed amendments to the National Organization shall be:
FFA Constitution and Bylaws must be Western Region
submitted by the national advisor to the Alaska
state FFA associations by March 1. The Arizona
board of student officers shall present California
their recommendations concerning each Guam
amendment to the delegates at the national Hawaii
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convention. Idaho
Section B Nevada
An amendment to the National FFA New Mexico
Constitution may be adopted by a two- Oregon
thirds vote of the official delegates at the Texas
national FFA convention. An amendment Utah
Washington

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Southern Region Directors, the elected alternate shall serve

Alabama for the remainder of the term. In the event
Arkansas a representative of the United States
Florida Department of Education vacates a position
Georgia on the National FFA Board of Directors, the
Louisiana national FFA advisor shall recommend a
Mississippi person to fill the vacated position.
North Carolina
Puerto Rico Article IV. National FFA Board of
South Carolina
Tennessee
Directors Meetings
Virgin Islands Section A
The meetings of the National FFA Board of
Central Region
Directors shall be held at such place and time
Colorado
as prescribed by the board.
Iowa
Kansas Section B
Minnesota Special meetings of the board may be called
Montana by the chairperson.
Missouri
Section C
Nebraska
Notice of meetings shall be given to each
North Dakota
member of the board not less than 30 days
Oklahoma
prior to any regular meeting and not less
South Dakota
than five days prior to any special meeting.
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Article V. Duties of National
Eastern Region
Connecticut
Officers
Delaware Section A
Illinois President It shall be the duty of the
Indiana president to preside over the national
Kentucky convention and meetings of the national
Maine officers. The president shall call one national
Maryland convention each year. The president shall
Massachusetts appoint all committees and may serve as an
Michigan ex-officio member of these committees.
New Hampshire Section B
New Jersey Vice Presidents It shall be the duty of each
New York vice president to represent the membership
Ohio of the National FFA Organization. Should the
Pennsylvania office of president become vacant, the first
Rhode Island vice president shall assume the duties of the
Vermont president, followed in turn by the second,
Virginia third and fourth vice presidents.
West Virginia
Section C
Section C Secretary It shall be the duty of the
The term of service for the elected members secretary to keep minutes of the meetings
of the National FFA Board of Directors shall of the National FFA Officers and the national
begin on July 1 and continue for a three-year convention, and perform other duties as
period. directed by the National FFA Board of
Directors and/or the national executive
Section D secretary.
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In the event a state supervisor vacates

a position on the National FFA Board of
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90
Article VI. Duties of the National of the organization except as otherwise
directed by the National FFA Board of
FFA Advisor, Executive Secretary Directors.
and Treasurer 2. Present an annual financial report to the
Section A National FFA Board of Directors, National
National Advisor It shall be the duty of the FFA Officers and official delegates at the
national FFA advisor to: national convention.
1. Serve as chairperson of the National FFA 3. Perform such other duties as may be
Board of Directors. prescribed by the National FFA Board of
2. Advise the National FFA Officers, board of Directors.
directors, delegates and committees on
matters of policy and assist the officers Article VII. The Fiscal Year
in conducting meetings and carrying out The fiscal year of the organization shall be
programs. January 1 through December 31.
3. Serve as an ex-officio member of all
committees. Article VIII. Inspection of Books
4. Provide for the review of all applications
for the American FFA Degree and submit
and Records
Books and records of the organization may
them, in turn, to the National FFA Board of
be inspected by any member or members
Directors for approval.
agent at any reasonable time. Arrangement
Section B for such inspection shall be made with the
National Executive Secretary It shall be the national FFA advisor.
duty of the national FFA executive secretary
to:
Article IX. Reports to the National
1. Issue charters to state associations when
directed to do so by the National FFA Organization
Board of Directors. Each state association shall submit the
2. Keep official records of members and the following information annually to the
progress of the organization. national organization:
3. Review all reports from state associations 1. A list of current state FFA association
and inform the National FFA Board of officers.
Directors of any proceedings that conflict 2. A report of any changes in, or
with the provisions of the National FFA amendments to, the state association
Constitution. constitution and bylaws.
4. Provide for complete and accurate 3. A list of official delegates to the national
minutes of the meetings of the National convention at least four weeks prior to the
FFA Board of Directors, the Governing convention.
Committee and any other committee 4. An association annual report as may be
affecting the national organization and requested by the National FFA Board of
furnish copies to members of the National Directors.
FFA Board of Directors.
5. Keep a record of all officers of the national Article X. Procedure for Issuing
organization, their terms of office, and of Charters to State Associations and
all official national convention delegates.
6. Arrange for the annual national
Chapters
convention. Section A
7. Perform such other duties as directed by Prospective state FFA associations shall apply
to the national organization for a charter. The
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the National FFA Board of Directors and/or

