The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for 
premier leadership, personal growth and career success 
through agricultural education.

History:
 
Founded in 1928, the Future Farmers of America brought together students, teachers and agribusiness to solidify support for agricultural education. In Kansas City's Baltimore Hotel, 33 young farmboys charted a course for the future. They could not have foreseen how the organization would grow and thrive.

Since 1928, millions of agriculture students - no one knows exactly how many - have donned the official FFA jacket and championed the FFA creed. FFA has opened its doors and its arms to minorities and women, ensuring that all students could reap the benefits of agricultural education.

Today, the National FFA Organization remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Now, the organization is expanding the nation's view of "traditional" agriculture and finding new ways to infuse agriculture into the classroom. 

Mission Statement:

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricuture education.

The FFA Motto:

Learning to Do

Doing to Learn

Earning to Live

Living to Serve.

The FFA CREED: 

I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds - achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.

I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.

I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.

I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so--for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.

I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.

The creed was written by E. M. Tiffany, and adopted at the 3rd National Convention of the FFA. It was revised at the 38th Convention and the 63rd Convention.

The FFA Emblem:

Each part of the Emblem has its own meaning.

The Cross Section of an Ear of Corn serves as the emblem's foundation, just as corn has historically served as a foundation crop in American Agriculture.  Corn is also a symbol of unity because it is native to America and grown in every state.

The Rising Sun appears in the center of the emblem and symbolizes progress in agriculture and the confidence that FFA Members have in the future.

The Plow is the symbol of labor and tillage of the soil, the backbone of agriculture and the historic foundation of our country's strength.

The Owl represents knowledge and wisdom that is necessary to be successful in the agricultural industry.

The Eagle is perched on top of the emblem and serves as a reminder of our freedom and ability to explore new horizons for the future of agriculture.

The words "Agricultural Education" surrounding the letters "FFA" indicate that FFA is an important part of the agricultural education program.

What is Agricultural Science Education and FFA?

The agricultural science education program is built on the three core areas of classroom/laboratory instruction, supervised agricultural experience programs and FFA student organization activities/opportunities. FFA holds a federal charter.Two of the top three FFA executives are employed by the U.S. Department of Education.

FFA represents the relevancy to the core areas offering students opportunities that changes lives and prepares students for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. Founded in 1928, the FFA organization represents a large diversity of over 300 careers in the food, fiber and natural resources industry. FFA is an integral part of a school system.

The FFA Motto

The FFA motto gives members twelve short words to live by as they experience the opportunities in the organization. Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.

To accomplish its mission, FFA:

• Develops competent and assertive agricultural leadership.
• Increases awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being.
• Strengthens the confidence of agriculture students in themselves and their work.
• Promotes the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career.
• Encourages achievement in supervised agricultural experience programs.
• Encourages wise management of economic, environmental and human resources of the community.
• Develops interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications, human relations and social interaction.
• Builds character and promotes citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism.
• Promotes cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all people.
• Promotes healthy lifestyles.
• Encourages excellence in scholarship

The Agricultural Education Mission

Agricultural Education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems.

**Information courtesy of The National FFA website**
www.ffa.org