FFA Degree Areas: Requirements and Benefits

1. Objective 1: Explain the four FFA Degree areas.

2. Next Generation Science/Common Core Standards Addressed! • WHST.11-12.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the specific task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation. (HS-PS1-3)

3. Agriculture, Food and Natural Resource Standards Addressed! • CRP.01.03. Identify and act upon opportunities for professional and civic service at work and in the community. • Sample Measurement: The following sample measurement strands are provided to guide the development of measurable activities (at different levels of proficiency) to assess students’ attainment of knowledge and skills related to the above performance indicator. The topics represented by each strand are not all-encompassing. • CRP.01.03.01.a. Define and categorize opportunities for professional service at work and in the community (e.g., serve on committees, attend meetings, etc.).

4. Bell Work! • What are the requirements for each of the following? • Discovery Degree • Greenhand Degree • Chapter Degree • State Degree • American Degree

5. The National FFA organization has five degree areas for active members.

6. Junior High Members may earn the Discovery Degree! • Enrolled in Ag. Ed. and be a dues paying member • Knowledge of Agriculture • Participate in at least one activity above the chapter level • Be familiar with the chapter POA • Submit a letter of application

7. First year members at the High School level in FFA can earn the Greenhand Degree. First year members are called greenhands.

8. Requirements of a greenhand include the following: • Be enrolled in an agriculture class and plan an Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). • Know the creed, motto, salute, and FFA mission. • Explain the FFA emblem and colors.

9. Requirements of a greenhand include the following: • Demonstrate the FFA code of ethics and proper use of the FFA jacket. • Know the history of the FFA. • Have access to an FFA Official Manual and the FFA Student Handbook. • Submit a written application for the greenhand degree.

10. Greenhands receive the Greenhand pin, which is a bronze emblem of the FFA.

11. Star Greenhand • Each year a Greenhand is selected to receive the Star Greenhand Award. • The requirements are: • Must be an active first year member. • Must demonstrate leadership skills. • Must have an SAE program.

12. After completing at least two semesters of an agriculture course, members can earn the Chapter FFA Degree.

13. Chapter FFA Degree • This is the highest degree a chapter can bestow on its members. • This is usually awarded during the second or third year of membership.

14. Other requirements for the Chapter FFA Degree include: • Having an SAE program. • Earning and productively investing $150, at work or at least 45 hours outside of class time in a SAE program. • Effectively leading a group discussion for 15 minutes.

15. Other requirements for the Chapter FFA Degree include: • Demonstrating five procedures of parliamentary law. • Showing progress toward individual achievements in the FFA award program. • Having a satisfactory scholastic record. • Completed at least 10 hours of community service activities.

16. Chapter FFA Degree • The Chapter FFA degree pin replaces the greenhand pin on the FFA jacket. • It is a silver emblem of the FFA.

17. Two members of the Chapter FFA Degree recipients may be chosen as stars. • The Chapter Star in Agribusiness has an outstanding agribusiness SAE. • The Chapter Star Farmer has an outstanding production agriculture SAE.

18. The State FFA Degree is granted by the state association.

19. Requirements for the State FFA Degree include: • Must hold the Chapter FFA Degree. • Must be an active member for at least 2 years. • Complete at least 2 years of agriculture education courses.

20. Requirements for the State FFA Degree include: • Earn and productively invest at least $1000, or work at least 300 hours outside of class time in an SAE program.

21. Requirements for the State FFA Degree include: • Be able to demonstrate leadership ability by: • 1. Performing 10 procedures of parliamentary law. • 2. Giving a six-minute speech on FFA or an agriculture topic. • 3. Serving as an officer, committee chairperson or participating committee member.

22. Requirements for the State FFA Degree include: • Be able to demonstrate leadership ability by: • 4. Having a satisfactory scholastic record. • 5. Participating in the POA. • 6. Participating in at least five FFA activities above the chapter level. • 7. Must have completed 25 hours of community service.

23. State FFA Degree • Members receiving the State FFA Degree are presented with a gold emblem charm during a ceremony at their state FFA convention. • The State FFA Degree charm replaces the silver Chapter FFA Degree pin on their jacket.

24. State FFA Degree • The state association selects a State Star Farmer and State Star Agribusiness winner, State Star in Agribusiness and a State Star in Agri-science • These winners receive a plaque and cash awards during the state FFA convention.

25. The American FFA Degree is the highest degree in the FFA. This degree is awarded to members by the National FFA Organization.

26. American FFA Degree • Obtaining this degree requires a solid commitment to the FFA and agriculture.

27. In order to receive the American FFA Degree, a member must: • Hold the State FFA Degree. • Be an active member for at least 3 years or complete the program of agricultural education offered at the school last attended. • Complete at least 3 years of agriculture courses. • Graduate from high school at least 12 months prior to receiving the degree.

28. In order to receive the American FFA Degree, a member must: • Have an operation and records to substantiate an outstanding SAE program. • Earn and productively invest at least $7,500, or earn and productively invest at least $1,500 and work at least 2,250 unpaid hours outside class time in an SAE.

29. In order to receive the American FFA Degree, a member must: • Have a record of outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement. • Have a high school scholastic record of “C” or better. • Completed at least 50 hours of community service.

30. American FFA degrees area awarded annually on the last day of the National FFA Convention!

31. American FFA Degree • American FFA Degree recipients receive the gold key during a ceremony at the National FFA Convention.

32. American FFA Degree • The American FFA Degree key replaces the State FFA Degree charm. • It should be worn either pinned on the jacket or on the standard key chain.

33. The National FFA selects four national finalists for the titles of American Star Farmer and American Star Agribusiness. • The National FFA Organization selects a top American FFA Degree recipient in production agriculture as the American Star Farmer, and in an outstanding agribusiness SAE as the American Star in Agribusiness, the Star in Ag. placement and Star in Agri-Science. • Each recipient receives cash awards, plaques, and medals.

34. You have access to degree applications through your AET record book. Check with your teacher for instructions! Apply!

36. The Beginning!

37. The End!