ffa

FFA, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a youth organization that prepares students for careers in agriculture and leadership. Founded in 1928, the organization was originally established to support young people interested in farming and agricultural sciences. In 1988, the organization officially changed its name to the National FFA Organization to reflect the broader scope of agricultural careers beyond traditional farming.

The organization operates primarily through chapters hosted at high schools and colleges across the United States, with membership open to students enrolled in agricultural education courses. FFA focuses on developing three main areas: academic knowledge, practical skills, and leadership abilities. Members participate in various activities including career development events, leadership conferences, and supervised agricultural experiences.

FFA's mission emphasizes premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The organization's motto is "Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve." Members follow a structured program that includes learning parliamentary procedure, public speaking, and agricultural business management.

The organization's distinctive blue corduroy jacket serves as its most recognizable symbol, along with the official FFA creed and salute. Members can earn degrees ranging from discovery and greenhand to chapter and state levels, recognizing their achievements in agricultural education and leadership development.

Today, FFA serves over 700,000 members across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization offers hundreds of career development events covering diverse agricultural fields including veterinary science, agricultural mechanics, food science, and environmental natural resources. FFA continues to evolve with modern agricultural practices while maintaining its core mission of developing the next generation of agricultural leaders and professionals.