Career Development Events, Degrees, and Proficiency Awards FFA Career Development Events, Degrees, and Proficiency Awards

Career Development Events The Career Development Events (CDE’s) allow members to exhibit their skills in areas that are part of classroom instruction in agriculture education. CDE’s begin at the chapter level. Participants may advance up to the national level. Students develop skills in classes related to careers in the agricultural industry.

Career Development Events Team CDE’s evaluate skills in the following areas: Agricultural Communications Forestry Agricultural Issues Horse Evaluation and Selection Agricultural Mechanics Livestock Evaluation and Selection Agricultural Sales Agronomy Marketing Plan Dairy Cattle Judging Meat Evaluation and Technology Dairy Handlers Dairy Foods Judging Nursery and Landscape Environmental and Natural Resources Parliamentary Procedure Poultry Evaluation and Selection Farm Business Management Floriculture Agricultural Issues Forum Food Science and Technology

Career Development Events Individual CDE’s are: Extemporaneous Public Speaking—the ability of a student to give a speech without rehearsing or being prepared. Prepared Public Speaking—speaking event where the participants prepare and practice their presentation prior to the event. Creed Speaking—The ability to recite and explain the FFA Creed. Job Interview-the ability to apply and interview for an agricultural career

Degrees-Discovery Be enrolled in an agricultural education class for at least a portion of the school year while in grades 7-8. Have become a dues paying member of the FFA at local, state and national levels. Participate in at least on local FFA chapter activity outside of scheduled class time. Have knowledge of an agriculturally related career, ownership and entrepreneurial opportunities. Be familiar with the local FFA chapter program of activities. Submit written applications for the degree

Degrees-Greenhand First year members are called Greenhands. Requirements of a Greenhand include the following: 1. Be enrolled in an agriculture class and plan an Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). 2. Know the creed, motto, salute, and FFA mission. 3. Explain the FFA emblem and colors. 4. Demonstrate the FFA code of ethics and proper use of the FFA jacket. 5. Know the history of the FFA. 6. Have access to an FFA Official Manual and the FFA Student Handbook. 7. Submit a written application for the Greenhand Degree.

Degrees-Greenhand Greenhands receive the Greenhand pin, which is a bronze emblem of the FFA. To be worn on the FFA Jacket Each year a Greenhand is selected to receive the Star Greenhand Award. The requirements are: 1. Must be an active first year member. 2. Must demonstrate leadership skills. 3. Must have an SAE program.

Degrees-Chapter This is the highest degree a chapter can bestow on its members. This is usually awarded during the second or third year of membership. Other requirements for the Chapter FFA Degree include: Received Greenhand Degree. Have an SAE program and have plans to improve. Participated in planning 3 FFA activities. Earning and productively investing $150, at work or at least 45 hours outside of class time in a SAE program. Effectively leading a group discussion for 15 minutes. Demonstrating five procedures of parliamentary law. Showing progress toward individual achievements in the FFA award program. Complete at least 10 hours of community service activities. Having a satisfactory scholastic record.

Degrees-Chapter The Chapter FFA degree pin replaces the Greenhand pin on the FFA jacket. It is a silver emblem of the FFA. Two Chapter FFA Degree recipients may be chosen as Stars. 1. The Chapter Star in Agribusiness has an outstanding agribusiness SAE. 2. The Chapter Star Farmer has an outstanding production agriculture SAE.

Degrees-State Each state is limited to a maximum number of degree recipients. Requirements for the State FFA Degree include: Must hold the Chapter FFA Degree. Must be an active member for at least 2 years. Complete at least 2 years of agriculture courses. Earn and productively invest at least $1000, or work at least 300 hours outside of class time in an SAE program. Complete at least 25 hours of community service (includes chapter degree requirements) Be able to demonstrate leadership ability by: Performing 10 procedures of parliamentary law. Giving a six-minute speech on FFA or an agriculture topic. Serving as an officer, committee chairperson or participating committee member. Having a satisfactory scholastic record. Participating in the Program of Activities (POA). Participating in at least five FFA activities above the chapter level.