the national advisor. application shall be signed by the president,
secretary and advisor of the prospective state
Section C
association. The following materials shall
National Treasurer It shall be the duty of
accompany the application:
the national FFA treasurer to:
1. A copy of the proposed constitution and
1. Be responsible for the financial assets
bylaws.

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Legislation
Public Law 105-225
(formerly Public Law 81-740)
105th Congress Passed Aug. 12, 1998 -
[H.R. 1085]
In 1950, the 81st Congress of the United
States, recognizing the importance of FFA as
an integral part of the program of vocational
agriculture, granted a federal charter to FFA.
Congressional supporters believed a charter
would give legal stability to the organization,
protect the name and emblem and clarify the
2. A copy of the state FFA Program of relationship between FFA and the Office of
Activities. Education.
3. A complete list of local chapters, including
the name and address of each member. Over the years, the federal charter has
4. The name and address of each association served to publicly tie FFA and school-based
officer. agricultural education to the national
Section B priority of maintaining a safe and abundant
Provided the prospective associations food supply while protecting our natural
constitution does not conflict with the resources. The role of education in securing a
National FFA Constitution and Bylaws and skilled, sustainable workforce in agriculture is
provided other constitutional requirements underscored through the leadership provided
have been met, a charter shall be granted by the U.S. Department of Education on the
by the National FFA Board of Directors. The National FFA Board of Directors. The charter
charter shall be signed by the national FFA also provided federal authority to create an
advisor, the executive secretary and the interagency working agreement between
national FFA president. the U.S. Department of Education and the
U.S. Department of Agriculture focused
Section C on strengthening FFA and school-based
The state FFA advisor and/or governing body agricultural education.
of a chartered state association shall charter
a local chapter when the state requirements Today, the federal charter clarifies the
have been met and the following have been purposes of the organization and ensures
received by the state association: the student voice is incorporated into the
1. An application for a charter. organizations administration through the
2. The names of all chapter members and leadership provided by FFA members on
officers. the national level; supports the engagement
3. The proposed chapter constitution and of business and industry; and promotes
bylaws. the development of productive citizens. It
4. The chapter Program of Activities. provides the foundation that makes FFA an
5. All current state and national FFA dues. integral part of the 3-Component Model of
School-Based Agricultural Education.

