FFA Members

Motivation and active engagement remain relevant topics when studying FFA members and FFA advisors, especially since COVID-19. This report includes results from 419 FFA members we surveyed in early 2024. It specifically highlights survey questions centered around motivation and active engagement. Findings reveal that FFA members and agriculture teachers/FFA advisors seem to be out of sync when it comes to the perception of student motivation levels. Agriculture educators should take members’ feedback found throughout this report and use it to help bridge the gap in perceived motivation and engagement levels between FFA members and agriculture teachers/FFA advisors. Lasting impact? The perceived effect of COVID-19 on members’ motivation levels varies. 1 in 3 FFA advisors (N=2,002) identified lack of student motivation as their biggest challenge in a 2023 survey.1 Over half of the FFA members surveyed in 2024 (59%, N=246) said that COVID-19 had no effect on their motivation to do well in school. Be an active participant: FFA members report high levels of motivation and active engagement in their FFA chapters. A series of validated scales [...]

What Is FFA? FFA is an intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. FFA develops members’ potential and helps them discover their talent through hands-on experiences, which give members the tools to achieve real-world success. The letters “FFA” stand for Future Farmers of America. These letters are a part of our history and heritage that will never change. Today, FFA members are future farmers, chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers and premier professionals in many career fields. What Is National FFA Week? Each year, FFA chapters around the country celebrate National FFA Week. It’s a time to share what FFA is and its impact on members. The week features designated days celebrating agriculture and FFA, including National Days of Service, Ag Teacher Appreciation Day and National Wear Blue Day. The first National FFA Week took place in 1948 when the National FFA Board of Directors designated a weeklong celebration from Saturday to Sunday. The week always encompasses George Washington’s birthday (Feb. 22) in recognition of his legacy as an [...]

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” [...]

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 [...]

This report includes results from a group of FFA members surveyed in early 2024. It focuses on supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) and members’ reported career plans. SAEs allow students to apply agricultural skills and knowledge taught in the classroom to real-world experiences. SAEs Lay the Foundation for Future Career Success FFA members’ involvement with SAEs lays the foundation for future career success. Among surveyed members, 68% (N=283) told us that they have an SAE. This also aligns with nationwide labor trends, as 37% of 16-19-year-olds are employed or seeking employment, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1 After-High-School Plans and Career Ambitions After-high-school plans and career ambitions vary for members with SAEs. Of the 283 members who told us they have an SAE: 44% say they plan to pursue a career or college/vocational program in the same study area as their SAE. 2 in 3 say they plan to attend a four-year university, while 16% say they plan to attend a two-year college/technical program. 30% say the Animal Systems Career Pathway best describes their career [...]

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. Results reported in this document are sourced from the 2023 Post-Convention Survey conducted by National FFA, which received 7,200 individual responses. Record-Breaking Attendance Attendees traveled from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Attendance grew from 69,596 in 2022 to 72,954 in 2023. 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; [...]

Celebrating National FFA Week Locally Each year, FFA chapters celebrate National FFA Week. It’s a time to share what FFA is and its impact on members. From teacher appreciation events to school spirit days to service projects, FFA chapters celebrated the history and the future of FFA. This document provides both quantitative information and anecdotes from FFA chapters about FFA Week activities. For more information, contact evaluation@FFA.org. How an FFA chapter chooses to celebrate National FFA Week is completely dependent on that chapters’ members and advisor(s). However, common local FFA Week activities include but aren’t limited to1: Teacher appreciation Social media campaigns Service projects Engaging with alumni and supporters School assemblies School spirit days (i.e., “wear blue and gold day”) Recognition of Greenhand Degree recipients Fundraisers Most Chapters Reported Implementing Teacher Appreciation Activities and Social Media Campaigns During FFA Week Activity Percent of Chapters Teacher appreciation 80% Social media campaigns 63% Service projects 60% Alumni and supporters 40% School assemblies 40% Fundraising 23% Other 26% 2022 FFA Week National Days of Service 1,172 FFA members from [...]

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 Impact on Attendees Of all attendees who visited the FFA Blue Room: 98% learned about at least one new technology or innovation that they did not know existed (2019). 97% learned how innovations in ag-tech are solving some of the major problems facing agriculture (2019). 90% [...]

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 [...]

The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality Chapter Standards (NQCS) and a Program of Activities (POA) that emphasize growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership. Chapter Activities Building communities 2,019 activities from 673 applications. To help local food pantries replenish much-needed items, Scales Mound FFA (IL) created bingo cards filled with those needs and sent groups into the community to collect the items and fill their cards, while also handing out flyers with information about agriculture. Growing leaders 2,019 activities from 673 applications. Southeastern FFA (OH) members created a Positivity Tree to provide simple, anonymous pick-me-ups in the form of handwritten notes that focused on encouragement, self-worth and positive quotes. Notes were hung as ornaments for students to take as needed. Strengthening agriculture 2,019 activities from 673 applications. Flanagan-Cornell FFA (IL) decided to create an Active in Agriculture vlog with videos from [...]

The National FFA Agriscience Fair recognizes students who gain real-world, hands-on experience in agricultural enterprises. Students use scientific principles and emerging technologies to solve complex agriculture, food, and natural resources problems. The agriscience fair is for middle and high school students. Participation begins at the local level and progresses to state and national levels. Number of Participants Continues to Grow Participation in the Agriscience Fair has grown steadily over time — except for the 2020 virtual event. 2016—593 participants 2017—724 participants 2018—759 participants 2019—778 participants 2020—637 participants (virtual) It pays to compete. $121,500 in total cash payouts was awarded to 162 winners recognized at the 2020 National FFA Convention & Expo. Outcomes for FFA Members We asked FFA members who competed in the National FFA Agriscience Fair in 2020 about their experience. After participating, at least 85% of FFA members1 told us that they… now have a better understanding of the scientific method have learned something about agriculture that they did not know prior to their project are more interested in studying in a scientific field [...]

The FFA motto gives members 12 short words to live by as they experience the organization’s opportunities. Three of these words sum up the desire to help provide for one’s community: Living to Serve. Volunteerism in FFA In a 2021 survey of 10th and 11th graders in FFA, 74% of respondents who identified as FFA members said they volunteered1 in their schools or communities. A 2024 study of FFA members found that besides athletics, the activity that FFA members participate in the most is volunteering.2 Research shows that participation in structured activities and civic engagement, such as volunteering, leads to greater school engagement, which can inspire positive outcomes such as better grades, lower levels of depression, higher self-esteem, and decreased likeliness to be involved in risky behaviors. Structured activities and civic participation allow for positive interactions between youth and their peers and trusted adults, another beneficial outcome.3 Spotlighting Service in National FFA Programming National FFA encourages students to immerse themselves in service activities through structured programming at the national and local levels. National FFA Week (Spring [...]