Degrees-State Members receiving the State FFA Degree are presented with a gold emblem charm during a ceremony at their state FFA convention. The State FFA Degree charm replaces the silver Chapter FFA Degree pin on their jacket. The state association selects a State Star Farmer and State Star Agribusiness winner. These winners receive a plaque and cash awards.

Degrees-American This degree is awarded to members by the National FFA Organization. Obtaining this degree requires a solid commitment to the FFA and agriculture. In order to receive the American FFA Degree, a member must: Hold the State FFA Degree. Be an active member for at least 3 years or complete the program of agricultural education offered at the school last attended. Complete at least 50 hours of community service (Includes chapter and state degree requirements) Complete at least 3 years of agriculture courses. Graduate from high school at least 12 months prior to receiving the degree.

Proficiency Awards The FFA provides an agricultural proficiency award program to recognize members who have an outstanding SAE, Supervised Agriculture Experience Program, in any of 47 areas. The proficiency awards are given for entrepreneurial and placement programs. Students compete on chapter, state, and national levels based on records kept on their SAE’s. There are 47 proficiency areas available to students.

1. Agricultural Communications - Entrepreneurship/Placement 2. Agricultural Education – Entrepreneurship/Placement 3. Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication – Entrepreneurship/Placement 4. Agricultural Mechanics Energy Systems – Entrepreneurship/Placement 5. Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Entrepreneurship 6. Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance - Placement 7. Agricultural Processing - Entrepreneurship/Placement 8. Agricultural Sales – Entrepreneurship 9. Agricultural Sales – Placement 10. Agricultural Services - Entrepreneurship/Placement 11. Beef Production – Entrepreneurship 12. Beef Production – Placement 13. Dairy Production – Entrepreneurship 14. Dairy Production – Placement 15. Diversified Agricultural Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement 16. Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship 17. Diversified Crop Production – Placement 18. Diversified Horticulture – Entrepreneurship/Placement 19. Diversified Livestock Production – Entrepreneurship 20. Diversified Livestock Production – Placement 21. Emerging Agricultural Technology - Entrepreneurship/Placement 22. Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management - Entrepreneurship/Placement 23. Equine Science – Entrepreneurship 24. Equine Science – Placement

25. Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement 26. Floriculture - Entrepreneurship/Placement 27. Food Science and Technology - Entrepreneurship/Placement 28. Forage Production - Entrepreneurship/Placement 29. Forest Management and Products - Entrepreneurship/Placement 30. Fruit Production - Entrepreneurship/Placement 31. Grain Production – Entrepreneurship 32. Grain Production – Placement 33. Home and/or Community Development - Entrepreneurship/Placement 34. Landscape Management - Entrepreneurship/Placement 35. Nursery Operations - Entrepreneurship/Placement 36. Outdoor Recreation - Entrepreneurship/Placement 37. Poultry Production - Entrepreneurship/Placement 38. Sheep Production - Entrepreneurship/Placement 39. Small Animal Production and Care – Entrepreneurship/Placement 40. Specialty Animal Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement 41. Specialty Crop Production - Entrepreneurship/Placement 42. Swine Production – Entrepreneurship 43. Swine Production – Placement 44. Turf Grass Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement 45. Vegetable Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement 46. Veterinary Medicine– Entrepreneurship/Placement Wildlife Management – Entrepreneurship 47. Wildlife Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement

FFA History 1917 – Smith Hughes Act – The federal government allocated money to start vocational agriculture classes 1928 – Future Farmers of America was established 1939 – FFA purchased 28½ acres of George Washington’s estate

