Degrees

Greenhand Degree

Greenhand FFA Degrees are given out at the chapter level to first year 9-12 grade members. Minimum requirements: 

• Enrolled in an agricultural education class

• Have satisfactory plans for a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program 

• Have in operation a supervised agricultural experience (SAE)

• Learned and explained the FFA Creed

• Learned and explained the FFA Motto and Salute

• Learned and explained the FFA mission statement

• Described and explained the meaning of the FFA emblem and colors

• Demonstrated knowledge of the FFA Code of Ethics and proper use of the FFA jacket

• Demonstrated a knowledge of the history of the organization 

• Familiarized with the chapter constitution and bylaws and the chapter Program of Activities

• Own or have access to the Official FFA Manual and Official FFA Student Handbook

Chapter Degree

The Chapter FFA Degree is given to an FFA chapter’s top members in their first 2 years of membership. 

• Hold the Greenhand Degree

• Completed at least one year of instruction in agricultural education (180 hours) at or above the ninth-grade level and enrolled in an agriculture class

• Have in operation a supervised agricultural experience (SAE)

• Earned at least $150 or worked at least 45 hours or a combination thereof through an SAE

• Participated in the planning and conducting of at least three chapter activities

• Effectively led a group discussion for 15 minutes

• Demonstrated five parliamentary procedure abilities

• Shown progress toward achievement in FFA award programs 

• Have a satisfactory scholastic record

• Participated in at least 10 hours of community service activities 

State FFA Degree

The State FFA Degree is given to the top members of a State FFA Association, to receive a State FFA Degree members must meet the requirements:

• Must have the Chapter Degree and have been an active member for a minimum of the past 24 months.

• Must have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least two years (360 hours) of agricultural education or completed the agricultural education program at or above the ninth-grade level which includes a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program.

• Have earned and productively invested at least $1,000 or worked 300 hours in excess of scheduled class time, or a combination thereof, in a supervised agricultural experience program.

• Have participated in at least 25 hours of community service, comprised of at least two separate activities.

• Demonstrate leadership ability by:

  • Performing 10 procedures of parliamentary law

  • Giving a six-minute speech on a topic relating to agriculture or the FFA

  • Serving as an officer, committee chairperson, or participating member of a chapter committee

• Have a satisfactory school scholastic record of "C" or better as certified by the advisor or principal or superintendent.

• Have participated in the planning and completion of the chapter program of activities.

• Have participated in at least five different FFA activities above the chapter level.

American FFA Degree

The American FFA Degree is the highest honor awarded to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their supervised agricultural experience.

To be eligible to receive the American FFA Degree from the National FFA Organization, members must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Have received the State FFA Degree, have been an active member for the past three years (36 months) and have a record of satisfactory participation in the activities on the chapter and state level.

• Have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least three years (540 hours) of systematic secondary school instruction in an agricultural education program, or have completed at least the equivalent of 360 hours of systematic secondary school instruction in agricultural education and one full year of enrollment in a postsecondary agricultural program, or have completed the program of agricultural education offered in the secondary school last attended.

• Have graduated from high school at least 12 months prior to the national convention at which the degree is to be granted.

• Have in operation and have maintained records to substantiate an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program, through which the member has exhibited comprehensive planning and managerial and financial expertise.

• A student after entering agricultural education must have:

  • Earn at least $10,000 and productively invested $7,500 or

  • Earned and productively invested $2,000 and worked 2,250 hours in excess of scheduled class time. Any combination of hours, times a factor of 3.56, plus actual dollars earned and productively invested must be equal to or greater than the number 10,000. Hours used for the purpose of producing earnings reported as productively invested income shall not be duplicated as hours of credit to meet the minimum requirements for the degree.

• Have a record of outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement and have achieved a high school scholastic record of “C” or better as certified by the principal or superintendent.

• Have participated in at least 50 hours of community service within at least three different community service activities. These hours are in addition to and cannot be duplicated as paid or unpaid supervised agricultural experience hours.