What is FFA?
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FFA is a dynamic youth organization within agricultural education that changes lives and prepares students for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. FFA was created in 1928 as the Future Farmers of America; the name was changed in 1988 to the National FFA Organization to represent the growing diversity of agriculture. Today, nearly one half-million student members are engaged in a wide range of agricultural education activities, leading to over 300 career opportunities in the agricultural science, food, fiber and natural resources industry. Student success remains the primary mission of FFA.
What do the letters FFA stand for?
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The letters FFA stand for Future Farmers of America; however, the Future Farmers of America organization shall be known and shall do business as the National FFA Organization. Over the past 78 years, FFA and agricultural education have grown to encompass all aspects of agriculture, from production farming, agribusiness and forestry to biotechnology, marketing and food processing.
The FFA Motto
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The FFA motto gives members twelve short words to live by as they experience the opportunities in the organization.
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Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.
The FFA Mission
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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 FFA Emblem
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The cross section of the ear of corn provides the foundation of the emblem, just as corn has historically served as the foundation crop of American agriculture. It is also a symbol of unity, as corn is grown in every state of the nation.
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The rising sun signifies progress and holds a promise that tomorrow will bring a new day glowing with opportunity.
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The plow signifies labor and tillage of the soil, the backbone of agriculture and the historic foundation of our country’s strength.
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The eagle is a national symbol, which serves as a reminder of our freedom and ability to explore new horizons for the future of agriculture.
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The owl, long recognized for its wisdom, symbolizes the knowledge required to be successful in the industry of agriculture.
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The words “Agricultural Education” and “FFA” are emblazoned in the center to signify the combination of learning the leadership necessary for progressive agriculture.
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