Professional Agricultural Organizations

Goals of Professional Agricultural Organizations: Allow professionals the opportunity to network, learn and communicate. Provide trade shows and journals to update members on new methods, products and technology. Use membership dues to finance commodity advertisement, trade journals and educational programs for members.

Types of Agricultural Organizations Commodity Related: Corn Growers Association North Carolina Pork Growers Association Governmental: Cooperative Extension Service Provides information for those working in agriculture. Others: Farm Bureau Grange FFA Alumni

Agricultural Education

What is FFA???

Future Farmers of America??? FFA DOES NOT Stand for Future Farmers of America. The name changed in 1988.

National FFA Organization The National FFA Organization has members across the U.S. Premier youth organization for students in agricultural education. Over 500,000 members nationally. All 50 states plus Puerto Rico & the Virgin Islands

FFA Basics

FFA Emblem

FFA Emblem Cross-section of the ear of corn: Serves as the foundation for the emblem just as corn has historically served as the foundation crop of American agriculture. Symbol of unity because corn is grown in all 50 states.

FFA Emblem Eagle: National symbol which serves as a reminder of our freedom and ability to explore new horizons for the future of agriculture

FFA Emblem Rising Sun: Signifies progress and promises that tomorrow will bring a new day glowing with opportunity.

FFA Emblem Plow: Signifies labor and tillage of the soil. The backbone of agriculture and the historic foundation of our country’s strength.

FFA Emblem Owl: Symbolizes the knowledge required to be successful in the industry of agriculture. Long recognized for wisdom.

FFA Emblem Words “FFA” & “Agricultural Education”: Signifies the combination of learning and leadership necessary for progressive agriculture.

National Blue Corn Gold FFA Colors National Blue Corn Gold

Learning to Do. Doing to Learn. Earning to Live. Living to Serve. FFA Motto Learning to Do. Doing to Learn. Earning to Live. Living to Serve.

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.

FFA Official Dress Males: Black pants White collard shirt Official FFA tie Official FFA jacket zipped to the top Black shoes and socks

FFA Official Dress Females: Black skirt of appropriate length or pants. (Only pants for approved events) White collard shirt Official FFA scarf Official FFA jacket zipped to the top Black shoes and black hose.

Structure of FFA National FFA Organization ↓ North Carolina FFA Association East Central Region Wake Federation Knightdale FFA Chapter

National FFA Advisor Dr. Steve Brown

North Carolina State Agricultural Education Coordinator Gerald Barlowe

North Carolina State FFA Coordinator Jason Davis

Types of FFA Membership Active Students in middle school, high school and college up to age 21. Alumni Former active members, parents of FFA members, and others interested in and supporters of FFA. Collegiate Honorary Local, state and national levels.

National FFA Communications New Horizons Magazine www.ffa.org

FFA Creed History of the FFA Creed: Written by E.M. Tiffany Adopted at 3rd National FFA Convention. Revised in 1965 and 1990.

FFA Creed Use of the FFA Creed: Basic statement of beliefs that helps members understand the importance of FFA. Expresses belief in work ethic, fairness to others, patriotism and tradition that all members should share. New members are required to learn the FFA Creed before they are awarded the first degree of FFA membership- “The Greenhand Degree”.

Why FFA???

Premier Leadership

Leadership Development in FFA Develops Confidence. Build Character. Fosters Citizenship. Encourages Cooperation.

Serving as an Officer Allows you to work as a team. Helps develop leadership skills. Members can serve as officers at all levels of the FFA: Chapter Regional State National

Officer Roles President: Vice President: Stationed by the Rising Sun. Presides over meetings. Vice President: Stationed by the Plow. Coordinates Committees.

Officer Roles Secretary: Treasurer: Stationed by the Ear of Corn. Keeps accurate minutes at meetings. Treasurer: Stationed by the emblem of Washington. Keeps financial records.

Officer Roles Reporter: Sentinel: Stationed by the flag. Informs the public about the FFA. Sentinel: Stationed by the door. Helps maintain order.

Officer Roles Advisor: Stationed by the owl. Provides guidance and assistance for all FFA activities.

