Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. Each year, less than 1% of FFA members earn the American Degree, with only 109 from Iowa and 4,800 total awarded in 2024, making it one of the organization’s highest honors.
Josie Brown, a member of the South O’Brien FFA chapter, was awarded the American FFA Degree this year. Josie commented “I was really excited and a little bit nervous as to whether it would be accepted or not, but I knew it was something I would be able to achieve. I had put many hours of work, both at my job and my other projects towards it and felt a sense of accomplishment when I did receive it.”
Sponsored by Cargill, Case IH, John Deere, and Syngenta, the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing, or service programs.
To be eligible, FFA members must have earned at least $10,000 or earned at least $2,000 and worked at least 2,250 hrs. outside of class time through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in which they own their own business, hold a professional position as an employee, or conduct research. Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through the completion of a long list of FFA and community activities.
Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate.