Firebaugh FFA

Degrees in FFA

The FFA offers many types of degrees. Each degree can be earned in a specific way. There are 4 main degrees which can be earned throughout high school and out. Each degree has their own set of requirements to get that degree.

QUICK TIP: Official Dress Code states, you can have a maximum of 3 degrees (not a State or American degree) under your name and once you acquire a state degree, you must place it above the name with no other pins visible on your jacket.

Greenhand Degree

The Greenhand Degree is earned by first year FFA members, primarily freshmen. The Greenhand pin is made of bronze for its hardness and endurance, two qualities all members must have to be successful throughout their careers. Requirement to earn the Greenhand Degree are as follows:​​
  • Enroll in an agricultural education program and have satisfactory plans for a Supervised Agricultural Experience
  • ​Learn and explain the FFA creed, FFA mission and motto, and the FFA salute
  • Describe and explain the meaning of the FFA emblem and FFA color​
  • ​​Demonstrate an understanding of the FFA code of ethics and the proper use of the FFA jacket
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the history of the organization, the chapter constitution and by-laws and the chapter of program of activities
  • Own or have access to the Official FFA Manual and the Official FFA Student Handbook.
  • Submit a written application for the Greenhand FFA degree.

Chapter Degree

The Chapter Degree is earned by second year FFA members, primarily sophomores. The chapter Degree is made of silver and while it is a precious laurel there are much more precious degrees to earn later on in the FFA. To receive a chapter FFA degree, members must meet the following requirements:
  • Receive the Greenhand FFA degree
  • Satisfactorily completed 180 hours or the equivalent of systematic school instruction in agricultural education at or above the ninth grade level
  • Have an approved SAE in operation
  • Enrolled in an agriculture course
  • Participated in the planning and implementation of at least three official FFA chapter activities
  •  Earned and/or productively invested at least $150, or have worked at least 45 hour outside of scheduled class time, or a combination of the two, through their SAE
  • Have developed plans for continued growth and improvement of their SAE program 
  • Effectively led a 15 minute group discussion for 15 minutes
  • Demonstrate five parliamentary law procedures
  • Show progress toward achievement in FFA award programs
  • Have a satisfactorily academic record
  • Submitted a written application for the Chapter FFA degree
  • ​Complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service activities

State Degree

The highest degree a state can bestow on its members. The California State FFA Degree is earned by an average 1,700 students a year. The members must meet the following requirement:
  • Receive a chapter FFA degree
  • Have been an active FFA member for at least two years (24 months) at the time of receiving the State FFA degree
  • Have completed at least two years (360 hours) of systematic school instruction in agricultural education at or above the ninth grade level, which includes an SAE.
  • Have earned and productively invested at least $1,000, or have worked at least 300 hours outside of school time through an SAE.
  • Demonstrated leadership ability by performing 10 parliamentary law procedures, giving a six minute speech on a topic relating to agriculture or the FFA, and serving as an officer, committee chair, or committee member.
  • Have a satisfactory academic record, certified by the agriculture teacher and the school principal or superintendent.
  • Participated in in at least five different FFA activities above the chapter level.
  • ​Complete at least 25 hours of community service in a minimum of two different activities. All community service hours are cumulative, i.e. the 10 community service hours used to obtain the chapter degree can be used over the state degree.

American Degree

The American FFA Degree is awarded to the FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to the FFA and made significant accomplishments in their Supervised Agricultural Experience. Approximately, 3,500 American FFA degrees are handed out each year at the National FFA Convention. That number represents less than one half of one percent of all FFA members, making it one of the organization’s highest honors. In addition to their degree each recipient receives a gold American FFA Degree key. FFA members who qualify for the American FFA Degree must:
  •  Have received a Greenhand FFA Degree, Chapter FFA Degree, and State FFA Degree.
  • Have been an FFA member for at least three years.
  • Have completed at least three years (540 hours) of high school agricultural classes, or two years of high school agricultural curses and one year of college agricultural classes (360 hours).
  • Have graduated from high school one year prior to the National FF convention at which their degree will be awarded.
  • Have maintained detailed SAE records, which demonstrate outstanding planning, managerial, and financial skills.
  • Have earned and productively invested at least $7,500, or have earned or productively invested at least $1,500 or worked 2,250 hours beyond scheduled school hours through the SAE
  • Have a record of outstanding leadership skills
  • Have a record of participating in community service activities. Updated Community Service Requirements.
  • ​Have maintained a “C” grade average or better