career development

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. The National FFA Organization distributed an online survey to 7,646 FFA advisors from the national membership roster. The survey received 1,112 (partial or complete) responses, yielding a 15% overall response rate. 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 [...]

The Next Gen Conferences are a series of career-focused conferences centered around each of the eight Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Pathways.1 The most beneficial experience I had at the [Next Gen] conference was the persistent [advice] to do what I love and to find my why. I needed to be pushed to reach my full potential. Next Gen participant (2022) The National FFA Organization grows the next generation of leaders who will change the world. These future leaders can make a tangible impact on the problems facing the world and agriculture. National FFA uses conferences, workshops and other experiences to cultivate premier leadership, personal growth, and career success in FFA members. The FFA Next Generation (Next Gen) Conference equips students with the knowledge and skills to interest and prepare them for future careers in agriculture. The first Next Gen conference was held in Kansas City, Mo., in Feb. 2020. FFA members were immersed in experiences related to animal systems careers. The COVID-19 global pandemic halted plans for the conference series in 2021, but [...]

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 [...]