The Mission

The 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.

Aims and Purposes

The primary aim of the National FFA Organization is the development of agricultural leadership, cooperation, and citizenship. The specific purposes for which this organization was formed are as follows:

1. To develop competent and assertive agricultural leadership.
2. To develop an awareness of the global importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being.
3. To strengthen the confidence of agriculture education students in themselves and their work.
4. To promote the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career.
5. To stimulate development and encourage achievement in individual agricultural experience programs.
6. To improve the economic, environmental, recreational, and human resources of the community.
7. To develop competencies in communications, human relations, and social skills.
8. To develop character, train for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism.
9. To build cooperative attitudes among agricultural students.
10. To encourage wise management of resources.
11. To encourage improvement in scholarship.
12. To provide organized recreational activities for agriculture students.

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The Emblem

Cross Section of an Ear of Corn ...provides the foundation of the emblem, just as corn has historically served as the foundation crop of American agriculture. It is also a symbol of unity, as corn is grown in every state in the nation. Rising Sun ...signifies progress and holds a promise that tomorrow will bring a new day glowing with opportunity. Plow ...signifies labor and tillage of the soil, the backbone of agriculture and the historic foundation of our country's strength. Owl ...long recognized for its wisdom, symbolizes the knowledge required to be successful in the industry of agriculture. Eagle and Shield ...is a national symbol which serves as a reminder of our freedom and ability to explore new horizons for the future of agriculture. Words Agricultural Education and FFA ...are emblazoned in the center to signify the combination of learning and leadership necessary for progressive agriculture.

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The Colors

National Blue and Corn Gold are the official colors of our organization. As the blue field of our nation's flag and the golden fields of corn unify our country, the FFA colors give unity to our organization.

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The Motto

Learning to do, Doing to learn, Earning to live, Living to serve.

The FFA motto gives members twelve short words to live by as the experience the opportunities available through the FFA organization.

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The Salute

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The Creed

I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds-achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.

I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.

I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect form others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public's interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.

I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so-for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.

I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home an community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.

The creed was written by E.M. Tiffany, and adopted at the 3rd National Convention of the FFA. It was revised at the 38th Convention and again at the 63rd Convention.

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         Code of Ethics

We will conduct ourselves at all times in order to be a credit to organization, chapter, school and community by:

1. Dressing neatly and appropriately for the occasion.
2. Showing respect for the rights of others and being courteous at all times.
3. Being honest and not taking unfair advantage of others.
4. Respecting the property of others.
5. Refraining from loud, boisterous talk, swearing and other unbecoming conduct.
6. Demonstrating sportsmanship in the show ring, judging contests and meetings, and being modest in winning and generous in defeat.
7. Attending meetings promptly and respecting the opinions of others in discussion.
8. Taking pride in our organization, activities, supervised agricultural experience programs, exhibits, and the occupation of agriculture.
9. Sharing with others experiences and knowledge gained by attending national and state meetings.

   This Code of Ethics was adopted by the Delegates at the 1952 National FFA Convention.

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Proper Use of the FFA Jacket

The FFA jacket is the most recognizable symbol of the organization. As a member, one of your responsibilities is to ensure its proper use. Specific guidelines are outlined below:

1. The jacket is to be worn only by members.
2. The jacket should be kept clean and neat.
3. The jacket should have only a large emblem on the back and a small emblem on the front. It should carry the name of the State Association and the name of the local chapter, district, or area on the back and the name of the individual and one office or honor on the front.
4. The jacket should be worn on official occasions with the zipper fastened to the top. The collar should be turned down and the cuffs buttoned.
5. The jacket should be worn by members and officers on all official FFA occasions, as well as other occasions where the chapter or state association is represented. It may be worn to school and other appropriate places.
6. The jacket should only be worn to places that are appropriate for members to visit.
7. School letters and insignia of other organizations should not be attached or worn on the jacket.
8. When the jacket becomes faded and worn, it should be discarded or the emblems and lettering removed.
9. The emblems and lettering should be removed if the jacket is given or sold to a non-member.
10. A member always acts like a lady or gentleman when wearing the jacket.
11. Members should refrain from use of tobacco and alcohol while wearing the FFA jacket or officially representing the organization.
12. All chapter degree, officer, and award metals should be worn on the right side of the jacket, with the exception that a single State FFA Degree charm or American FFA Degree key should be worn above the name or attached to a standard key chain. No more than three medals should be worn on the jacket. These should represent the highest degree earned, the highest office held, and the highest award earned by the member.

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