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National FFA Organization

- Moto - Creed - Mission - FFA - History - Emblem - Colors - Dress - Values - Facts -


FFA Moto

  The FFA motto gives members twelve short words to live by as they experience the opportunities in the organization:

Learning to Do, Doing to Learn,

 Earning to Live, Living to Serve!


 FFA Creed

I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds - achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.

I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.

I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.

I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so--for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.

I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.

The creed was written by E. M. Tiffany, and adopted at the 3rd National Convention of the FFA. It was revised at the 38th Convention and the 63rd Convention.


FFA Mission

"The National FFA is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for

 premier leadership, personal growth and career success

through agricultural education."


"What is FFA"
FFA members face a continuing challenge from the public and news media when asked, "What do the lettters FFA stand for?" or "What is FFA?" The following was developed by the National FFA Organization and approved in January 2002 by the Board of Directors. When providing information to the general public and media in news releases, brochures, website postings or general conversaation, the following language should be used to help position the organizaation and its proper name.

What is FFA?

FFA is a dynamic youth organizaation within agricultural education that changes lives and prepares stuudents for premier leadership, perrsonal growth and career success. FFA was created in 1928 as Future Farmers of America; the name was changed in 1988 to the National FFA Organization to represent the growing diversity of agriculture. Today, almost half a million student members are engaged in a wide range of agricultural education activities, leading to over 300 career opportunities in the food, fiber and natural resources industry. Student success remains the primary mission of FFA.

What do the letters F-F-A stand for?

The letters FFA stand for Future Farmers of America; however, the official name of the organization was changed in 1988 to the National FFA Organization. Over the past 75 years, FFA and agricultural eduucation have grown to encompass all aspects of agriculture, from producction farming, agribusiness and forestry to biotechnology, marketting and food processing.


FFA History

Founded in 1928, the Future Farmers of America brought together students, teachers and agribusiness to solidify support for agricultural education. In Kansas City's Baltimore Hotel, 33 young farmboys charted a course for the future. They could not have foreseen how the organization would grow and thrive.

Since 1928, millions of agriculture students - no one knows exactly how many - have donned the official FFA jacket and championed the FFA creed. FFA has opened its doors and its arms to minorities and women, ensuring that all students could reap the benefits of agricultural education.

Today, the National FFA Organization remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Now, the organization is expanding the nation's view of "traditional" agriculture and finding new ways to infuse agriculture into the classroom.


FFA Emblem

The national FFA emblem, consisting of five symbols, is representative of the history, goals and future of the organization. As a whole, the emblem covers the broad spectrum ofFFA and agriculture. Each element within the emblem has unique significance.

 

~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.

~The rising sun signifies progress and holds a promise that tomorrow will bring a new day glowing with opporrtunity.

~The plow signifies labor and tillage of the soil, the backbone of agricullture and the historic foundation of our country's strength.

~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.

~The owl, long recognized for its wissdom, symbolizes the knowledge required to be successful in the industry of agriculture.

~The words "Agricultural Education" and "FFA" are emblazoned in the center to signify the combination of learning and leadership necessary for progressive agriculture.

The emblem and the letters "FFA" are protected by trademark registraation in the U.S. Patent Office and by Public Law 225, 105th Congress.


FFA Colors

As the blue field of our nation's flag and the golden fields of ripened corn unify our country, the FFA colors of

National Blue & Corn Gold

give unity to the organization. All FFA functions and paraphernalia should proudly display the colors.


FFA Dress

"Wear It With Pride"

The uniform worn by FFA members at local, state and national functions is called official dress. It provides identity and gives a distincctive and recognizable image to the organization and its members.

~Official dress for female members: black skirt, white-collared blouse with official FFA blue scarf, black dress shoes with a closed heel and toe, black nylon hosiery and an offiicial FFA jacket zipped to the top. The skirt is to be at least knee length, hemmed evenly across the bottom, with a slit no longer than two inches above the knee, excluding the kick pleat. Black slacks may be appropriate for traveling and outtdoor activities.

~Official dress for male members: black slacks, a white-collared shirt with official FFA tie, black dress shoes, black socks and an official FFA jacket zipped to the top.


FFA VALUES

   Self awareness • Learning • Career Success • Integrity

• Personal Growth • Service • Achievement • Agriculture

• Self-confidence • Diversity • Leadership • Community

• Teaching • Responsibility • Optimism • Citizenship

   


FFA Facts

(As of 2007)

Organizational Name: National FFA Organization;
Changed in 1988 from Future Farmers of America to reflect the expanding career field of Agricultural Education.

Founded: 1928

Current Membership: 500,823

Number of Chapters: 7, 358    in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

Largest Annual Event: National FFA Convention
2006 Attendance: 53,071

Statistics:

38% of FFA members are female; women hold more than 50% of state leadership positions

77% of our membership is Caucasian; 17% is Hispanic and 4% is African-American

89% of FFA members are in grades 9-12; 6% are in grades 7-8; 5% are high school graduates

27% of FFA members live in rural, farm areas; the remainder live in rural non-farm (39%),
   urban and suburban areas (34%)

FFA chapters are in 11 of the 20 largest cities, including New York, Chicago and Philadelphia

The top five membership states are California, Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma and Ohio

The 75th National FFA Convention was host to 51,338 members, advisors and supporters

Last Updated ( Monday, 18 August 2008 18:08 )