Degrees & Awards

To receive a Greenhand FFA Degree, members must meet the following requirements:

• Enroll in an agricultural education program and have satisfactory plans for a Supervised Agricultural Experience(SAE).

• Learn and explain the FFA Creed, FFA Mission and Motto, and FFA salute. 

• Describe and explain the meaning of The FFA Emblem and FFA colors.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the FFA Code of Ethics and the proper use of the FFA Jacket

• Demonstrate an understanding of the history of the organization, the chapter constitution and bylaws and the chapter Program of Activities.

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

Greenhand Applicants must complete all record books online using the AET record books system and submitting the computer generated application. Star Greenhand Candidates will be chosen from those that complete the online application on AET.

To receive a Chapter FFA Degree, members must meet the following requirements:

• Received the Greenhand FFA Degree

• Satisfactorily completed 180 hours (or the equivalent) of systematic school instruction in agricultural education at or above the ninth grade level.

• Have an approved SAE in operation.

• Enrolled in an agriculture course

• Participated in the planning and implementation of at least three official FFA chapter activities.

• Earned and productively invested at least $150, or have worked at least 45 hours outside of scheduled class time, or a combination of the two, through their SAE.

• Have developed plans for continued growth and improvement of their SAE.

• Effectively lead a group discussion for 15 minutes.

• Demonstrated five parliamentary law procedures.

• Show progress toward achievement in FFA award programs.

• Have a satisfactory academic record.

• Submitted a written application for the Chapter FFA Degree

• Complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service activities

Chapter FFA Degree applicants must complete all record books online using the AET record books system and submitting the computer generated application.  Star Chapter Candidates will be chosen from those that complete the online application on AET.

These students are recognized at the Texas FFA State Convention in July. 

To receive a State FFA Degree, members must meet the following requirements:

• Have received the Chapter FFA Degree. 

• Have been an active FFA member for at least two years (24 months) at the time of receiving the State FFA Degree. 

• Have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least two years (360 hours) of systematic school instruction in agricultural education at or above the ninth grade level which includes a supervised agricultural experience program. 

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

• Have demonstrated leadership ability by:

  • Performing ten procedures of parliamentary law. - Take a test on AET

  • 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 major committee.

• Have a satisfactory scholastic record as certified by the local Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources instructor and the principal or superintendent. 

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

• As of April 1, have completed ten activities above the chapter level in at least three of six different categories: leadership development events, career development events, conventions and meetings, project shows, student awards and leadership and service as described in policies adopted by the Board of Directors.

• As of April 1 of the year the member is to receive the degree, have participated in at least 25 hours of community service within at least two different community service activities. These hours are in addition to and cannot be duplicated as paid or unpaid SAE hours.

Lonestar FFA Degree applicants must complete all record books online using the AET record books system and submitting the computer generated application.  Star Lonestar Candidates will be chosen from those that complete the online application on AET.

These students are recognized at the National Convention in October in Indianapolis. Less than 1% of FFA members achieve the American FFA Degree. These students must complete an application on AET the spring after they graduate high school. For more information about the American Degree please ask one of the Ag Teachers and visit the National FFA Website for degree requirements.