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What is FFA?
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FFA is a dynamic student-led leadership development organization for students of agricultural education. The FFA changes lives and prepares students for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.
What does F-F-A stand for?
The official name of the organization is National FFA Organization. The letters “FFA” stand for Future Farmers of America. These letters are a part of our history and our heritage that will never change. But FFA is not just for students who want to be production farmers; FFA also welcomes members who aspire to careers as teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and more. For this reason, the name of the organization was updated in 1988 after a vote of national convention delegates to reflect the growing diversity and new opportunities in the industry of agriculture.
Are FFA members going to be farmers?
Yes and No. 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. FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet those challenges by helping its members to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of agricultural career pathways. So today, we are still the Future Farmers of America. But, we are the Future Biologists, Future Chemists, Future Veterinarians, Future Engineers and Future Entrepreneurs of America, too.
What is the difference between 4-H and FFA?
We do many of the same things and have lots in common. The 4-H is part of the cooperative extension service and is coordinated by local extension agents through county government and by volunteers. 4-H is not limited to agriculture, but takes in things like family and consumer sciences and other areas as well. The FFA is an integral part of the school’s agricultural science program. Each local program is led by an agricultural science teacher who works for the school. FFA members apply what they learn in the classroom in FFA activities through school activities.
FFA BASICS
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
FFA Motto
Learning to do, Doing to learn, Earning to live, Living to serve.
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 and corn gold give unity to the organization.
FFA Official Dress
The uniform worn by FFA members at local, state and national functions is called Official Dress. The most noticeable piece of clothing worn by FFA member is the blue corduroy FFA Jacket. 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. Click here for the details of Official Dress for males and females.
3-Part Model of Agricultural Education
 The program is part of a three-part model of education that consists of (1) classroom instruction, (2) supervised agricultural experiences and the (3) FFA.
Classroom agricultural education is applied to hands-on learning opportunities called supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs). SAEs include activities such as starting a business, working for an established company or working in production agriculture.
FFA activities vary greatly from chapter to chapter, but are based in a well-integrated curriculum. Chapter activities and programs concentrate on three areas of the FFA mission: premier leadership, personal growth and career success.
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 of FFA 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 opportunity.
The plow signifies labor and tillage of the soil, the backbone of agriculture 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 wisdom, 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.
FAST FACTS
The Texas FFA Association was chartered in 1929.
San Marcos FFA was chartered on January 9th, 1947.
There are approximately 2,000 agricultural science teachers in Texas. (2015-16)
Twelve state officers, high school seniors, are popularly elected annually by the delegates at the State FFA Convention.
*All of the above information was found on the Texas FFA Website and the National FFA Website.
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