FFA uses agricultural education to create real-world success.
FFA is not extracurricular! The program is part of a three-part model of education that consists of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experiences and the FFA. Classroom agricultural education is applied to hands-on learning opportunities called supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs). SAEs include activities such as starting a business, working for an established company or working in production agriculture. The FFA providesmembers the opportunity for leadership experience and career development while reinforcing agricultural education through competitions, scholarships and personal opportunities for involvement.
Agriculture teachers become advisors to local FFA chapters, which students join. These FFA chapters are managed on a local, state and national level. Each chapter’s Program of Activities is designed with the needs of the students in mind. FFA activities vary greatly from chapter to chapter, but are based in a well-integrated curriculum. Chapter activities and programs concentrate on three areas of the FFA mission: premier leadership, personal growth and career success.
- The Texas FFA Association was chartered in 1929.
- 61,292 members joined the Texas FFA during the 2004-05 membership year. This set a new state membership record!!!
- In 2005-2006 the Texas FFA was proud to have 61,190 active members.
- There are approximately 980 active FFA chapters in Texas.
- The Texas FFA membership accounts for approximately 14% of the national membership total.
- More than 90,000 high schools students are enrolled in agricultural science and technology classes.
- More than one-third of Texas FFA members are female.
- The official FFA colors are National Blue and Corn Gold.
- There are approximately 1,500 agricultural science teachers in Texas.
- For administrative purposes, the state is divided into 10 geographic areas. The 10 areas are divided into districts that total 54 in number, with most areas having 6 districts.
- Ten state officers, high school seniors, are popularly elected annually by the delegates at the State FFA Convention.
- The state FFA president and first vice-president take a yearlong leave of absence from college to travel the state representing the Texas FFA by visiting 400+ schools; traveling more than 60,000 miles.
- A record 9,207 members and guests registered at the 78th annual Texas FFA Convention held in Fort Worth, Texas in 2006.
- The 2007 State FFA Convention will be held in Corpus Christi, Texas.
- More than $1.2 million in scholarships were awarded at the 2006 state convention in Fort Worth, Texas; more than 800 students were recognized across the convention stage.
- At the 2006 convention, an estimated 1,300 students received the Lone Star FFA Degree, the highest degree of active membership that can be bestowed by the Texas FFA.
FFA Mission
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
FFA Motto
Learning to do, Doing to Earn, Earning to live, Living to serve.