Introduction to the FFA

The 3-Circle Model of Ag Education

The FFA is a national organization of students enrolled in agricultural education in 50 states, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. It was organized in November 1928 and is considered an integral part of the curriculum in agricultural education in the public schools. All students in these programs receive instruction in personal leadership growth and development which can best be achieved through the FFA.

Through active participation in the FFA, members learn by taking part in and conducting meetings, speaking in public, participating in contests based on occupational skills, earning awards and recognition and becoming involved in cooperative efforts and community improvement. The FFA offers opportunities for becoming productive citizens in our democracy. FFA members believe in leadership, citizenship, and patriotism. They believe in free enterprise – freedom under the law – in making their homes, schools, and communities better places in which to live and work.

Members participate in regular chapter meetings, present motions, debate issues, and take part in decision making. They work hard, but they also play hard, as recreation is also a part of each year’s program of activities. It began at a time in our history when America was still largely rural, farming was still a way of life for many families, and young people grew up in the footsteps of their parents, planning to become farmers too.

A former agricultural education instructor named Henry Groseclose organized the Future Farmers of Virginia for boys in agricultural classes that became the model for today’s Future Farmers of America just two years later, in 1928. More than 70 percent of FFA members nationwide are from rural non – farm, urban and suburban areas, with the remaining 30 percent coming from farming communities. Membership is open to students grades seven through twelve who are enrolled in an agricultural course at a public school.

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Mission and Strategies

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

• 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.

Agricultural Education uses a three-circle model of instruction. These are classroom and laboratory instruction, leadership development, and experiential learning. The successful integration of each of these three components results in a strong program that produces well rounded individuals who are prepared to be leaders in agriculture, business, and industry.

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