Ms. Patricia Hebenstreit

FFA Advisor

(269) 623-1130

patricia.hebenstreit@dkschools.org

The National FFA Organization is a youth leadership and agricultural education organization that aims to prepare students for careers in agriculture, leadership, and other related fields. FFA stands for "Future Farmers of America," though the organization is inclusive of all students interested in agriculture and leadership, regardless of their background. 

FFA is open to students in grades 7 through 12 who are enrolled in an agricultural education program at their school. Students who are passionate about agriculture, leadership, and career success are encouraged to join. However, the Delton Kellogg FFA Chapter is currently only enrolling high school students 9 - 12.

By joining FFA, members have access to a variety of opportunities, including leadership development, career exploration, hands-on learning experiences, scholarships, and the chance to compete in contests and events. Members also gain valuable life skills such as public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving. 

Here is a link to some more of the various qualities and character traits students can learn about while being members of the FFA

To join FFA, you need to be enrolled in an agricultural education program at a school that has an FFA chapter. You can speak with your school's agriculture teacher or FFA advisor for more information on joining and becoming a member. 

Enrolling in an agricultural class will automatically enroll a student in the FFA program. 

Ready to be a member? Sign up here: DK FFA Sign Up

FFA Degrees are awards that recognize members' progress and achievements within the organization. There are five degrees a member can earn:

1. Discovery FFA Degree: For middle school students, who have their dues paid and participated in one FFA activity.

2. Greenhand FFA Degree: For first-year high school FFA members in their 9th or 10th grade years who have paid dues and participated in at least two FFA activities.

3. Chapter FFA Degree: Awarded to members in 10th grade or higher. Requirements include receiving the Greenhand FFA Degree, completing agricultural education courses, and participating in FFA chapter activities 

4. State FFA Degree: For advanced FFA members who have demonstrated significant achievements. Awarded by state associations to top members. Requirements include receiving the Chapter FFA Degree, being an active FFA member for at least two years, and completing agricultural education courses. Receiving this award make student eligible for up to 6 college credits to Michigan State University or Kellogg Community College. Find out more about the credits to MSU here. 

5. American FFA Degree: As the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization, the American FFA Degree shows an FFA member’s dedication to his or her chapter and state FFA association. It demonstrates the effort FFA members apply toward their supervised agricultural experience and the outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement they exhibited through their FFA careers. Recipients show promise for the future and have gone above and beyond to achieve excellence. Must be FFA members for at least 3 years. Requirements are found here. 

FFA offers a wide range of competitions, known as Career and Leadership Development Events (CDEs and LDEs). These events include public speaking, agricultural sales, livestock evaluation, floriculture, veterinary science, and many others, allowing members to showcase their skills and knowledge in various aspects of agriculture and leadership. Look at all of the contests available to student in Michigan here.

FFA conventions and conferences are large gatherings where members can network, learn from industry professionals, participate in workshops, and celebrate their achievements.

Conferences available to students in Michigan: 

1. SLCCO- State Leadership Conference for Chapter Officers: designed to provide newly elected chapter officers with skills they need to be effective leaders of their local FFA chapter. 

2. SLCRO- State Leadership Conference for Regional Officers: designed for newly elected regional officers with skills they need to be effective leaders of their region. 

3.  Fall Leadership Conference: The Fall Leadership Conference is held in conjunction with the teacher’s Fall Professional Development Institute and consists of two separate conference components. One conference is hosted by National FFA and encourages students to meet and interact with other students. The other day is dedicated to agricultural careers. 

4. WLC- Washington Leadership Conference: Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) inspires FFA members to become changemakers in their communities. Each day of the conference focuses on a different principle taught through the context of our nation’s capital; those pillars being Explore, Encourage, Advocate and Serve. At the end of the week, members leave with a Living to Serve Plan they can implement in their communities. 

5. State Convention: With over 2,500 participants annually, the Michigan FFA State Convention brings FFA members, parents, and industry leaders together to celebrate agriculture education and to celebrate the accomplishments of student members throughout their year in the FFA.

6. National Convention: Every year, over 70,000 FFA members, parents, FFA advisors and industry leaders nationwide come together to celebrate the success of American agriculture and to provide life long educational experiences for our nation’s future leaders. 

Yes, FFA members have numerous opportunities to travel domestically and internationally. Programs like the Washington Leadership Conference, state and national conventions, and the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers (ILSSO) allow members to explore new places, cultures, and ideas while developing their leadership skills. 

FFA provides members with numerous opportunities to gain hands-on experience in agriculture and related fields, develop leadership skills, and build a professional network. Members can participate in Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), internships, and career development events that align with their career interests. Additionally, FFA offers scholarships and awards that can help support members in their pursuit of higher education and career goals. 

Alumni can stay involved with FFA through the National FFA Alumni and Supporters, which provides opportunities to volunteer, mentor, and support local chapters. Alumni can also attend events, serve as judges for competitions, and continue to advocate for agricultural education. 

There are many ways to support FFA, including donating to the National FFA Foundation, volunteering with local chapters, becoming an FFA alumni member, or partnering with FFA to provide resources and opportunities for students. 

This stands for a supervised agricultural experience. This is similar to work-based learning opportunities. These are opportunities for students to learn about various careers, get experience in careers, or develop skills.