FFACareer Development Events, Degrees, and

Proficiency Awards

Career Development EventsThe Career Development Events (CDE’s)

allow members to exhibit their skills in areas that are part of classroom instruction in agriculture education.

CDE’s begin at the chapter level. Participants may advance up to the national level.

Students develop skills in classes related to careers in the agricultural industry.

Career Development Events Agricultural

Communications Agricultural Issues Agricultural Mechanics Agricultural Sales Agronomy Dairy Cattle Judging Dairy Handlers Dairy Foods Judging Environmental and

Natural Resources Farm Business

Management Floriculture Food Science and

Technology Forestry Horse Evaluation and

Selection Livestock Evaluation and

Selection Marketing Plan Meat Evaluation and

Technology Nursery and Landscape Parliamentary Procedure Poultry Evaluation and

Selection Agricultural Issues Forum

Team CDE’s evaluate skills in the following areas:

Career Development Events

Individual CDE’s are: Extemporaneous Public Speaking—the ability

of a student to give a speech without rehearsing or being prepared.

Prepared Public Speaking—speaking event where the participants prepare and practice their presentation prior to the event.

Creed Speaking—The ability to recite and explain the FFA Creed.

Job Interview-the ability to apply and interview for an agricultural career

Degrees-Discovery Be enrolled in an agricultural education class for

at least a portion of the school year while in grades 7-8.

Have become a dues paying member of the FFA at local, state and national levels.

Participate in at least on local FFA chapter activity outside of scheduled class time.

Have knowledge of an agriculturally related career, ownership and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Be familiar with the local FFA chapter program of activities.

Submit written applications for the degree

Degrees-Greenhand First year members are called

Greenhands. Requirements of a Greenhand include the

following: 1. Be enrolled in an agriculture class and plan an

Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). 2. Know the creed, motto, salute, and FFA mission. 3. Explain the FFA emblem and colors. 4. Demonstrate the FFA code of ethics and proper use of

the FFA jacket. 5. Know the history of the FFA. 6. Have access to an FFA Official Manual and the FFA

Student Handbook. 7. Submit a written application for the Greenhand

Degree.

Degrees-Greenhand

Greenhands receive the Greenhand pin, which is a bronze emblem of the FFA. To be worn on the FFA Jacket

Each year a Greenhand is selected to receive the Star Greenhand Award. The requirements are: 1. Must be an active first year member. 2. Must demonstrate leadership skills. 3. Must have an SAE program.

Degrees-Chapter

This is the highest degree a chapter can bestow on its members.

This is usually awarded during the second or third year of membership.

Other requirements for the Chapter FFA Degree include:

1. Received Greenhand Degree.2. Have an SAE program and have plans to improve.3. Participated in planning 3 FFA activities.4. Earning and productively investing $150, at work or at least 45

hours outside of class time in a SAE program.5. Effectively leading a group discussion for 15 minutes.6. Demonstrating five procedures of parliamentary law.7. Showing progress toward individual achievements in the FFA

award program.8. Complete at least 10 hours of community service activities.9. Having a satisfactory scholastic record.

Degrees-Chapter

The Chapter FFA degree pin replaces the Greenhand pin on the FFA jacket. It is a silver emblem of the FFA.

Two Chapter FFA Degree recipients may be chosen as Stars. 1. The Chapter Star in Agribusiness has an outstanding

agribusiness SAE. 2. The Chapter Star Farmer has an outstanding

production agriculture SAE.

Degrees-State Each state is limited to a maximum

number of degree recipients. Requirements for the State FFA Degree

include:1. Must hold the Chapter FFA Degree.2. Must be an active member for at least 2 years.3. Complete at least 2 years of agriculture courses.4. Earn and productively invest at least $1000, or work at

least 300 hours outside of class time in an SAE program.

5. Complete at least 25 hours of community service (includes chapter degree requirements)

6. Be able to demonstrate leadership ability by: Performing 10 procedures of parliamentary law. Giving a six-minute speech on FFA or an agriculture topic. Serving as an officer, committee chairperson or

participating committee member. Having a satisfactory scholastic record. Participating in the Program of Activities (POA). Participating in at least five FFA activities above the chapter

level.

