FFA Membership, Ethics, Degrees,
and Awards
O PPORTUNITIES are everywhere! Taking
advantage of all of them can be challeng-
ing; we have only so much time. The National
FFA Organization provides a variety of opportuni-
ties for students to experience premier leader-
ship, personal growth, and career success
through agricultural education. The entire orga-
nization is designed to help you build your skills
and experiences so that you will be a better-pre-
pared candidate for leadership opportunities and
successful career choices. Take advantage of as
many of the opportunities as you can.
Objectives:
þ 1. Summarize each class of FFA membership.
2. Recognize the expectations within the FFA Code of Ethics.
3. Analyze the requirements to attain each level of active membership within
FFA.
4. Describe the FFA Star awards at the chapter, state, and national levels.
Key Terms:
Ñ active membership
alumni membership
Chapter Star Farmer
Chapter Star in
Star awards
Star Greenhand
American FFA Degree Agribusiness State FFA Degree
American Star awards Chapter Star in State Star awards
American Star Farmer Agricultural Placement State Star Farmer
American Star in Chapter Star in State Star in
Agribusiness Agriscience Agribusiness
American Star in collegiate membership State Star in
Agricultural Placement FFA Code of Ethics Agricultural
American Star in Greenhand Placement
Agriscience Greenhand FFA Degree State Star in
Chapter FFA Degree honorary membership Agriscience
Chapter Star awards member
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Important Facets of FFA Membership
The opportunities that the National FFA Organization provides its members are countless.
Throughout your years in FFA, you can learn valuable record keeping and interviewing skills,
participate in Career Development Events that allow you to practice what is taught in the agri-
culture classroom, and advance your leadership abilities. Experiences in FFA put members
above others when applying for scholarships and searching for potential jobs. FFA members
are well-rounded individuals who earn respect by presenting themselves as the leaders of
tomorrow within their schools and communities. By advancing through the various levels of
FFA membership, you will be able to make the most of your time in high school and prepare
yourself for the future.
CLASSES OF FFA MEMBERSHIP
FFA is made up of members. A member is a person who is part of an organization or soci-
ety. Within the National FFA Organization are four classes of membership: active, collegiate,
alumni, and honorary.
Active membership is the
class of membership for high
school students enrolled in a sec-
ondary agricultural education
program that has a chartered FFA
chapter. Each student must take
an agricultural education course
during the year of his or her
membership. An active member
must show interest in, and partici-
pate in, FFA projects and activi-
ties. He or she must follow the
FFA Code of Ethics and the ideals
of the National FFA Organization FIGURE 1. An agricultural education course may include learning to train
and must pay the required state horses.
and national dues.
Collegiate membership is the class of membership for persons who belong to a char-
tered FFA chapter at a two- or four-year postsecondary school and have an interest in the
future of agriculture.
Alumni membership is the class of membership for all adults who support the National
FFA Organization. Being a former member of FFA is not a requirement for becoming an
alumni member. Any adult who wishes to support FFA through fundraising, by training for
CDEs, or by having an active member work under him or her for a supervised agricultural
experience (SAE) program is welcome to become an alumni member.
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FURTHER EXPLORATION…
ONLINE CONNECTION: Prominent FFA Members
Since 1928, many important citizens have benefited by participating in FFA. Presidents,
members of Congress, entertainers, sports stars, and persons in business and agriculture have
developed their leadership skills as members of FFA. Visit the link below to see a few people you
might be surprised to find were FFA members.
https://www.ffa.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/about_
prominentmembers.pdf.pdf#search=Prominent%20FFA%20Members
Honorary membership is the class of membership for persons who have provided out-
standing service to FFA and agricultural education. The decision to grant honorary member-
ship is made by the FFA chapter, the state association, or the national association. Examples of
those who can receive honorary membership are administrators, business owners, farmers, and
parents.
THE FFA CODE OF ETHICS
The FFA Code of Ethics is a longstanding tradition that serves as a guideline for how
FFA members should conduct themselves. It was adopted at the 1952 National FFA Conven-
tion and revised at the 1995 National FFA Convention.
Major Points of the FFA Code of Ethics
Pledge to develop your potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career suc-
cess. Potential in these three areas relates to the FFA mission statement. Develop your poten-
tial by attending conferences and conventions, striving to be an effective leader, and respecting
your organization, chapter, school, community, and family.
Make a positive impact on the lives of others. “Others” refers not just to your fellow FFA
members. You must consider the community and how it can be bettered. You must think of
potential FFA members currently in the younger grades. How can they be impacted now and
encouraged to become FFA members in the future?
Dress appropriately for every occasion, wearing FFA Official Dress when applicable.
Respect the rights of others and their property. Treating the property of others poorly
reflects badly upon you, your school, and FFA as a whole. The National FFA Organization is
well respected and represented throughout the nation. People see the official blue jacket and
expect anyone wearing it to know the difference between right and wrong.