In 1998, the 105th Congress of the United

States reviewed and passed technical
amendments. These revisions are now
expressed in the organizations current
charter known as Public Law 105-225
(formerly Public Law 81-740).
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92
Editors Note: The essential elements of (A) encouraging improvement in
Public Law 105-225 have been reprinted here scholarship,
to provide local chapters with background (B) providing prizes and awards to
information on the chartering of FFA through deserving students who have
Congress. For legal purposes, the full text achieved distinction in vocational
of the Law (including historical notes and agriculture, including farm mechanics
reference to the Code) should be requested activities on a local, state or national
from the National FFA Advisor or refer to basis and
Title 36 of the United States Code. (C) assisting financially, through loans or
grants, deserving students in all-day
Sec. 70901. Organization
vocational agriculture classes and
(a) Federal Charter Future Farmers
young farmers under 30 years of age
of America (in this chapter, the
who were former students in all-day
corporation) is a federally chartered
vocational agriculture classes in
corporation.
becoming satisfactorily established in
(b) Perpetual Existence Except as otherwise
a farming occupation.
provided, the corporation has perpetual
(8) to cooperate with others, including
existence.
state boards for vocational education, in
Sec. 70902. Purposes accomplishing these purposes and
The purposes of the corporation are (9) to engage in other activities, consistent
(1) to create, foster and assist subsidiary with these purposes, determined by
chapters composed of students and the governing body to be for the best
former students of vocational agriculture interests of the corporation.
in public schools qualifying for federal
Sec. 70903. Membership
reimbursement under the Smith-Hughes
(a) Eligibility Except as provided in this
Vocational Education Act (20 U.S.C.
chapter, eligibility for membership in the
11-15,16-28) and associations of those
corporation and the rights and privileges
chapters in the States, territories and
of members are as provided in the
possessions of the United States,
bylaws.
(2) to develop character, train for useful
(b) Voting In matters of official business
citizenship and foster patriotism
of a local chapter, each member has one
and thereby develop competent
vote. In matters of official business of
and aggressive rural and agricultural
state association, each qualified delegate
leadership,
of a local chapter has one vote.
(3) to create and nurture a love of country
life by encouraging members to improve Sec. 70904. Governing body
the farm home and its surroundings, (a) Board of Directors
to develop organized rural recreational (1) The board of directors is the
activities and to create more interest governing body of the corporation.
in the intelligent choice of farming The board shall exercise the powers
occupations, granted to the corporation.
(4) to encourage the practice of thrift, (2) The board consists of the Secretary
(5) to procure for and distribute to state of Education, four staff members in
associations, local chapters and members the Department of Education and
all official supplies and equipment of the four state supervisors of agriculture
corporation, education. The Secretary is chairman
(6) to publish an official magazine and other of the board.
publications for the members of the (3) The term of office of the directors
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corporation, and the method of selecting the

(7) to strengthen the confidence of young directors (except ex-officio directors)
men and women in themselves and are as provided in the bylaws.
their work, to encourage members (4) The board shall meet at least annually
in the development of individual at the time and place provided in
farming programs and to promote their the bylaws. The annual report of
permanent establishment in farming by the board shall be presented at that

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meeting. Special meetings of the the establishment and maintenance of

board may be called at any time by local chapters and state associations of
the chairman. chapters,
(b) Governing Committee The board may (2) adopt and alter a corporate seal,
designate the chairman of the board and (3) adopt emblems and badges,
two members of the chairmans staff as a (4) choose officers, managers, agents
governing committee. When the board is and employees as the activities of the
not in session, the governing committee corporation require,
has the powers of the board subject to (5) make contracts,
the boards direction and may authorize (6) acquire, own, lease, encumber and
the seal of the corporation to be affixed transfer property as necessary or
to all papers that require it. convenient to carry out the purposes of
the corporation,
Sec. 70905. National Officers
(7) borrow money, issue instruments of
(a) Composition The national officers of
indebtedness and secure its obligations
the corporation are a student president,
by granting security interests in its
four student vice presidents (one from
property,
each of four regions of the United States
(8) use corporation funds to give prizes,
established in the bylaws for purposes
awards, loans and grants to deserving
of administration of the corporation), a
students and young farmers to carry out
student secretary, an executive secretary,
the purposes of the corporation,
a treasurer and a national advisor.
(9) publish a magazine and other
(b) Board of Student Officers The national
publications,
student officers of the corporation
(10) procure for and distribute to state
comprise a board of student officers. The
associations, local chapters and members
board of student officers shall advise and
all official Future Farmers of America
make recommendations to the board
supplies and equipment,
of directors about the activities and
(11) sue and be sued and
business of the corporation.
(12) do any other act necessary and proper to
(c) Election The national officers of the
carry out the purposes of the corporation.
corporation shall be elected annually by a
majority vote of the delegates assembled Sec. 70907. Exclusive right to name, seals,
in the annual convention from among emblems and badges
qualified members of the corporation, The corporation and its authorized chapters
except that and associations of chapters have the
(1) the national advisor shall be the exclusive right to use the name Future
Secretary of Education, Farmers of America and the initials FFA
(2) the executive secretary shall be as representing an agricultural membership
a member of the Department of organization and seals, emblems and badges
Education and the corporation adopts.
(3) the treasurer shall be an employee
Sec. 70908. Restrictions
or member of a state agency that
(a) Stock and Dividends The corporation
directs or supervises a state program
may not issue stock or declare or pay a
of agricultural education under
dividend.
the provisions of the Smith-Hughes
(b) Political Activities The corporation or
Vocational Education Act (20 U.S.C.
a director, officer or member as such
11-15, 16-28).
may not contribute to, support or assist
(d) Vote at national convention Each
a political party or candidate for elective
qualified delegate has one vote at the
public office.
annual national convention.
(c) Distribution of Income or Assets The
Sec. 70906. Powers income or assets of the corporation
The corporation may may not inure to the benefit of, or be
(1) adopt and amend bylaws and regulations distributed to, a director, officer or
national ffa