Degrees-State

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.

The state association selects a State Star Farmer and State Star Agribusiness winner. These winners receive a plaque and cash awards.

Degrees-American

This degree is awarded to members by the National FFA Organization.

Obtaining this degree requires a solid commitment to the FFA and agriculture.

In order to receive the American FFA Degree, a member must:

1. Hold the State FFA Degree.2. Be an active member for at least 3 years or complete

the program of agricultural education offered at the school last attended.

3. Complete at least 50 hours of community service (Includes chapter and state degree requirements)

4. Complete at least 3 years of agriculture courses.5. Graduate from high school at least 12 months prior to

receiving the degree.

Proficiency Awards

The FFA provides an agricultural proficiency award program to recognize members who have an outstanding SAE, Supervised Agriculture Experience Program, in any of 47 areas.

The proficiency awards are given for entrepreneurial and placement programs.

Students compete on chapter, state, and national levels based on records kept on their SAE’s.

There are 47 proficiency areas available to students.

1. Agricultural Communications - Entrepreneurship/Placement 2. Agricultural Education – Entrepreneurship/Placement 3. Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication – Entrepreneurship/Placement 4. Agricultural Mechanics Energy Systems – Entrepreneurship/Placement 5. Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Entrepreneurship 6. Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance - Placement 7. Agricultural Processing - Entrepreneurship/Placement 8. Agricultural Sales – Entrepreneurship 9. Agricultural Sales – Placement 10. Agricultural Services - Entrepreneurship/Placement 11. Beef Production – Entrepreneurship 12. Beef Production – Placement 13. Dairy Production – Entrepreneurship 14. Dairy Production – Placement 15. Diversified Agricultural Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement 16. Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship 17. Diversified Crop Production – Placement 18. Diversified Horticulture – Entrepreneurship/Placement 19. Diversified Livestock Production – Entrepreneurship 20. Diversified Livestock Production – Placement 21. Emerging Agricultural Technology - Entrepreneurship/Placement 22. Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management -

Entrepreneurship/Placement 23. Equine Science – Entrepreneurship 24. Equine Science – Placement

25. Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement 26. Floriculture - Entrepreneurship/Placement 27. Food Science and Technology - Entrepreneurship/Placement 28. Forage Production - Entrepreneurship/Placement 29. Forest Management and Products - Entrepreneurship/Placement 30. Fruit Production - Entrepreneurship/Placement 31. Grain Production – Entrepreneurship 32. Grain Production – Placement 33. Home and/or Community Development - Entrepreneurship/Placement 34. Landscape Management - Entrepreneurship/Placement 35. Nursery Operations - Entrepreneurship/Placement 36. Outdoor Recreation - Entrepreneurship/Placement 37. Poultry Production - Entrepreneurship/Placement 38. Sheep Production - Entrepreneurship/Placement 39. Small Animal Production and Care – Entrepreneurship/Placement 40. Specialty Animal Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement 41. Specialty Crop Production - Entrepreneurship/Placement 42. Swine Production – Entrepreneurship 43. Swine Production – Placement 44. Turf Grass Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement 45. Vegetable Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement 46. Veterinary Medicine– Entrepreneurship/Placement Wildlife Management –

Entrepreneurship 47. Wildlife Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement

FFA History

1917 – Smith Hughes Act – The federal government allocated money to start vocational agriculture classes

1928 – Future Farmers of America was established

1939 – FFA purchased 28½ acres of George Washington’s estate

Review

When did it happen?

FFA Established

Washington’s Estate

Smith-Hughes

1944 – The FFA foundation was established.

1950 – P.L. 81-740 –The Federal government recognized that FFA is integral to agricultural education. (Now PL 105-225)

1953 – (1) The 25th (Silver) anniversary, (2) President Eisenhower spoke at the

convention, (3) FFA was issued a postage stamp (worth 3

cents)

FFA History

Review

When did it happen?

