Parents Guide

Parents: Invest in Your Child’s Future with FFA! 

FFA builds leadership, career skills, and confidence through hands-on learning, scholarships, and a supportive community. It’s not just for farmers—it’s for future leaders in all careers! Help your child gain real-world experience and opportunities. 

Again FFA is not just for students interested in farming—it includes pathways in animal science, plant science, mechanics, agribusiness, food science, environmental systems, and more.

Why Should My Child Join FFA? FFA offers a variety of benefits that help students develop personally and professionally:

• Leadership Development: FFA provides opportunities to build leadership skills through officer positions, speaking competitions, and teamwork experiences.

• Career Readiness: Members gain hands-on experience in agriculture, science, technology, and business.

• Scholarships & Awards: Many scholarships and recognition programs are available to active members.

• Friendships & Networking: FFA allows students to meet peers with similar interests and connect with industry professionals.

• Community Service: FFA emphasizes service through local projects, helping students give back to their communities.

How Does FFA Work? FFA operates at three levels:

1. Local Chapter: Most schools with an agriculture program have an FFA chapter where students participate in meetings, competitions, and projects.

2. State Association: Iowa FFA hosts conferences, contests, and conventions to bring members together from across the state.

3. National Organization: FFA members can compete at the national level, attend conventions, and apply for national awards and scholarships.

What are Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE)? SAE projects are a core component of FFA. These hands-on learning experiences allow students to explore careers, develop skills, and even earn money. SAE projects can range from raising livestock, working in an ag-related business, conducting research, or managing a community garden.

Competitions & Events FFA offers various competitive events, known as Career Development Events (CDEs) and Leadership Development Events (LDEs), which help students develop skills in:

• Public speaking

• Agronomy

• Veterinary science

• Ag mechanics

• Business management

• Livestock judging

Students also have opportunities to attend leadership conferences, conventions, and state/national contests.

What is the Time Commitment? FFA is as involved as a student wants it to be. Some students participate in only a few events each year, while others take on leadership roles and multiple competitions. Many activities occur after school, but some may require travel to competitions or conferences.

How Can Parents Support Their Child in FFA?

• Encourage Participation: Motivate your students to take advantage of events, contests, and leadership opportunities.

• Attend Events: Show support by attending competitions, awards ceremonies, and fundraisers.

• Help with SAE Projects: Offer guidance or resources for their hands-on projects.

• Be Informed: Follow the local FFA chapter on social media and stay in touch with the advisor for updates.

How Much Does FFA Cost? Rockford FFA is an affiliated chapter so students do not pay dues, but costs can vary based on events, travel, official dress, and projects. We offer fundraising opportunities to help offset expenses.

Next Steps: How Can My Child Join?

1. Talk to the Agriculture Teacher/FFA Advisor – They can provide details on how to join the local chapter.

2. Attend a Meeting – Encourage your student to attend a meeting to see what FFA is all about.

3. Sign Up & Get Involved – Once they join, they can start exploring events, projects, and competitions.

FFA is an excellent opportunity for students to develop leadership skills, explore careers, and build lifelong friendships. Whether your child is interested in agriculture or simply looking for an organization to grow in confidence and responsibility, FFA can be a life-changing experience.