Membership
What Is FFA?
FFA: At the National Level:
The National FFA Organization is the largest student-run organization in the country and prepares students with an interest in science, business, and technology. Formerly known as Future Farmers of America, today the FFA is a widespread and diverse organization serving a half a million students annually. While the FFA certainly still serves students with an interest in farming, it is also provides opportunities in medicine, research, technology, the environment, business, communications, and leadership. FFA members are on the forefront of advances in science, have opportunities to grow through leadership, and can become proficient in public speaking and career-related skills through activities avaialble throughout the year in FFA.
FFA- At The State Level:
The Wisconsin Association of FFA is comprised of over 19,180 members and 255 chapters. Local FFA chapters are governed by the local FFA chapter advisor and chapter officers. A local FFA chapter advisor is a licensed agricultural education instructor hired by the local school district. The local chapter is part of the public school system in the community and directly tied to the Agricultural Education classroom instruction. An FFA chapter cannot exist in a school or community without a licensed agricultural education instructor and an agricultural education program providing classroom instruction in agriculture at the secondary level.
The Wisconsin Association of FFA is divided into 10 sections. A state officer represents each section. Within each section are three districts. These districts are used for speaking competitions.
FFA- At The Local Level:
Independence FFA is one of the high school's largest organizations, with well over a hundred students as members. Independence FFA members participate in a wide range of activities ranging from the traditional county fair to more contemporary activities such as agriscience research and bioenergy production.
Independence FFA members have the opportunities to travel, make money, and meet new people through annual activities, conferences, and conventions. A wide variety of scholarships are available to FFA members and the local, state, and national levels and numerous awards and grants can be received by active FFA members.
Who Joins FFA?
The membership of the Independence FFA is as diverse as the student body at Independence High School. Our membership ranges from middle school to all grades in high school to college students. Some members are from a farm but the majority are not directly connected to production agriculture. Many are college bound and gain valuable real-world experience (and valuable additions to their scholarship and university applications) through participation in the FFA.
What Do FFA Members Do?
FFA Members are among the most active students at Independence are among the most active students at Independence High School. Members can choose for themselves how active they wish to be in the organization. No student does every activity in the FFA - there are simply too many! Rather, students are encouraged to explore their own personal interests within the FFA. Some students may have an interest in more traditional activities in the FFA, such as showing at the county fair. Others may be more interested in the scientific side of the FFA and may choose to conduct research using the department facilities such as the lab or greenhouse. Some students join FFA to travel to conferences, workshops, and conventions all across the state and nation. Students may want to take part in a public speaking competition or meet new friends on a field trip or social event such as snow-tubing or college tours. Students can make money by selling fruit in Octoberor by applying to become a greenhouse or field manager.
High School. Members can choose for themselves how active they wish to be in the organization. No student does every activity in the FFA - there are simply too many! Rather, students are encouraged to explore their own personal interests within the FFA. Some students may have an interest in more traditional activities in the FFA, such as showing at the county fair. Others may be more interested in the scientific side of the FFA and may choose to conduct research using the department facilities such as the lab or greenhouse. Some students join FFA to travel to conferences, workshops, and conventions all across the state and nation. Students may want to take part in a public speaking competition or meet new friends on a field trip or social event such as snow-tubing or college tours. Students can make money by selling fruit in November or by applying to become a greenhouse or vineyard/orchard manager.
Who Leads the FFA?
Independence FFA is run by a team of elected officers who oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization. They are guided by the faculty advisor, Mr. Hovell, who works to ensure that all decisions made by the officers reflect the best interests of the organization and its members.
On the state level, a team of high school graduates serve as state officers, guiding the work of the state association. They are elected by delegates from each FFA chapter in the state and are oveseen by the state advisor and head Dept. of Public Instruction consultant for agriculture, Mr. Jeff Hicken.
Nationally, the FFA is divided into regions, each of which are guided by an elected National Officer and a National President. The National Officer Team is elected by state delegates at the annual National FFA Convention and are overseen by the National FFA Advisor, who also works as an administrator for the US Department of Education.