for the management of its property and member, except on dissolution or final
the regulation of its affairs, including liquidation of the corporation.
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(d) Loans The corporation may not make Sec. 70911. Records and inspection
a loan to a director, officer or employee. (a) Records The corporation shall keep
Directors who vote for or assent to (1) correct and complete records of
making a loan to a director, officer or account,
employee and officers who participate in (2) minutes of the proceedings of its
making the loan, are jointly and severally members, board of directors and
liable to the corporation for the amount committees having any of the
of the loan until it is repaid. authority of its board of directors and
(e) Prizes, Awards, Grants or Loans to (3) a record of the names and addresses
Student Officers and Members Meeting of its members entitled to vote.
Criteria This section does not preclude (b) Inspection A member, or an agent or
prizes, awards, grants or loans to student attorney of the member, may inspect
officers and members meeting the the records of the corporation at any
criteria established by the board of reasonable time.
directors for selecting recipients of those
Sec. 70912. Service of process
benefits.
(a) District of Columbia The corporation
Sec. 70909. Availability of personnel, shall have a designated agent in the
services and facilities of Department of District of Columbia to receive service of
Education process for the corporation. Designation
On request of the board of directors of the of the agent shall be filed in the office
corporation, the Secretary of Education may of the clerk of the United States District
make personnel, services and facilities of Court for the District of Columbia. Notice
the Department of Education available to to or service on the agent, or mailed
administer or assist in the administration of to the business address of the agent, is
the activities of the corporation. Personnel notice to or service on the corporation.
of the Department may not receive (b) States, Territories and Possessions As
compensation from the corporation for a condition to the exercise of any power
their services, except that travel and other or privilege granted by this chapter, the
legitimate expenses as defined by the Corporation shall file, with the Secretary
Secretary and approved by the board may be of State or other designated official of
paid. The Secretary also may cooperate with each State, territory or possession of the
the state boards for vocational education to United States in which a subordinate
assist in the promotion of the activities of the association or chapter is organized, the
corporation. name and address of an agent in that
State, territory or possession on whom
Sec. 70910. Headquarters and principal
legal process or demands against the
office
corporation may be served.
The headquarters and principal office of
the corporation shall be in the District Sec. 70913. Liability for acts of officers and
of Columbia. However, the activities of agents
the corporation are not confined to the The corporation is liable for the acts of its
District of Columbia but may be conducted officers and agents acting within the scope
throughout the States, territories and of their authority.
possessions of the United States.
Sec. 70914. Distribution of assets on
dissolution or final liquidation
On dissolution or final liquidation of the
corporation, any assets remaining after the
discharge of all liabilities shall be used by the
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board of directors for the benefit of students

of vocational agriculture or be transferred to
a recognized educational foundation.

