What Is Ffa?

FFA is an organization of people who love agriculture or who want to learn more about agriculture. It is a group that has a mission, values, and a vision. The National FFA Organization is a youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education (National FFA Organization 1). The mission of the FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of the members. FFA uses agriculture education to help develop students’ potential and help them discover their talents. It provides hands on experience that helps many members achieve their goals (National FFA Organization 2). There are more than 7,000 FFA chapters in the United States. In Wisconsin alone, there are 19,135 members, making us the 8 largest state in the country. FFA isn’t just for country people; it is for anyone and everyone. To be considered a member all you have to do is pay your dues. The dues for high school members are $15 and for middle school it is $10. Once they are paid, members have the ability to participate in any activity held by the FFA such as competitions, conferences, or fun nights and trips. FFA develops competent and assertive agricultural leadership. Premier leadership can be obtained through many activities hosted by the FFA. One way in particular, is by attending one of the leadership and growth conferences. During these conferences members go to workshops where they learn how to become better leaders, to make a difference, and to be successful throughout life. These are very fun and beneficial conferences that all members should take advantage of. FFA members are more likely to be employed than the average high school student (National FFA Organization 4). When local FFA advisor, Matt Petrowitz, was asked what FFA meant to him, he said, “FFA to me means an organization where everyone belongs and is about leadership and tradition” (Petrowitz). He is proof that premier leadership is gained through FFA