General Questions
What is the 3 circle model for agricultural education?
Through agricultural education, students are provided opportunities for leadership development, personal growth and career success. Agricultural education instruction is delivered through three major components:
- Classroom/Laboratory instruction (contextual learning)
- Supervised Agricultural Experience programs (work-based learning)
- Student leadership organizations (National FFA Organization)
What is the difference between 4-H and FFA?
We do many of the same things and have lots in common. The 4-H is part of the cooperative extension service and is coordinated by local extension agents through county government and by volunteers. 4-H is not limited to agriculture, but takes in things like family and consumer sciences and other areas as well. The FFA is an integral part of the school’s agricultural science program. Each local program is led by an agricultural education teacher who works for the school. FFA members apply what they learn in the classroom in FFA activities through school activities.
What does intra-curricular mean?
FFA provides students a comprehensive learning experience through classroom and hands-on experiences. While extracurricular activities occur outside the classroom, FFA is an intra-curricular program that begins in the classroom. Students must be enrolled in an agriculture class – agriscience, horticulture, agribusiness, agriculture mechanics, animal science, plant science and others – to be FFA members. FFA is more than simply a club or extracurricular organization; it serves to prepare student leaders for experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
Are FFA members going to be farmers?
Yes and No. Agriculture is a very broad field of study. Members study things like landscaping, floriculture, animal science, computer applications, accounting, environmental science, mechanics and engineering. Regardless of an FFA member’s career choice, the FFA provides opportunities to build and apply math, science, technology and leadership skills to their life.
Are there any jobs in agriculture?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, at least 22 million people in the United States work in one of over 300 careers that exist in the field of agriculture. While most people think of farming when the word agriculture is mentioned, there are agriculture-related jobs in veterinary science, marketing, food processing, retail sales and timber harvesting. It is estimated that one in five people in the U.S.
work in agriculture-related jobs.
Does everyone have to raise a cow or pig in FFA?
No. Every FFA member must have a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program. An SAE is a project or enterprise that gives members hands-on training and a chance to apply what is learned in the classroom. Livestock projects are very popular, but there are many options: placement in an agricultural job, internships, experimental work in agriscience, horticultural projects and crop projects are just a few.
I owned an FFA jacket at one time and would like to purchase another. Is this possible?
Yes. All such purchases may be made through the National FFA Organization’s official online store- Shop FFA. Purchase of replacement jackets by former members must be approved by the State FFA Advisor. Approval is contingent on the verification of previous membership and on the agreement by the purchaser that the jacket is being purchased for display purposes only- not to be worn.
What’s up with the blue corduroy jacket?
The blue corduroy jacket was adopted as the official dress after the Fredericktown, Ohio chapter had the blue jackets made for their local chapter in 1933 and came to the National FFA convention wearing them. The delegates at that convention voted to make that the official jacket, and they have been part of the official uniform ever since
What is the Wyoming FFA Foundation?
The Wyoming FFA Foundation serves as a fundraising arm for Wyoming FFA. In doing so, the foundation promotes youth leadership and career development primarily in the agriculture industry. The foundation funds awards, scholarships and other recognitions as authorized by the Wyoming FFA Foundation board of directors. Contact Erin Blutt at: erin@wyoffafoundation.org
FFA MEMBERSHIP FAQ
Can private school or charter school students be FFA members?
FFA is integral to a systematic school-based agricultural education program. Private or charter schools may establish agricultural education programs and charter an FFA Chapter once they have hired a certified agricultural education teacher that is physically teaching agricultural classes within the school.
Can home-schooled students be FFA members?
Because FFA is part of a school-based instructional program, no provision exists for home-schooled students. However, some districts may allow home-schooled students to enroll in agricultural education classes. To meet the requirement of FFA membership in Wyoming, you must take an agricultural education class from your local agricultural education teacher (if there is one) that is employed by your home school and receive an agricultural credit on your transcript. This, however, is a local district decision.
How do I get my kids in FFA?
FFA is a part of the teaching program in agricultural education. The first step is to enroll in an agricultural education class. FFA activities are an outgrowth of the classroom and supervised independent enterprises and projects.
How old do kids have to be to be in FFA?
It depends on your local school district- at what grade level agricultural education courses are offered. The earliest students can be FFA members in Wyoming is 6th grade.
What if our school does not offer agricultural education classes and the FFA?
In Wyoming, your local school must have an agricultural education program. Contact us to find out if there is a program offered in your school district.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my local program?
The local FFA chapter is administered through the school district’s agricultural education program, led by a certified instructor who serves as advisor to the FFA. Your first contact is the local agricultural education instructor.