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Official Board Policy including, but not limited to, FFA

Week, fairs, expositions or other
on FFA Trademarks displays, road signs, member home
designations and parade floats,
Adopted November 1995 (03)Educational programs of all types,
including career development
Approved by National FFA Board of Directors events and awards designed for
August 12, 2015. educational purposes and programs
where revenue may be generated,
The following policies are for the guidance but is incidental to the purpose of
of FFA members, local chapters, state the activity and does not significantly
associations, the National FFA Organization exceed the cost of the program and
and all other parties concerned with the (04)Motivational programs of all types,
approved and acceptable uses of the including those where revenue may
name Future Farmers of America, the name be generated, but is incidental to the
National FFA Organization, the letters FFA, purpose of the activity and does not
the FFA emblem, the FFA Advertising Mark significantly exceed the cost of the
and other FFA trademarks and service marks. program.
They were approved by the national board of d. Any use of the FFA Name and Marks is
student officers and board of directors and strictly prohibited if such use exploits,
adopted by delegates at the 1995 national or might be construed to exploit, for
convention. commercial or unapproved purposes, the
organization, its officers, members or the
Basic Premises
agricultural education program of which
a. The name Future Farmers of America and
they are a part.
the National FFA Organization, the letters
e. No organization, person, company,
FFA and the FFA emblem or insignia and
chapter, state association or state
FFA Advertising Mark are registered as
foundation may grant the right to use or
trademarks in the United States Patent
reproduce by any means or manufacture,
and Trademark Office. They, and the other
any of the FFA Name and Marks for any
FFA Marks, are the exclusive property
purpose, except as expressly granted
of the Future Farmers of America, a
in these policies. The National FFA
corporation by an Act of Congress (P.L.
Organization reserves the right, in its
105-225, 105th Congress). The National
discretion, to enter into agreements for
FFA Board of Directors, acting upon
use of the FFA Name and Marks, including
recommendations of the national board
appropriate uses for commercial purposes.
of student officers and the national
Any use or employment of any of the FFA
convention delegates, is assigned the
Name and Marks that is not specifically
responsibility for establishing policies
included in this Statement of Policies is
governing the use of the FFA Name and
reserved to the National FFA Board of
Marks.
Directors.
b. The use of the FFA Name and Marks shall
f. Any grant or authorization to an
be only such that will reflect dignity and
individual, organization or institution for
credit on the organization.
a specific use of any of the FFA Name
c. Chapter, state association, state
and Marks does not imply nor preclude
foundation and national foundation use of
granting a similar authorization to another
the FFA Name and Marks is encouraged to
individual, organization or institution for
publicize and promote FFA, especially in
the same or similar purposes.
the context of:
(01)Public information, including, but General Policies
not limited to, newspapers, TV, radio, a. The FFA emblem should be given a
videos, multimedia works and other position of prominence whenever it is
forms of publicity relating to FFA and used.
national ffa

FFA activities and programs, b. The FFA emblem always should be used
(02)Promotions and publicity events intact without being defaced.
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c. The FFA Name and Marks shall not (03)The FFA Name and Marks are
be used or employed in any manner not used on any articles for sale
by the FFA groups, members or other or otherwise for the purpose of
parties as trademarks in connection with fundraising, which is governed by
commercial enterprises or purposes. Specific Policy 2, below
d. Advertisements, public releases or b. Chapters, state associations, state
displays containing any of the FFA foundations and the national foundation
Name and Marks in any form shall are hereby authorized (within the meaning
not include expressed or implied of Section 16 of Public Law 105-225, 105th
testimonials or endorsements of business Congress) to use the FFA Name and Marks
firms or individuals, their products or on articles for sale, for the purpose of
services, either by individual members, raising funds to support local, state or
local FFA chapters, state associations, national FFA programs, on the following
state foundations or the National FFA conditions:
Organization. (01)The use of the FFA Name and Marks
e. The FFA Name and Marks shall not be is otherwise in compliance with these
used by or associated in any manner policies,
with any organization or business (02)Sales are limited by chapters to their
when such use or association might local service area (roughly the area
reflect unfavorably on the National FFA from which members are drawn) and
Organization or its members. by state associations and foundations
f. All uses of the FFA Name and Marks shall to within their state boundary,
be truthful and accurate. The FFA Name (03)The products or services sold
and Marks shall never be used in a manner must: be in good taste, represent a
that misleads or deceives. For example, reasonable product or service for FFA
any authorized use stating that proceeds as an agricultural association, provide
from an activity go to FFA shall clearly reasonable value, be of good quality,
identify the portion of proceeds that will not subject purchasers or users to
be provided to FFA. risk of harm or loss and be consistent
with the goals and image of the FFA,
Specific Policies
(04)All sales must be made by the
a. Consistent with the goals set forth in
local chapter, state association or
the basic premises and general policies,
state foundation or its members
chapters, state associations and state
(as the retailer). Chapters, state
foundations are hereby authorized (within
associations and state foundations
the meaning of Section 16 of Public
are not authorized to grant rights to
Law 105-225, 105th Congress) to use the
use the FFA Name and Marks when
FFA Name and Marks for the purposes
the product or service will be sold to
set forth in the goals on the following
wholesalers or dealers, who will, in
conditions:
turn, resell that product or service,
(01)The use of the FFA Name and Marks
(05)The FFA Marks may not be used on
is otherwise in compliance with
official clothing (as defined above),
these policies and the FFA Name and
which remains the exclusive province
Marks are used in such a manner as to
of the National FFA Organization,
impart positive feelings of support for
(06)The authority granted by this
agricultural education and FFA or to
paragraph does not include use of
impart a modern view of agricultural
the FFA Name and Marks on plaques,
education;
trophies and other awards,
(02)The FFA Name and Marks are not
policies
national ffa

