FFA State Leaders

In spring 2024, the National FFA Organization surveyed a national sample of 218 FFA advisors and agriculture teachers of fifth- to eighth-grade agriculture programs. Questions on the survey inquired about how their program operates, student engagement, general support, barriers, challenges, and the resources educators use and are looking for. The following summary highlights some key results. The survey received a national sample The survey intentionally sought responses from teachers across the nation. The highest number of survey responses came from Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. When asked to indicate approximately how many students are in their fifth- to eighth-grade agriculture programs, respondents reported an average of 234 students. Responses reflected a wide range, from six to 900 students. The structure of middle school (grades 5-8) agriculture programs varies nationwide Almost 90% of respondents (N=182) reported that their agriculture class is offered as an elective, while 13% said it is a required course. 9 in 10 respondents reported that their agriculture program uses the three-component model.1 Nine percent reported that their chapter operates differently from [...]

13 school-based agriculture educators received a classroom enhancement grant in 2023. The 2023 recipients of the classroom enhancement grants had between one and three full-time agriculture teachers in their agriculture programs. 2023 grant recipients serve students in grades 7-12. 2023 grant recipients serve an average of 164 agricultural education students each. When asked about their chapter, 2023 grant recipients reported that: 31% of their students are economically disadvantaged. 13% of their students have disabilities/IEPs. 9% of their students are racial or ethnic minorities. 1.5% of their students are English Language Learners. Grant recipients applied their funds to these classroom enhancements: Purchasing equipment Upgrading equipment Purchasing curriculum My students learn best with hands-on instruction, but my shop and classroom are very sparsely equipped so I have to do more online curriculum. This makes it harder for [students who are English Language Learners] to understand. 2023 FFA Advisor Needs Assessment

Professional Development in Agricultural Education Nearly one in four respondents (22%) to the 2023 FFA Advisor Needs Assessment somewhat or strongly disagreed with the statement, “I have access to a variety of valuable professional development opportunities.” Almost half (47%) of respondents to the 2023 FFA Advisor Needs Assessment said budget/cost constraints have a great deal of influence on their decision to participate in professional development opportunities. 25 school-based agriculture educators received a Teacher Professional Development Grant from National FFA in 2023. 22 recipients are licensed educators, while one recipient is alternatively certified and two are special grant/permission or emergency certified educators. The 2023 recipients of the Teacher Professional Development Grants serve students in grades 6-12. The 2023 recipients of the Teacher Professional Development Grants serve student populations from 180 students to 2,012 students. The 2023 recipients of the Teacher Professional Development Grants serve 42 to 355 agricultural education students. From my experience, I now make a more concentrated effort to give my ELL students better-translated materials whenever possible. I also try my best to use phrases [...]

The American FFA Degree The American FFA Degree is the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization. It shows an FFA member’s dedication to their chapter and state FFA association. It demonstrates the effort FFA members apply toward their supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) and the outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement they exhibited through their FFA careers.1 Community service, leadership abilities and outstanding scholastic achievement are among the essential requirements to earn the American FFA Degree. Members must also have been active members of FFA for the past three years, completed many hours of agricultural education classwork and be currently operating an SAE. The American Star Award From among those members receiving the American FFA Degree each year, National FFA annually recognizes FFA members who rise to the top with the American Star Awards. These members have gone above and beyond in their attitude, involvement, community service and SAEs. Finalists for these awards have mastered skills in production, finance, management and/or research.2 The Research The purpose of the research, which began in the fall of [...]

The National FFA Organization conducts a biannual survey of agriculture educators/FFA advisors. The purpose of the survey is to obtain a national representation of educators to participate and provide insight into what National FFA resources teachers are using in their classrooms and local chapters, as well as what future resources they need. This document shares findings directly from agriculture teachers from 2023. In spring 2023, the National FFA Organization distributed an online survey to all 14,158 FFA advisors in the national membership roster. The survey received 2,480 (partial or complete) responses, yielding an 18% overall response rate. 2023 Advisor Needs Assessment Findings Top Three Areas of Need for Resources Identified by Agriculture Educators Developing SAE opportunities for students (N=1,332) Filling out award applications (N=1,167) Filling out FFA grants (N=1,119) Sixty-one percent of respondents said National FFA provides enough resources to support advisors. Top Five Pathway Educational Resources Requested by Agriculture Educators Animal Systems Plant Systems Agriculture Technology Power, Structural and Technical Systems Agribusiness FFA Advisors’ Greatest Challenges and Barriers Respondents were asked what their biggest challenge [...]

The first-ever Horizon Conference, focusing on futures in production agriculture, took place virtually in January of 2021. 190 attendees participated in the conference. Students Engaged With Industry Professionals, and With Each Other The Horizon Conference offered a total of 33 sessions: 19 educational sessions, 4 virtual tours and 10 networking sessions. Participants chose from one of three “tracks”, which pre-populated suggested sessions to their schedule. Participants could attend sessions which interested them most. An average of 29 attendees participated in each session. There were 187 posts on the message board—with topics ranging from home state pride to conference takeaways. 64% attended the virtual expo, with 47% attending during live hours to directly engage with industry experts. Attendees Feel More Prepared for a Career in Production Agriculture Eighty-nine percent of respondents of a post-conference survey agreed that they feel more prepared for a career in production agriculture after attending the Horizon Conference. All respondents in the “Future of Agriculture” track agreed that they are excited about a career in production agriculture. All respondents in the “Entrepreneurial Skills” [...]

