FFA, The Future Farmers of America

The National FFA Organization (FFA) was created in 1928 in Kansas City, Missouri. At first, the organization was very small, with membership under 100. As of today, the national membership has increased to north of 579,000. The mission statement of the FFA is to “ makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.” One of the main goals of the FFA is to fight agricultural illiteracy and getting the truth out about farmers and agriculturalists. This is accomplished through a system called the three ring model, including Supervised Agricultural Experience, (SAE) Classroom, and FFA. The first ring, SAE, is any project a student wishes to complete. From raising an animal, to working at an agricultural related  business. Next, the classroom portion  of the model. This ring uses agriculture in each of the lessons taught in the classroom to give students an alternate way of learning, a more practical way for some. Finally, the FFA section  of the model encompasses every other aspect of the FFA. Speaking competitions, officer opportunities and conferences are all included in this circle.  Members compete locally, statewide, and nationally in speaking, livestock and career development events.The FFA program is geared toward high-schoolers with a small part in the collegiate world.  The National FFA Organization is still continuing strong today!