Officer Roles Other Possible Officers: Historian Parliamentarian Chaplain

Chapter Officers President Vice President: Secretary Treasurer Joshua Whitley Vice President: Kailee Wheeland Secretary Meliza Zuniga-Torres Treasurer Shaun Goode Reporter Taylor Winn Sentinel Duncan Harris Chaplain Victoria Thompson Historian Ori Ntoto

1 President & 5 Vice Presidents State Officers 1 President & 5 Vice Presidents

1 President, 1 Secretary & 4 Regional Vice Presidents National Officers 1 President, 1 Secretary & 4 Regional Vice Presidents

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

Leadership Conferences Regional Level: Regional Leadership Conference State Level: State Leadership Conference LEAD Conference (For Chapter Officers) MEGA Conference National Level: Washington Leadership Conference

FFA Conventions State FFA Convention National FFA Convention June Raleigh, NC National FFA Convention October Louisville, KY

FFA Camp North Carolina FFA Center White Lake, NC FFA Summer Recreational Camp

Personal Growth

FFA Degrees Discovery FFA Degree Greenhand FFA Degree Chapter FFA Degree State FFA Degree American FFA Degree

Discovery FFA Degree Given at the Chapter Level. Available to Middle School FFA Members. Requirements: Participate in at least one FFA activity outside of class time. Have knowledge of agriculturally related careers. Be familiar with the local FFA chapter’s Program of Activities. Submit written application for the degree.

Greenhand FFA Degree Given at the Chapter Level. Requirements: Have satisfactory plans for a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program. Learn & Explain the FFA Creed, motto, salute and FFA mission statement. Describe and explain the meaning of he FFA emblem and colors. Demonstrate a knowledge of the FFA Code of Ethics and the proper use of the FFA jacket.

Greenhand FFA Degree Requirements Continued: Demonstrate a knowledge of the history of the organization, the chapter constitution and bylaws and the chapter program of activities. Personally own or have access to the Official FFA Manual and the FFA Student Handbook. Submit written application for the degree.

Chapter FFA Degree Given at the Chapter Level. Requirements: Must have received the Greenhand FFA Degree. Must have completed at least one agricultural education course at the high school level. Must have in operation an approved supervised agricultural experience program. Must have participated in the planning and conducting of at least three official functions in the chapter Program of Activities.

Chapter FFA Degree Requirements Continued: Must have earned at least $150 or worked at least 45 hours in excess of scheduled class time. (Or a combination of both) Also must have plans for the continued growth and improvement of the SAE. Have effectively led a group discussion for 15 minutes. Have demonstrated five procedures of parliamentary law. Have a satisfactory scholastic record. Submit a written application for the degree.

State FFA Degree Given at the State Level. Requirements: Must have received the Chapter FFA Degree. Must have completed at least two years of agricultural education courses. Have earned and productively invested at least $1,000 or worked at least 300 hours in excess of regularly scheduled class time.

State FFA Degree Requirements Continued: Must have demonstrated leadership ability by: Performing 10 procedures of parliamentary law. Giving a six-minute speech on a topic relating to agriculture or the FFA. Serving as an officer, committee chairperson, or participating member of a chapter committee. Have a satisfactory scholastic record. Have participated in the planning and completion of the chapter Program of Activities. Have participated in at least five different FFA activities above the chapter level.

American FFA Degree Given at the National Level. Requirements: Must have received the State FFA Degree. Must have been an active member for the past three years. Must have a record of satisfactory participation in the activities on the chapter and state levels. Must have completed at least three agricultural education courses.

American FFA Degree Requirements: Must have been graduated from high school at least one year. Must have earned and productively invested at least $7,500 or have earned and productively invested at least $1,500 and worked 2,250 hours in excess of scheduled class time. Must have a record of outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement. Must have a scholastic record of “C” or better.

Opening Ceremony: “All in Unison” President: “FFA members, why are we here?” Members: “To practice brotherhood, honor agricultural opportunities and responsibilities, and develop those qualities of leadership which an FFA member should possess.”

Career Success

Career Development Activities Provide “Hands-On” Experience Career Development Events (CDE): Most events progress from the local to national level. Develop technical and leadership skills.

Career Development Events Animal Science: Dairy Evaluation Poultry Evaluation Livestock Evaluation Dairy Handlers Activity Dairy Foods Food Science & Technology Meats Evaluation Horticulture: Introduction to Horticulture Floriculture Nursery/Landscape Forestry

Career Development Events Ag. Engineering: Agricultural Mechanics Tool Identification Truck Driving Tractor Driving Hunter Safety Leadership: Agricultural Sales Marketing Plan Farm Business Management Creed Speaking Prepared Public Speaking Extemporaneous Public Speaking Agricultural Issues Forum Agricultural Communications Crop Science: Agronomy Land Judging