Since 2018, the FFA Blue Room has given FFA members at the National FFA Convention & Expo a chance to experience how traditional agriculture has evolved into the innovations seen on farms and in startups all over the world today. By exposing members to the careers of tomorrow, the FFA Blue Room prepares today’s student leaders for agriculture’s future landscape. The FFA Blue Room is open to all National FFA Convention & Expo attendees who want to experience it. With FFA members making up three-fourths of overall attendees, the FFA Blue Room is a place where students can open their eyes to the developing world of agriculture. Attendance Growth In 2018, 3,007 FFA members experienced technology and innovation in the FFA Blue Room. In 2019, that number grew to 4,732.1 Attendee Experience Of all attendees who visited the FFA Blue Room in 2019: 98% learned about at least one new technology or innovation that they did not know existed. 97% learned how innovations in ag-tech are solving some of the major problems facing agriculture. 90% discovered [...]

National Days of Service is an annual opportunity for FFA members attending the National FFA Convention & Expo to give back through service projects at sites around the host city. In 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, FFA launched the first-ever nationwide National Days of Service. Throughout the month of October, 8,014 volunteers representing 340 chapters from 45 states and Puerto Rico logged 24,321 hours of service. 8,014 student volunteers created $661,531 in economic impact Most of the volunteers were FFA members, and FFA advisors participated as well. The collective effort produced an economic impact of $661,531 nationwide.1 What’s more, the participants enjoyed their time spent at their respective service projects: FFA members and adults alike rated the virtual event 4.5 out of 5 stars. Year Economic Impact 2018 $173,324 2019 $168,804 2020 $661,531 FFA members believe volunteerism is essential We asked FFA members about their volunteerism. FFA members agreed or strongly agreed that…2 Volunteering my time is essential for my personal growth (95%) I volunteered because I wanted to (84%) Volunteer work is an important [...]

A study conducted by the National FFA Organization in March through May of 2019 provided feedback from 708 agriculture teachers and FFA advisors from the eastern, southern, central and western FFA regions about their needs as agriculture educators, educational resources and experiences offered by FFA, their relationship with FFA and a variety of other topics. This document outlines some key findings from that study. Alternatively Certified Teachers Alternatively certified teachers are those who have been awarded a teaching license even though they have not completed a traditional teacher certification program. In all subject areas in every state in the U.S., individuals who choose to become a certified teacher through alternate means help to fill open positions that exist due to problems facing teaching nationwide, especially teacher recruitment and retention.1 Agricultural education, specifically, has historically faced challenges in teacher recruitment and retention.2 The Advisor Needs Assessment revealed that 18% of agriculture teachers surveyed are alternatively certified. Those who reported being alternatively certified stated that their biggest challenges include navigating FFA, developing classroom management, running and starting an [...]

The National FFA Organization conducts a biannual survey to identify and assess the current needs of agriculture educators/FFA advisors while aiming to understand the demands of the teaching profession better. The survey results provide insights into what National FFA resources teachers are using in their classrooms and local chapters and what future resources they need. This document shares findings directly from agriculture teachers from 2025. FFA Advisors’ Greatest Challenges Three out of four respondents (75%, N=799) named lack of student motivation as their biggest challenge in navigating their classrooms within the last two years—the same as in 2023. Thirty-seven percent (N=390) indicated a lack of resources in the classroom. Twenty-nine percent (N=313) said a lack of support from students’ parents/guardians. Twenty-six percent (N=279) reported a lack of support from administration. One in four (25%, N=264) respondents chose “struggles with my health” (mental, physical, emotional). Just over half of respondents (52%, N=536) reported being quite or extremely satisfied with their jobs. Almost three in four respondents (72%, N=732) feel supported in their classrooms in the last three [...]

National FFA is the premier youth organization dedicated to preparing its members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology sectors of the industry of agriculture. Each year, the National FFA Convention & Expo provides an opportunity to conduct the official business of the organization; increase outreach and engagement; recognize members’ and stakeholders’ accomplishments; motivate and inspire members and stakeholders; provide educational training and networking opportunities; and expose members to trends impacting the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Value Chain. The 96th national convention and expo was in Indianapolis Nov. 1-4, 2023. Record-Breaking Attendance Attendees traveled from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Total attendance reached 72,954 in 2023, up from 69,596 in 2022. 72% student attendees, including American FFA Degree recipients; career and leadership development event competitors; delegates; members; band, chorus and talent participants; national officer candidates, award finalists; and more. 28% adult attendees, including special guests; alumni and supporters; FFA staff; individual donors; corporate partners; advisors; state staff; exhibitors; media; award judges; honorary award winners; board members; and more. Entertainment Ninety-five [...]

When the new coronavirus (COVID-19) became a worldwide pandemic, National FFA events previously scheduled to take place in person had to transition to virtual events swiftly. This summer, two leadership and professional development trainings—with audiences spanning from in-service teachers to state FFA officers—still took place despite the limitations surrounding in-person gatherings. The National Teacher Ambassadors for FFA training took place in June, while the State Officer Summit took place in July. National Teacher Ambassadors for FFA Training: June 8-12 and June 15-19, 2020 2020 Format: Live Zoom sessions, pre-recorded video messaging and networking time in Zoom Typically, the National Teacher Ambassadors for FFA term begins with a summer training where ambassadors convene in Indianapolis in mid-June. Not only do ambassadors get to network and meet each other, but the training also provides an opportunity for ambassadors to learn about FFA educator resources and brainstorm how they will share the resources with their peers through interactive workshops. This essential training also outlines the expectations of the ambassadors. The team at National FFA executed virtual training—using Zoom—that took [...]