Be courteous, honest, and fair with others. Communicate with a purpose while being
appropriate and positive. Demonstrate good sportsmanship by being modest in winning and
generous in defeat. These three statements go well together; each involves how you treat peo-
ple and communicate with them. You never know the effect that you have on a person until
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time has passed. Strive to be a
positive voice to your peers,
always encouraging the best of
people and not focusing on their
faults. Remember that we all have
faults.
Make yourself aware of FFA
programs and activities, and be an
active participant. Conduct and
value a supervised agricultural
experience (SAE) program. Strive
to establish and enhance your
skills through agricultural educa-
tion so you can enter a successful FIGURE 2. Communicate with a purpose while being appropriate and positive.
career. Appreciate and promote
diversity in the National FFA
Organization.
LEVELS OF ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP WITHIN FFA
The National FFA Organization has four FFA degree levels for active members. Each level
of membership builds upon the previous level. This allows you to grow your skill set and
advance your supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program over time.
Greenhand FFA Degree
The Greenhand FFA
Degree is the degree first-year
members of FFA can earn. A
member who holds the
Greenhand FFA Degree is called a
Greenhand. When a Greenhand
has completed all the require-
ments, he or she receives the
Greenhand pin, which is a bronze
FFA emblem.
A Greenhand must:
t Be enrolled in an agriculture
class
t Plan to implement an SAE
program
FIGURE 3. These Greenhand members are showing off their T-shirts during
National FFA Week.
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t Recite and explain the FFA Creed, motto, salute, and mission
t Identify and explain the FFA emblem and colors
t Observe and practice the FFA Code of Ethics and the proper use of the FFA jacket
t Learn the history of FFA, the chapter constitution and bylaws, and the chapter Program
of Activities
t Have access to the Official FFA Manual and the FFA Student Handbook
t Submit a written application for the Greenhand FFA Degree
Chapter FFA Degree
The Chapter FFA Degree is the highest degree a chapter can bestow on its members. It is
usually awarded during the second or third year of membership. The Chapter FFA Degree pin
replaces the Greenhand pin on the FFA jacket. It is a silver FFA emblem.
A recipient of the Chapter FFA Degree must:
t Have earned the Greenhand FFA Degree
t Have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least 180 hours of agricultural education
instruction at or above the ninth-grade level and be currently enrolled in an agricultural
education program
t Have earned and productively invested at least $150 or worked at least 45 hours outside of
class time in an approved SAE program
t Have participated in the coordination and implementation of at least three official func-
tions in the chapter Program of Activities
t Have effectively led a group discussion for at least 15 minutes
t Be able to exhibit five procedures of parliamentary law
t Be able to show advancement toward individual achievements in the FFA award program
t Have a satisfactory scholastic record
t Have taken part in 10 or more hours of community service
t Have submitted a written application for the Chapter FFA Degree
State FFA Degree
The State FFA Degree is the degree state associations award top members. Each state is
limited to a maximum number of degree recipients. A member receiving the State FFA Degree
is presented with a gold emblem charm during a ceremony at his or her state FFA convention.
The State FFA Degree charm replaces the silver Chapter FFA Degree pin. It may be worn on
the FFA jacket or on a standard degree chain.
Requirements for the State FFA Degree, as set forth by the National FFA Organization, are
as follows. A state association may have requirements above these levels. A recipient of this
degree must:
t Hold the Chapter FFA Degree
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T ED
AN ON THE JOB…
W
LP
HE CAREER CONNECTION: Agriculture Teacher / FFA Advisor
Being an FFA advisor is part of the job description of an agriculture teacher. An FFA advisor
plays an important role in the development of a complete agricultural education program by
assisting students with their supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs, training Career
Development Event teams, and advising students as they begin to select career paths and make
educational plans.
An advisor provides direction to the officers and members of a chapter while serving as a
resource to the community. A passion for making a difference in the lives of young people and a
love for agriculture are ingredients in the recipe for a successful agriculture teacher / FFA advi-
sor. An agriculture teacher / FFA advisor has at least a bachelor’s degree in agricultural educa-
tion.
t Have maintained active membership for at least two years at the time of receiving the
degree
t Have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least 360 hours of agricultural education
instruction at or above the ninth-grade level, which includes an approved SAE program
t Have earned or productively invested at least $1,000 or worked at least 300 hours outside
of class time in an SAE program
t Be able to demonstrate leadership ability by performing 10 procedures of parliamentary
law, giving a six-minute speech on FFA or an agriculture-related topic, and serving as an
officer, committee chairperson, or participating committee member
t Have a satisfactory scholastic record
t Have participated in the planning and completion of the chapter Program of Activities
t Have participated in at least five different FFA activities above the chapter level
t Have taken part in 25 or more hours of community service involving at least two different
activities
American FFA Degree
The American FFA Degree is the highest degree awarded to members by the National
FFA Organization. Attaining the degree requires a solid commitment to FFA and to agricul-
ture. Each American FFA Degree recipient receives a gold key during a ceremony at the
National FFA Convention. The American FFA Degree key replaces the gold State FFA Degree
charm. It should be pinned on the jacket or placed on a standard degree chain.
