FFA
Career Development
Events, Degrees, and
Proficiency Awards
Career Development Events
The Career Development Events (CDE’s) allow
members to exhibit their skills in areas that are
part of classroom instruction in agriculture
education.
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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
Team CDE’s evaluate skills in the following areas:
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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
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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
Career Development Events
Individual CDE’s are:
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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
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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
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First year members are called Greenhands.
Requirements of a Greenhand include the
following:
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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
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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:
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1. Must be an active first year member.
2. Must demonstrate leadership skills.
3. Must have an SAE program.
Degrees-Chapter
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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:
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Received Greenhand Degree.
Have an SAE program and have plans to improve.
Participated in planning 3 FFA activities.
Earning and productively investing $150, at work or at least 45 hours
outside of class time in a SAE program.
Effectively leading a group discussion for 15 minutes.
Demonstrating five procedures of parliamentary law.
Showing progress toward individual achievements in the FFA award
program.
Complete at least 10 hours of community service activities.
Having a satisfactory scholastic record.
Degrees-Chapter
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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.
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1. The Chapter Star in Agribusiness has an outstanding
agribusiness SAE.
2. The Chapter Star Farmer has an outstanding production
agriculture SAE.
Degrees-State
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Each state is limited to a maximum number of
degree recipients.
Requirements for the State FFA Degree include:
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Must hold the Chapter FFA Degree.
Must be an active member for at least 2 years.
Complete at least 2 years of agriculture courses.
Earn and productively invest at least $1000, or work at least
300 hours outside of class time in an SAE program.
Complete at least 25 hours of community service
(includes chapter degree requirements)
Be able to demonstrate leadership ability by:
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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
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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
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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:
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Hold the State FFA Degree.
Be an active member for at least 3 years or complete the
program of agricultural education offered at the school last
attended.
Complete at least 50 hours of community service
(Includes chapter and state degree requirements)
Complete at least 3 years of agriculture courses.
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.
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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.
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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
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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?
Washington’s Estate
FFA Established
Smith-Hughes
FFA History
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)
Review
When did it happen?
25th Anniversary
Postage Stamp
FFA History
1969 – Females were admitted as members
1971 – The FFA Alumni was established
1988 – “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 FFA
2006 – The national convention was moved
to Indianapolis, IN
Review
When did it happen?
25th Anniversary
Convention moved to KY
FFA History
It is NOT about memorizing “dates”
You now realize …
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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
INTRODUCTION TO SAE
PROGRAMS
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SAEs are a great way to get classroom
credit and FFA awards for doing things
like exploring careers, earning money
and having fun!
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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Research/Experimentation - an SAE
where you conduct research using the
scientific process. Agriculture is a
science-based industry and there are
limitless opportunities for researchbased SAEs.
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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.
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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.
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Supplementary Activities- a specific skill
learned outside of normal class time
that contributes to the agriculture skills
and knowledge obtained by the
student.
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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
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Agricultural and Forestry
Production Careers
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Agronomist
Floral Designer
Landscaper
Animal Behaviorist
Agricultural Aviator
Farrier
Pet Shop Owner
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Management and Financial
Specialties Careers
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Agricultural Consultant
Agricultural Economist
Agricultural Extension Agent
Agricultural Educator
Agricultural Loan Officer
Farm Appraiser
International Agriculture Specialist
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Marketing, Merchandising and
Sales Careers
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Agricultural Sales Representative
Agriculture Inspector
Commodity Broker
Landscape Contractor
Science and Engineering Careers
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Land Surveyor
Agronomist
Veterinarian
Embryologist
Geneticists
Landscape Architect
Animal Nutritionist
Social Services Careers
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Career Counselor
Conservation Officer
Naturalist
Park Manager
Youth 4-H Leader
Education and Communication
Careers
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Agriculture Instructor
Cooperative Extension Agent
Graphic Designer
Journalist
Marketing Manager
Farm News Director
Match the Experience with the
Type of SAE
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Exploratory
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Research/
Experimentation
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Ownership/
Entrepreneurship
Placement
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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
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Exploratory
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Research/
Experimentation
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Ownership/
Entrepreneurship
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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
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Local chapter
advisor
FFA Alumni and
business persons
National FFAKevin Keith- 317802-4254,
kkeith@ffa.org
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Websites- SAE
Central:
www.cals.ncsu.edu/ag
exed/sae/toolbox/ind
ex.html
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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
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National Blue
Corn Gold
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NOT
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Blue & Gold
Blue & Yellow
What are Ethics?
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Ethics are principles of right conduct,
sometimes called morals.
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Where do you learn ethics?
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Should ethics be taught in school?
The FFA Code of Ethics
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FFA 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:
Develop my potential for premier leadership,
personal growth and career success.
Make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Dress neatly and appropriately for the occasion.
Respect for the rights of others and their
property.
The FFA Code of Ethics
FFA 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:
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Be courteous, honest and fair with others.
Communicate in an appropriate,
purposeful and positive manner.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship by
being modest in winning and generous in
defeat.
Make myself aware of FFA programs and
activities and be an active participant.
The FFA Code of Ethics
FFA 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:
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Conduct and value a supervised
agricultural experience (SAE) program.
Strive to establish and enhance my skills
through agricultural education in order to
enter a successful career.
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.
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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 Creed
Paragraph #1
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.
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What is the main point of the first paragraph?
The FFA Creed
Paragraph #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.
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What is the main point of the second paragraph?
The FFA Creed
Paragraph #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.
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What is the main point of the third paragraph?
The FFA Creed
Paragraph #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.
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What is the main point of the fourth paragraph?
The FFA Creed
Paragraph #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.
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What is the main point of the fifth paragraph?
The FFA Creed
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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
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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.”
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NOTE: There is no comma after
“nation” … “one nation under God”
FFA Mission Statement
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.
(PiLes of PiGs in CarS)