(07)All collateral literature relating to

used on official clothing, which
any product or service and the
remains the exclusive province of the
packaging or label affixed to any
National FFA Organization. Official
product, must state that the Use of
clothing refers to any clothing so
the [FFA Name or Mark being used]
designated by the national board of
does not represent an endorsement
directors and any facsimiles thereof;
by FFA of this product or service

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 Official FFA Manual

or an endorsement by FFA of the the National FFA Organization and

manufacturer or provider of this its officers, directors, chapters, state
product or service, associations and state foundations
(08)Each State FFA Advisor or his or her from and against any liability or costs
designee shall maintain a sample arising from the manufacture, quality
of each product sold under this or characteristics of the products.
paragraph by the state association The national board of directors
or state foundation and shall provide may, from time to time, identify
to the national board of directors classes of products for which an
or its designee a trademark report indemnification is not required.
each year identifying each product or c. When chapters, state associations, state
service sold by the state association foundations or the national foundation
or state foundation under this authorize a third party to create materials
paragraph using any of the FFA for their use, and those materials require
Name and Marks. Samples shall be the creation of copies of any of the FFA
maintained for two years and may Name and Marks that are raised, cast,
be inspected by a designee of the die cut, adhesive or created by any
national board of directors at his or process other than printing, the FFA
her request, Marks must be acquired from a supplier
(09)Each chapter shall provide a report duly authorized by the national board of
each year to its state FFA advisor or directors or its designee. Chapters, state
his or her designee identifying each associations and state foundations may
product or service sold under this create plaques and trophies, but the FFA
paragraph using any of the FFA Name Name and Marks used on the plaques and
and Marks. The chapter shall maintain trophies must be acquired from such a
a sample of each such product for duly authorized supplier. Chapters, state
two years and shall provide such associations and state foundations must
samples, upon request, to the State ensure that only currently approved and
FFA Advisor or the national board of recognized emblems or marks are used.
directors and d. State associations, state foundations and
(10) Before any use under this paragraph local chapters, in their respective areas
relating to the sale of products of operation, may authorize commercial
is authorized, the chapter, state firms, business organizations and other
association, state foundation or agencies and individuals to employ
national foundation shall obtain from the FFA Name and Marks in saluting or
its supplier an agreement that the paying tribute to the organization and in
supplier will indemnify and defend supporting its educational objectives and
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98
 activities. j. National FFA Foundation sponsors
e. State associations and local chapters may use the FFA Mark and Name in
of the FFA may employ the FFA Name commercial advertisements which do
and Marks in exhibits, displays and not endorse or imply endorsement of
demonstrations that are designed to pay a product. Such usages shall have the
tribute to or to salute the FFA organization. approval of the chief operating officer or
f. When the FFA emblem, the name Future foundation team leader for each proposed
Farmers of America or the letters FFA advertisement before its actual printing or
are used in printed form, they shall be production.
identified by the symbol consisting of k. All uses of the FFA Name and Marks
a small capital letter R in a circle to are subject to review by the board of
identify its registration and trademark directors. Authority for the use shall be
privileges. All other FFA Marks, which withdrawn by the board of directors if the
are not registered but which are still FFA use is found to be in violation of these
trademarks, shall be identified by the small policies. The board of directors, acting in
capital letters TM. the best interests of FFA, may condition,
g. Active members, advisors and ex-officio limit or terminate any grant of authority
leaders of the FFA are entitled to identify to use the FFA Name and Marks. It is the
themselves officially with the FFA responsibility of the State FFA Advisor
organization and to wear the official FFA to monitor compliance with the official
degree pins and charms. policies and to protect the interests of FFA
h. Former FFA members, collegiate chapter with respect to the use of the FFA Name
members, honorary members and and Marks by chapters, state associations
persons who are recipients of official FFA and state foundations.
honors, special recognition and awards, l. Nothing in these Policies transfers
are entitled to wear the pins, charms, ownership of any of the FFA Name and
medals or other approved symbols of Marks to any chapter, state association or
the respective official degrees, awards or state foundation. Ownership in all of the
honors which have been conferred upon FFA Name and Marks is retained by the
them. National FFA Organization.
i. The National FFA Foundation, Inc. and m. The national board of directors will
the National FFA Alumni Association enforce these policies using all available
are entitled to use the official FFA legal remedies.
emblem and name of the National n. All FFA officers, members and staff shall
FFA Organization in fulfilling official be guided by the foregoing principles and
responsibilities as determined by the the spirit of these policies.
board of directors and National FFA
Officers.
policies
national ffa

