Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

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FFA – Experience for Success

Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Unit 1 – Lesson 1.2 Team FFA

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Making Learning Relevant

Agricultural education is more than a class in school. There are hundreds of opportunities to learn outside of the classroom to make education relevant to your life.

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The Agricultural Education Model

Instruction – Classroom experiences

SAE – Individual student projects

FFA – Leadership, character, and career development

Illustration is used with permission from the National FFA Organization

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Classroom Instruction

The study of agriculture involves the “science” of producing plants and animals.

The study of agriculture provides you an opportunity to enhance your understanding of science, mathematics, and communication in a practical way.

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Using What You Learn

Skills and knowledge learned in the classroom will help you with FFA and SAE experiences.

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The FFA

FFA is a national organization for youth interested in agriculture and natural resources.

The mission of the FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for:

• Premier Leadership• Personal Growth• Career Success

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What does F-F-A stand for?

From 1928 – 1988 the organization was known as the Future Farmers of America

In 1988, the official name changed to the “National FFA Organization” to reflect the broader scope of agriculture.

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What can I do?

Join your local FFA chapter

Participate in various leadership development opportunities

Compete in Career Development Events (CDE) that apply your knowledge learned in the classroom to a practical competition

Participate in community service projects sponsored by the FFA

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The Benefits of FFA

Practice values and develop character associated with leaders of your community

Earn awards and recognition to help with job and scholarship applications

Develop teamwork and other life skills necessary for success in future endeavors

Earn money and get started on potential careers with an SAE program

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How do I get involved in FFA?

Typically FFA membership has a dues requirement – your local chapter will varyDiscuss your involvement and specific needs or goals with your agriculture teacherInvestigate more about FFA at the following URL: http://www.ffa.org/index.cfm?method=c_about.mission

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Maximize the Benefits

To make the most from your educational experiences in agriculture class, you are encouraged to develop aspects of all three components of the Agricultural Education model:

Classroom Instruction, SAE Program, and FFA Involvement

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References

National FFA Organization. (2009). What is FFA?. Retrieved December 10, 2009 from http://www.ffa.org/