To receive the American FFA Degree, a member must:
t Hold the State FFA Degree, have been an active member for at least three years, and have
participated successfully in chapter and state FFA activities
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t Have completed at least three years or 540 hours of agriculture classes, or have completed
the equivalent of 360 hours of agricultural education at the secondary level and one full
year of enrollment in a postsecondary agriculture program, or have completed the pro-
gram of studies in agricultural education offered in the secondary school last attended
t Have graduated from high school at least 12 months prior to receiving the degree
t Have in operation, along with records to substantiate, an outstanding SAE program
t Have earned and productively invested at least $7,500, or earned and productively
invested at least $1,500 and worked at least 2,250 unpaid hours outside of class time in an
SAE program
t Have a record of outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement and have a
high school scholastic record of “C” or better
t Have taken part in 50 or more hours of community service involving at least three differ-
ent activities
t Have submitted a written application signed by the chapter president, chapter advisor,
superintendent or principal, and state advisor or state executive certifying that all state-
ments in the application are correct and that the applicant conducted himself or herself
properly.
STAR AWARDS
Star awards are awards presented to outstanding members at each degree level.
Chapter Level
The Star Greenhand is an award presented by the local chapter to the year’s outstanding
Greenhand. The recipient of this award must be an active first-year member, demonstrate
leadership skills, and have a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program.
The Chapter Star awards are awards granted by the local chapter to four persons who
represent the absolute best among its Chapter FFA Degree recipients.
t The Chapter Star Farmer is an award presented to the member who has an outstand-
ing SAE in production agriculture and demonstrates the most involvement in all phases
of the chapter’s activities.
t The Chapter Star in Agribusiness is an award presented to the member who has the
most outstanding SAE in agribusiness.
t The Chapter Star in Agricultural Placement is an award presented to the member
who has the most outstanding placement SAE. This can be either a paid or unpaid SAE in
production agriculture or agribusiness.
t The Chapter Star in Agriscience is an award presented to the member who has the
most outstanding SAE program based in research or experimentation. This may be either
an entrepreneurship or placement SAE.
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State Level
The State Star awards are awards granted by a state association to four persons who
represent the absolute best among its State FFA Degree recipients. Each recipient receives a
plaque and a cash award.
t The State Star Farmer is the top State FFA Degree recipient in production agricul-
ture.
t The State Star in Agribusiness is the top State FFA Degree recipient in an outstand-
ing agribusiness SAE.
t The State Star in Agricultural Placement is the top State FFA Degree recipient in
agricultural placement.
t The State Star in Agriscience is the top State FFA Degree recipient in an outstand-
ing agriscience SAE.
National Level
The American Star awards are awards granted to four persons who represent the abso-
lute best among American FFA Degree recipients. To be eligible for an American Star award,
an FFA member must have earned the American FFA Degree the same year that he or she
applies. State FFA associations nominate American Star award candidates. The National FFA
Organization chooses the four national finalists for the highest honors FFA bestows on its
membership.
t The American Star Farmer is the top American FFA Degree recipient in production
agriculture.
t The American Star in Agribusiness is the top American FFA Degree recipient in an
outstanding agribusiness SAE.
t The American Star in Agricultural Placement is the top American FFA Degree
recipient in agricultural placement.
t The American Star in Agriscience is the top American FFA Degree recipient in an
outstanding agriscience SAE.
Summary:
2 The opportunities in the National FFA Organization are endless. There is a place
for you, no matter your background or interests. The four classes of membership
are active, collegiate, alumni, and honorary. Each class has different requirements,
but all require the common interest of developing leadership through agriculture.
The FFA Code of Ethics serves as a guideline for how FFA members should con-
duct themselves. It outlines the importance of always being respectable and depend-
able, two traits that will benefit you throughout life.
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There are four main degrees an FFA member can receive. They are the Greenhand
FFA Degree, the Chapter FFA Degree, the State FFA Degree, and the American FFA
Degree. Each level builds upon the previous one. Thus, the dedication to agriculture
and FFA become more evident as a member advances through the FFA degrees.
FFA grants it Star awards to the best of the best at the chapter, state, and national
levels.
Checking Your Knowledge:
´ 1. What are the four classes of FFA membership, and how do they differ?
2. What is the FFA Code of Ethics, and why is it important?
3. What are the four most common FFA degrees? Give two requirements for
receiving each degree.
4. Explain the significance of the Star awards.
Expanding Your Knowledge:
L Are there any requirements that your state FFA association has that are above those
of the National FFA Organization to receive your State FFA Degree? Work with
your chapter FFA advisor to find the answer to this question, or visit your state FFA
association website for more information.
Web Links:
: The National FFA Organization
https://www.ffa.org/home
Official FFA Manual
https://www.ffa.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/FFAOfficialManual2014_
ENGLISH%20FINAL.pdf
FFA Membership
https://www.ffa.org/about/who-we-are/our-membership
State FFA Associations—Web Links
https://www.ffa.org/about/who-we-are/state-associations
Agricultural Careers
http://www.agcareers.com/
MyCaert Career Profiles
http://www.mycaert.com/career-profiles/
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