FFA Sound Bites

Utilize for Media Interviews

What is FFA, and what does it do?

FFA is the top school-based youth leadership development organization in the country that develops students potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

With the 100th National FFA Convention & Expo coming next year, what does that milestone mean to you?

FFA cultivates and nurtures future leaders. FFA, from the national to the local level, remains rooted in our nearly 100-year tradition of growing the leaders who will shape the future of agriculture, food, and natural resources.

How does FFA connect students with employers and industry?

FFA is developing members to fill the needs of the talent pipeline.

Tell us about your SAE. What did you learn from it that a classroom could not teach? What makes FFA different from a regular class or club?

FFA transforms the lives of middle and high school students through a unique combination of classroom curriculum, experiential work-based learning and leadership and life skills.

How did FFA prepare you for college and for the jobs you have held? Is FFA only for students who plan to farm?

FFA members develop the necessary skills to continue their college education or enter the workforce immediately.

Importance of agricultural educators?

FFA provides young people with a community of support and opens up a world of opportunities - the single greatest resource an FFA member can have is a qualified and highly motivated agricultural educator.

Service?

Service is at the heart of what we do in FFA. The organization prepares members to be globally conscious citizens of their community, state, country, and world. Often, you will see our members giving back to their community in various service projects – whether it’s through volunteering at food pantries, helping clean up at community parks, participating in food drives, and so much more!

Advocating for agriculture…

Agriculture plays a crucial role in our world today. It’s important that we continue to educate others on the role agriculture plays. You may see our members participating in various ag literacy events – whether it be in the community or at elementary schools.

Do you have to be from a farm to be in FFA?

This year, we have more than a million members, which shows us that interest in agriculture and agricultural education is strong. Not all FFA members come from farm families. They come from rural, suburban and urban environments. They are interested in the broad scope of careers within agriculture.

How is FFA preparing students for jobs in agriculture?

Agriculture is all aspects of the global food, fiber, and natural resources systems - the AFNR value chain encompasses 22.1 million jobs in the United States, and FFA is preparing students for careers across that value chain, whether it be production, business, technology, science, and more.

What is the biggest challenge facing FFA/ag ed?

The single greatest resource an FFA chapter can have is a highly qualified and motivated ag teacher as the advisor, yet encouraging people to enter the profession is a challenge we continually face.

How has FFA impacted you?

FFA’s mission is to make a positive difference in students’ lives. For thousands of us, it’s more than positive. It’s life-changing. Not only provided me with hands-on, applicable skills and a career direction, but also a network of lifelong friends.