FFA Established

Washington’s Estate

Smith-Hughes

FFA Foundation

25th Anniversary

PL 81-740

Postage Stamp

1969 – Females were admitted as members

1971 – The FFA Alumni was established1988 – “Future Farmers of America”

became “The National FFA Organization”

1999 – The national convention was moved in the last year of the 20th century to Louisville, KY

2002 – The 75th anniversary of FFA2006 – The national convention was

moved to Indianapolis, IN

FFA History

Review

When did it happen?

FFA Established

75th Anniversary

Smith-Hughes

FFA Foundation

25th Anniversary

PL 81-740

Convention moved to KY

It is NOT about memorizing “dates”You now realize …

You are a member of an organization that has been around for over 75 years

Agricultural businesses donate $Millions each year because they believe in YOU!

You are a part of a tradition shared by Presidents and Founding Fathers

The Government of the United States of America has made it Federal Law that agriculture students be part of the FFA

FFA History

INTRODUCTION TO SAE PROGRAMS

SAEs are a great way to get classroom credit and FFA awards for doing things like exploring careers, earning money and having fun!

An SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) is a practical application of classroom concepts designed to provide “real world” experiences and develop skills in agriculturally related career areas.

SAE program consist of planned activities conducted outside of class time designed to gain hands-on experience and develop skills in agricultural career areas that interest you.

SAE Rewards- provides an opportunity to explore careers allows students to gain experience earn money improve communication skills in a variety of

situations develop management skills earn FFA Proficiency Awards and advanced

FFA degrees

Exploratory-experiencing the “big picture” of agriculture and its many related careers. This type of program is great for beginning students and those who are uncertain about their interest, but others can also benefit.

Research/Experimentation - an SAE where you conduct research using the scientific process. Agriculture is a science-based industry and there are limitless opportunities for research-based SAEs.

Placement - (in some states called internships) in this SAE you work for someone, either for pay or for the experience. These SAEs may be located in agribusinesses, school labs, farms and ranches or in community facilities.

Ownership/Entrepreneurship - this type of SAE makes you a business owner. You plan and operate an agriculturally related enterprise or business. Examples include producing and marketing livestock, crops, nursery plants or forest products, providing a service such as lawn care, processing agricultural products, repair, design or fabricating agriculturally related equipment.

Supplementary Activities- a specific skill learned outside of normal class time that contributes to the agriculture skills and knowledge obtained by the student.

Improvement Activities- a series of learning activities that improve the efficiency, value, use or appearance of the place of employment, home, school or community.

Agricultural Career Clusters

Agricultural and Forestry Production Careers Agronomist Floral Designer Landscaper Animal Behaviorist Agricultural Aviator Farrier Pet Shop Owner

Management and Financial Specialties Careers Agricultural Consultant Agricultural Economist Agricultural Extension Agent Agricultural Educator Agricultural Loan Officer Farm Appraiser International Agriculture Specialist

Marketing, Merchandising and Sales Careers Agricultural Sales Representative Agriculture Inspector Commodity Broker Landscape Contractor

Science and Engineering Careers

Land Surveyor Agronomist Veterinarian Embryologist Geneticists Landscape Architect Animal Nutritionist

Social Services Careers

Career Counselor Conservation Officer Naturalist Park Manager Youth 4-H Leader

Education and Communication Careers

Agriculture Instructor Cooperative Extension Agent Graphic Designer Journalist Marketing Manager Farm News Director

Match the Experience with the Type of SAE

Exploratory

Research/ Experimentation

Ownership/ Entrepreneurship

Placement

Working in a florist shop

Owning a Christmas tree farm

Comparing the effect of hormones on plant growth

Shadowing a veterinarian on career day

Growing and selling bedding plants

Working in school greenhouse after school

Match the Experience with the Type of SAE

Exploratory

Research/ Experimentation

Ownership/ Entrepreneurship

Placement

Working in a florist shop

Owning a Christmas tree farm

Comparing the effect of hormones on plant growth

Shadowing a veterinarian on career day

Growing and selling bedding plants

Working in school greenhouse after school

SAE Resources

Local chapter advisor

FFA Alumni and business persons

National FFA- Kevin Keith- 317-802-4254, kkeith@ffa.org

Websites- SAE Central: www.cals.ncsu.edu/agexed/sae/toolbox/index.html

National FFA Online, Agricultural Career Center: www.ffa.org

The FFA Emblem

The cross section of an ear of corn …

… the foundation crop of the U.S. It represents unity since it is grown in all states.

