Frequently Asked Questions...
What is FFA?
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 FFA stand for?
FFA stands for Future Farmers of America, which is the
official name of the organization, but we don’t use the full name and instead
operate as the “FFA” because Future Farmers of America implies that we are all
preparing to be farmers. Agriculture is much broader than farming and
ranching. Members study things such as horticulture, aquaculture, food
sciences, accounting, wildlife management, mechanics and
engineering.
Are FFA members going to be
farmers?
Yes and No. Agriculture is a very broad field of study.
Members study things like landscaping, floriculture, animal science, computer
applications, accounting, environmental science, mechanics and engineering.
Regardless of an FFA member’s career choice the FFA provides opportunities to
build and apply math, science, technology and leadership skills to their
life.
What is the difference between 4-H and
FFA?
Good question! We do a lot of the same things and have many
things in common. The 4-H is part of the cooperative extension service and is
coordinated by the 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.
Are there any jobs in
agriculture?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, at least 22
million people in the United States work in one of over 300 careers that exist
in the field of agriculture. While most people think of farming when the word
agriculture is mentioned, there are agriculture-related jobs in veterinary
science, marketing, food processing, retail sales and timber harvesting. It is
estimated that one in five people in the United States are working in jobs
connected to agriculture.
How do I become and FFA member?
FFA is a part of the teaching program in agricultural
sciences. The first step is to enroll in an agricultural science class. FFA
activities are an outgrowth of the classroom and supervised independent
enterprises and projects.
How old to kids have to be to be in
FFA?
The grade level at which agricultural science courses are offered is dependent on the school district. The earliest any school district can
offer these classes is the seventh grade level. Some local chapters have a
junior FFA program to allow younger students to affiliate themselves with the
local chapter to exhibit livestock. Students must be at least eight years old
and in the third grade to participate in the junior FFA.
Does everyone have to raise a cow or pig in
FFA?
No. Every FFA member must have a supervised agricultural
experience program or SAE as we call it. An SAE is a project or enterprise that
gives members hands-on training and a chance to apply what is learned in the
classroom. Livestock projects are very popular, but there are a lot of options:
placement in an agricultural job, internships, experimental work in agriscience,
horticultural projects and crop projects are just a few.
Do you have to be a cowboy to be in
FFA?
Western wear is popular among many FFA members, but is
definitely not a requirement. Some of our members are involved with beef and
horse projects and value the western way of life, but FFA members come with all
kinds of styles and interests. From big cities like Houston and San Antonio to
small towns all over Texas, what brings FFA members together is their interest
in agriculture, leadership and community service.
What’s up with the blue corduroy
jacket?
The blue corduroy jacket was adopted at the official dress
after the Fredericktown, Ohio chapter had the blue jackets made for their local
chapter in 1933 and came to the national FFA convention wearing them. The
delegates at that convention voted to make that the official jacket, and they
have been part of the official uniform ever since.
How is Texas FFA funded?
FFA programs are funded through private donations, grants and
sponsorships at the local, state and national level. The Texas FFA Foundation,
a separately registered non-profit organization, works with business and
industry, organizations and individuals to raise funds to recognize FFA
achievements and support activities. State dues for each FFA member are only
five dollars a year.
Texas FFA is proud to have one of the largest state
membership within the National FFA Organization. Texas FFA membership has
steadily grown toward a new membership record with over 61,000 members in
2005.