DEGREES

DISOCOVERY FFA DEGREE

• Enrolled in an AFNR class for at least part of the year (grades 7–8).

• Paid FFA dues at chapter, state, and national levels.

• Participated in at least one FFA activity outside of class.

• Understand agriculture-related careers and entrepreneurship opportunities.

• Familiar with the chapter’s Program of Activities (POA).

• Submitted a written application.

GREENHAND FFA DEGREE

• Enrolled in an AFNR course with a planned Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).

• Memorized and explained the FFA Creed and Motto.

• Described the FFA emblem, colors, and symbols.

• Explained proper use of the FFA jacket.

• Knew FFA history, duties, and responsibilities of members.

• Personally owned or had access to an Official FFA Manual.

• Submitted a written application for chapter records.

CHAPTER FFA DEGREE

• Earned the Greenhand Degree.

• Completed at least one year of AFNR instruction (9th grade or above).

• Knew the local constitution and Program of Activities.

• Participated in at least three official chapter functions.

• Earned & invested $150 OR worked 45 SAE hours (outside class).

• Demonstrated ability to lead a 15-minute discussion.

• Demonstrated five parliamentary abilities.

• Shown progress toward a Proficiency Award.

• Maintained a satisfactory scholastic record in AFNR.

• Completed at least 10 hours of community service (not SAE hours).

• Submitted a written application for chapter records.

STATE FFA DEGREE

• Must have received the Chapter FFA Degree.

• SAE earnings of $1,000 or at least 300 hours of work outside class time (or a combination thereof).

• Demonstrated parliamentary law ability and public speaking skills.

• Served as a chapter officer, committee chair, or participated in chapter Program of Activities.

• Completed 25 hours of community service.

• Passed the State FFA Knowledge and Parliamentary Procedure tests with 80% or higher.

AMERICAN FFA DEGREE

• Must have received the State FFA Degree.

• At least three years of active membership and three years (540 hours) of agricultural education instruction, or the equivalent in postsecondary program.

• SAE earnings of $10,000 or a combination of $7,500 earnings plus 2,250 hours of work outside class time.

• Demonstrated leadership ability and community involvement (minimum 50 hours of service).

Award categories follow the National FFA Proficiency Award list, which is periodically updated by National FFA. Updated lists (including those for the upcoming 1-2 years) can be found on the National FFA Proficiency Awards webpage.

DISOCOVERY, GREENHAND, & CHAPTER DEGREES

• Chapter-level degree timelines are at the discretion of the local chapter. Contact your advisor for questions.

• It is recommended to have applications for degrees due prior to a chapter’s banquet or award recognition activity.

STATE FFA DEGREE

• Prior to February 1 – Districts host local reviews to ensure applications are complete.

• February 1 – Applications must be submitted in AET by district advisors.

• Feb. 1 – Mar. 1 – Reviewed by the State Degree Review Committee; revisions may be requested.

• During State Leadership Convention – Approved recipients recognized on stage.

AMERICAN FFA DEGREE

• February 15 – Application due in AET for feedback and revisions provided by state staff.

• March 15 – Final submission deadline in AET. This includes both applications that received feedback from state staff and from applications that were not submitted by the February 15 deadline.

• Summer – National staff review applications.

• Early-Mid August – National FFA announces recipients.

• October – Approved recipients recognized on stage. Recipients that do not attend the National FFA Convention & Expo will receive their degrees in the mail.

DISCOVERY, GREENHAND, & CHAPTER DEGREES

• Chapters are encouraged to highlight degree earners at a chapter banquet or award recognition program to build momentum toward the State and American Degrees.

STATE FFA DEGREE

• Recipients are recognized on stage during the Idaho FFA State Leadership Convention.

• Each recipient receives a gold State FFA Degree charm and certificate.

AMERICAN FFA DEGREE

• Recipients are recognized on stage at the National FFA Convention & Expo in October.

• Each recipient receives the gold American FFA Degree Key and certificate.

• Recipients who cannot attend will have their award mailed to them.

DISCOVERY, GREENHAND, & CHAPTER DEGREES

• Members complete their chapter’s official application (often through AET or in a printed paper copy format).

• Advisors review for accuracy and award the degree(s) locally.

STATE FFA DEGREE

• Members must complete and save their applications through AET prior to their district’s State FFA Degree sifting.

• Once all checklist items are complete, the student should generate a final version from their side of AET.

• Advisors must review applications for accuracy, confirm that SAE records align with the selected degree, and then submit applications through the advisor’s AET access level using the Submission List (under Reports).

• Official resources and guidance are available in the Idaho FFA Resources Folder (link above).

• After sifting, district advisors confirm and forward applications for state review.

AMERICAN FFA DEGREE

• Members must complete and save their applications through AET.

• Once all checklist items are complete, the student should generate a final version from their side of AET.

• Advisors must review applications for accuracy, confirm that SAE records align with the selected degree, and then submit applications through the advisor’s AET access level using the Submission List (under Reports).

• Official resources and guidance are available in the Idaho FFA Resources Folder and on the National FFA website (links above).

• After state review, applications are forwarded to the national level for review.

DISCOVERY, GREENHAND, & CHAPTER DEGREES

Who sets the deadlines?
Deadlines are set by the local chapter, often prior to a chapter banquet.

Where are recipients recognized?
At local chapter banquets or ceremonies.

STATE FFA DEGREE

Who is eligible?
Any member who meets the minimum requirements listed in the Idaho FFA Constitution & Bylaws.

When are applications due?
Applications must be submitted in AET by February 1 each year.

Where are recipients recognized?
On stage during the Idaho FFA State Leadership Convention.

AMERICAN FFA DEGREE

Who is eligible?
Members who have received their State FFA Degree and meet the minimum requirements set by the National FFA Organization.

When are applications due?
Applications are due February 15 (for feedback) and March 15 (final deadline).

Where are recipients recognized?
On stage at the National FFA Convention & Expo.