The eagle...

…is our national symbol.

The rising sun...

… represents progress, a new day.

The plow... ...symbolizes labor

and tillage of

the soil.

The owl...

… represents wisdom and knowledge.

The words Agricultural Education surrounding

FFA......tell us that FFA is an integral part...

… of an agricultural education

program.

What is the definition of integral?

• Essential or necessary for completeness• The root word in “integration”

This is our FFA emblem...

… wear it with pride!

FFA Colors

National Blue Corn Gold

NOT Blue & Gold Blue & Yellow

What are Ethics?

Ethics are principles of right conduct, sometimes called morals.

Where do you learn ethics?

Should ethics be taught in school?

The FFA Code of EthicsFFA members conduct themselves at all times to be a credit to their organization,

chapter, school, community and family. As an FFA member, I pledge to:

1. Develop my potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.

2. Make a positive difference in the lives of others.

3. Dress neatly and appropriately for the occasion.

4. Respect for the rights of others and their property.

The FFA Code of EthicsFFA members conduct themselves at all times to be a credit to their organization,

chapter, school, community and family. As an FFA member, I pledge to:

5. Be courteous, honest and fair with others.

6. Communicate in an appropriate, purposeful and positive manner.

7. Demonstrate good sportsmanship by being modest in winning and generous in defeat.

8. Make myself aware of FFA programs and activities and be an active participant.

The FFA Code of EthicsFFA members conduct themselves at all times to be

a credit to their organization, chapter, school, community and family. As an FFA member, I pledge

to:9. Conduct and value a supervised

agricultural experience (SAE) program.

10. Strive to establish and enhance my skills through agricultural education in order to enter a successful career.

11. Appreciate and promote diversity in our organization.

The FFA Jacket

The FFA Jacket should be … Worn only by members Kept clean and neat Worn on official occasions with the

zipper to the top. The collar should be turned down and cuffs buttoned. Note: It may be worn informally and

unzipped Worn by members at school and

other appropriate places

The FFA Jacket

The FFA Jacket should be … Worn without school letters and insignia

of other organizations Discarded when it becomes faded Worn with the member refraining from

the use of tobacco and alcohol while it is on

Worn with three medals showing. The top: FFA degree FFA office FFA award

The FFA Creed

DO YOU KNOW … The number of paragraphs in the

Creed? The number of sentences in the

Creed?

The FFA CreedParagraph #1

I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deedsachievements 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.

What is the main point of the first paragraph?

The FFA CreedParagraph #2

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.

What is the main point of the second paragraph?

The FFA CreedParagraph #3

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.

What is the main point of the third paragraph?

The FFA CreedParagraph #4

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.

What is the main point of the fourth paragraph?

The FFA CreedParagraph #5

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.

What is the main point of the fifth paragraph?

The FFA Creed Smile, stand still, ___________________ Don’t dance, yell, ___________________ You can’t speak too slowly Include personal stories with answers

My parents … On our farm … When I have to do chores …

Say the creed correctly at least once every day Check yourself for accuracy Practice answering one

question/paragraph each day

FFA Motto

Learning to Do,Doing to Learn,

Earning to Live,Living to Serve.

FFA Salute

The Pledge of Allegiance“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which is stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

NOTE: There is no comma after “nation” … “one nation under God”

FFA Mission StatementFFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for

premier leadership, personal growth and

career success through agricultural education.

(PiLes of PiGs in CarS)