agriculture careers

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 [...]

A recent study by Purdue University, in collaboration with BASF and the National FFA Organization, focused on workplace attractiveness to 18-25 year-old FFA Alumni. There were five key dimensions used to measure the extent an individual is attracted to an employer: Interest value: An exciting work environment, novel work practices and that make use of its employees’ creativity to produce high-quality, innovative products and services. Social value: A working environment that is fun, happy, provides good collegial relationships and a team atmosphere. Economic value: Above-average salary, compensation package, job security and promotional opportunities. Development value: Recognition, self-worth and confidence, coupled with a career-enhancing experience and a springboard to future employment. Application value: An opportunity for the employee to apply what they have learned and to teach others, in an environment that is both customer-oriented and humanitarian. This document provides high-level findings that can assist in better understanding the generation currently entering the workforce. About the Participants in This Study: Generation Z (Gen Z) The 18-25 year-old participants1 in this study are classified as younger members of [...]