SAE

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. Nine in 10 respondents reported that their agriculture program uses the three-component model.1 Nine percent reported that their chapter operates differently from [...]

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 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) 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 has been trying to navigate their classrooms within the last two years. Thirty-four [...]

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 [...]