FFA Convention & Expo

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 [...]

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; [...]

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 [...]