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 Official FFA Manual

Below are the registered trademarks of the National sponsors can request the use of the
National FFA Organization. These marks Proud to Support trademark by emailing
are approved for use by chapters, state foundation@ffa.org. Authorized vendors
associations and state foundations, all of can request approval for one-time use of
which are encouraged to use the marks the registered FFA Trademarks by emailing
to publicize and promote FFA within the branding@ffa.org. Sponsors and vendors
context of the Official Board Policy on FFA should allow at least three business days for
Trademarks. the approval process. Sponsors and vendors
will be expected to comply with the Official
Chapters, state associations and state Board Policy on FFA Trademarks.
foundations can download FFA trademarks at
FFA.org/FFA-brand-center.

FFA
FFA
national ffa
policies

100
101
Official FFA Manual

102
 THE
School-Based Agricultural
Education 3-Component Model
When you put on an FFA jacket, you become part of a school-based agricultural education
program that can connect you to exciting careers in the science, business and technology
of agriculture. FFA is one of three essential components of this integrated system, which
work together to provide personal, academic and career experiences that help you build
success.

School-based agricultural education is delivered through career and technical education

in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Approximately one million
agricultural education students are taught by nearly 12,000 secondary, two-year postsec-
ondary and adult instructors in nearly 8,000 schools. School-based agricultural education
consists of three integral core components:

1. Classroom and laboratory instruction that is contextual,

inquiry-based and interactive.
2. FFA and organizations such as PAS and NYFEA that help members
develop premier leadership, personal growth and career success.
3. Supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs that allow
you to apply knowledge and skills through experiential, service and
work-based learning opportunities.

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to our 100-year anniversary in 2028, FFA has created the
Blue Jackets Gold Standards 2017-2018 Annual Tee.
Add to your collection with this years tee! It honors the blue
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2 Official FFA Manual
 Official FFA Manual
THE FFA VISION
Students whose lives are impacted by FFA and agricultural education will achieve academic
and personal growth, strengthen American agriculture and provide leadership to build
healthy local communities, a strong nation and a sustainable world.

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.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

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

The National FFA Organization is a resource and support organization that does not
select, control or supervise state association, local chapter or individual member activities. Official
FFA Manual
Educational materials are developed by FFA in cooperation with the U.S. Department of
Education as a service to state and local agricultural education agencies.

The National FFA Organization affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and
seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

2017 NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION The letters FFA, the FFA emblem, Future Farmers
of America and Forever Blue are registered trademarks of the National FFA Organization
and cannot be used without permission.