Review When did it happen? Washington’s Estate FFA Established Smith-Hughes

FFA History 1944 – The FFA foundation was established. 1950 – P.L. 81-740 –The Federal government recognized that FFA is integral to agricultural education. (Now PL 105-225) 1953 – The 25th (Silver) anniversary, President Eisenhower spoke at the convention, FFA was issued a postage stamp (worth 3 cents)

Review When did it happen? FFA Foundation Smith-Hughes 25th Anniversary Postage Stamp FFA Established PL 81-740 Washington’s Estate

FFA History 1969 – Females were admitted as members 1971 – The FFA Alumni was established 1988 – “Future Farmers of America” became “The National FFA Organization” 1999 – The national convention was moved in the last year of the 20th century to Louisville, KY 2002 – The 75th anniversary of FFA 2006 – The national convention was moved to Indianapolis, IN

Review When did it happen? FFA Foundation Smith-Hughes 25th Anniversary Convention moved to KY FFA Established PL 81-740 75th Anniversary

It is NOT about memorizing “dates” FFA History It is NOT about memorizing “dates” You now realize … You are a member of an organization that has been around for over 75 years Agricultural businesses donate $Millions each year because they believe in YOU! You are a part of a tradition shared by Presidents and Founding Fathers The Government of the United States of America has made it Federal Law that agriculture students be part of the FFA

INTRODUCTION TO SAE PROGRAMS

What is SAE? SAEs are a great way to get classroom credit and FFA awards for doing things like exploring careers, earning money and having fun!

An SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) is a practical application of classroom concepts designed to provide “real world” experiences and develop skills in agriculturally related career areas.

SAE program consist of planned activities conducted outside of class time designed to gain hands-on experience and develop skills in agricultural career areas that interest you. SAE Rewards- provides an opportunity to explore careers allows students to gain experience earn money improve communication skills in a variety of situations develop management skills earn FFA Proficiency Awards and advanced FFA degrees

Types of SAEs Exploratory-experiencing the “big picture” of agriculture and its many related careers. This type of program is great for beginning students and those who are uncertain about their interest, but others can also benefit.

Research/Experimentation - an SAE where you conduct research using the scientific process. Agriculture is a science-based industry and there are limitless opportunities for research-based SAEs.

Placement - (in some states called internships) in this SAE you work for someone, either for pay or for the experience. These SAEs may be located in agribusinesses, school labs, farms and ranches or in community facilities.

Ownership/Entrepreneurship - this type of SAE makes you a business owner. You plan and operate an agriculturally related enterprise or business. Examples include producing and marketing livestock, crops, nursery plants or forest products, providing a service such as lawn care, processing agricultural products, repair, design or fabricating agriculturally related equipment.

Additional Parts of an SAE Supplementary Activities- a specific skill learned outside of normal class time that contributes to the agriculture skills and knowledge obtained by the student.

Improvement Activities- a series of learning activities that improve the efficiency, value, use or appearance of the place of employment, home, school or community.

Agricultural Career Clusters Agricultural and Forestry Production Careers Agronomist Floral Designer Landscaper Animal Behaviorist Agricultural Aviator Farrier Pet Shop Owner

Management and Financial Specialties Careers Agricultural Consultant Agricultural Economist Agricultural Extension Agent Agricultural Educator Agricultural Loan Officer Farm Appraiser International Agriculture Specialist

Marketing, Merchandising and Sales Careers Agricultural Sales Representative Agriculture Inspector Commodity Broker Landscape Contractor

Science and Engineering Careers Land Surveyor Agronomist Veterinarian Embryologist Geneticists Landscape Architect Animal Nutritionist

Social Services Careers Career Counselor Conservation Officer Naturalist Park Manager Youth 4-H Leader

Education and Communication Careers Agriculture Instructor Cooperative Extension Agent Graphic Designer Journalist Marketing Manager Farm News Director

Match the Experience with the Type of SAE Exploratory Research/ Experimentation Ownership/ Entrepreneurship Placement Working in a florist shop Owning a Christmas tree farm Comparing the effect of hormones on plant growth Shadowing a veterinarian on career day Growing and selling bedding plants Working in school greenhouse after school

