More than 5,162 FFA members received the American FFA Degree at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo late last year, marking the largest group in the organization’s history. The honor represents years of dedication to agricultural education, leadership and service — a milestone that relatively few achieve.

American FFA Degree recipients must satisfy rigorous requirements to reach this milestone, including keeping accurate and detailed records of their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), earning and investing specific financial amounts, maintaining good academic records and staying involved at the state, chapter and community level.

For many, it’s more than just an award — it’s a symbol of growth and dedication. “It’s so meaningful to me. FFA has been such a huge part of my life for the last six years and has really made me who I am,” says American FFA Degree recipient Ainsley Viets. “So it’s just awesome to receive this honor and see all of my hard work come to fruition.”

The pride doesn’t end with the recipients. For families and alumni, the moment is deeply meaningful. “I am so proud of her,” says Ainsley Viets’ mother, Kim. “She has worked so hard to attain this degree and only 1% of FFA students ever attain their American degree.”

American FFA Degree recipient and MANRRS Region III Undergraduate Vice President Gabryele Carter says that with dedication and vision, this milestone is within reach. “There’s still a place for you in FFA and to continue striving and get those leadership skills.”

FFA members like Maggie Dardy from the Pearson Taylor FFA Chapter in Florida leave this year’s convention feeling inspired. “It shows [the American FFA Degree recipients’] hard work and dedication, and I think that that’s something that I could eventually do.”

From late nights working on SAEs to years spent serving others, earning the American FFA Degree stands as proof that hard work pays off, and that the spirit of FFA continues to empower generations. 

Eligibility
and application

The requirements to earn the American FFA Degree are set forth in the National FFA Constitution. To be eligible to receive the American FFA Degree, members must meet qualifications such as receiving a State FFA Degree, holding active membership for the past three years, completing secondary instruction in an agricultural education program and operating an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program. Community service, leadership abilities and outstanding scholastic achievement are also required.

All applications are submitted to the National FFA Organization after approval of a member’s state association. After review by national staff, the National FFA Board of Directors approve qualified candidates to receive the American FFA Degree at the National FFA Convention & Expo.

The requirements to earn the American FFA Degree are set forth in the National FFA Constitution. To be eligible to receive the American FFA Degree, members must meet qualifications such as receiving a State FFA Degree, holding active membership for the past three years, completing secondary instruction in an agricultural education program and operating an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program. Community service, leadership abilities and outstanding scholastic achievement are also required.

All applications are submitted to the National FFA Organization after approval of a member’s state association. After review by national staff, the National FFA Board of Directors approve qualified candidates to receive the American FFA Degree at the National FFA Convention & Expo.