Degrees in the FFA

FFA is structured into a degree program which rewards active FFA members for progress in all phases of leadership, skills, and occupational development. The Discovery FFA Degree, the Greenhand FFA Degree and the Chapter FFA Degree are awarded at the chapter level. State associations award top members with the State FFA Degree. In Texas, this is known as the Lone Star Farmer Degree. The highest degree, the American FFA Degree, is conferred upon an elite group of members at the national level.

The Degree Ladder Discovery Degree Greenhand Degree Chapter Degree Lone Star Degree American Degree

Discovery Degree Must be enrolled in an agriculture class for at least a portion of the school year while in seventh or eighth grade Have become a dues paying member of FFA at local, state, and national levels Participate in at least one local FFA chapter activity outside of scheduled class time Have knowledge of agriculturally related career, ownership and entrepreneurial opportunities Be familiar with local FFA chapter’s Program of Activities Submit written application for the degree

Greenhand Degree Be enrolled in ag education Recite the Creed, motto, and salute Have knowledge of FFA history Have satisfactory plans for an SAE

Chapter Degree Must have received Greenhand Degree Completed 2 semester of ag classes Have SAE Earn and productively invest $150 and 45 hours into an approved SAE Effectively lead group discussion for 15 minutes Complete at least 10 hours of community service

Lone Star Degree Active FFA member for 2 years Have taken 2 years of ag classes Earn and productively invest $1000 and 300 hours in SAE At least 25 hours of community service Demonstrate 10 parliamentary procedures Give a six-minute speech on a topic relating to agriculture or FFA Have been a chapter officer Satisfactory school record Help plan the chapter’s Program of Activities Participate in 5 activities above chapter level

American Degree Active FFA member for 3 years Have taken 3 years of ag classes Graduate high school 12 months prior to receiving degree Have consecutive outstanding SAE’s Earn and productively invest $7,500 or earn and invest $1,500 and 2,250 unpaid hours into an SAE Have a “C” average or better throughout high school Complete at least 50 community service hours