Match the Experience with the Type of SAE Exploratory Research/ Experimentation Ownership/ Entrepreneurship Placement Working in a florist shop Owning a Christmas tree farm Comparing the effect of hormones on plant growth Shadowing a veterinarian on career day Growing and selling bedding plants Working in school greenhouse after school

SAE Resources Local chapter advisor FFA Alumni and business persons National FFA- Kevin Keith- 317-802-4254, kkeith@ffa.org Websites- SAE Central: www.cals.ncsu.edu/agexed/sae/toolbox/index.html National FFA Online, Agricultural Career Center: www.ffa.org

The FFA Emblem

The cross section of an ear of corn … … the foundation crop of the U.S. It represents unity since it is grown in all states.

The eagle... …is our national symbol.

The rising sun... … represents progress, a new day.

The plow... ...symbolizes labor and tillage of the soil.

The owl... … represents wisdom and knowledge.

The words Agricultural Education surrounding FFA... ...tell us that FFA is an integral part... … of an agricultural education program.

What is the definition of integral? Essential or necessary for completeness The root word in “integration”

This is our FFA emblem...

… wear it with pride!

FFA Colors National Blue Corn Gold NOT Blue & Gold Blue & Yellow

What are Ethics? Ethics are principles of right conduct, sometimes called morals. Where do you learn ethics? Should ethics be taught in school?

The FFA Code of Ethics FFA members conduct themselves at all times to be a credit to their organization, chapter, school, community and family. As an FFA member, I pledge to: Develop my potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. Make a positive difference in the lives of others. Dress neatly and appropriately for the occasion. Respect for the rights of others and their property.

The FFA Code of Ethics FFA members conduct themselves at all times to be a credit to their organization, chapter, school, community and family. As an FFA member, I pledge to: Be courteous, honest and fair with others. Communicate in an appropriate, purposeful and positive manner. Demonstrate good sportsmanship by being modest in winning and generous in defeat. Make myself aware of FFA programs and activities and be an active participant.

The FFA Code of Ethics FFA members conduct themselves at all times to be a credit to their organization, chapter, school, community and family. As an FFA member, I pledge to: Conduct and value a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program. Strive to establish and enhance my skills through agricultural education in order to enter a successful career. Appreciate and promote diversity in our organization.

The FFA Jacket The FFA Jacket should be … Worn only by members Kept clean and neat Worn on official occasions with the zipper to the top. The collar should be turned down and cuffs buttoned. Note: It may be worn informally and unzipped Worn by members at school and other appropriate places

The FFA Jacket The FFA Jacket should be … Worn without school letters and insignia of other organizations Discarded when it becomes faded Worn with the member refraining from the use of tobacco and alcohol while it is on Worn with three medals showing. The top: FFA degree FFA office FFA award

The FFA Creed DO YOU KNOW … The number of paragraphs in the Creed? The number of sentences in the Creed?

The FFA Creed Paragraph #1 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. What is the main point of the first paragraph?

The FFA Creed Paragraph #2 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. What is the main point of the second paragraph?

The FFA Creed Paragraph #3 I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from 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 interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil. What is the main point of the third paragraph?

The FFA Creed Paragraph #4 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. What is the main point of the fourth paragraph?

The FFA Creed Paragraph #5 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 and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task. What is the main point of the fifth paragraph?

The FFA Creed Smile, stand still, ___________________ Don’t dance, yell, ___________________ You can’t speak too slowly Include personal stories with answers My parents … On our farm … When I have to do chores … Say the creed correctly at least once every day Check yourself for accuracy Practice answering one question/paragraph each day

FFA Motto Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.

FFA Salute The Pledge of Allegiance “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which is stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” NOTE: There is no comma after “nation” … “one nation under God”

FFA Mission Statement 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. (PiLes of PiGs in CarS)