In a monumental achievement, the National FFA Organization surpassed one million members for the first time in its nearly 100-year history.
Founded in 1928 to prepare youth for careers in agriculture, FFA has evolved into an inclusive community that spans across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization now represents a wide array of interests beyond traditional farming, including science, technology, engineering, business and more.
“It’s a testament to how far we’ve come,” says 2023-24 National FFA Eastern Region Vice President Morgan Anderson. “I mean, that’s incredible.”
This milestone reflects not only the appeal of FFA programming, but also its commitment to creating a welcoming experience for all. Today’s leaders are developing their leadership skills, gaining hands-on experiences and making a positive impact in their communities.
“I don’t think you could ever put an FFA member in a box,” says 2023-24 National FFA Western Region Vice President Emily Gossett. “We’re all so uniquely different in a way, but we’re connected by the blue jacket.”
The tremendous growth in FFA membership also highlights a continued commitment to recognizing the roles everyone can hold in the agriculture industry. According to 2023-24 National FFA Central Region Vice President Kanyon Huntington, FFA has expanded beyond its traditional farming roots.
“We recognize that not everyone is growing up on the farm, but maybe they have an interest in plant science,” he says. “We’re finding all of those avenues [for members] to get engaged and really see what agriculture is all about. You could grow up in an urban area and have no connection to agriculture, but you can find it in FFA and do things that will help develop your personal growth.”
With more members than ever before, FFA is preparing the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation across all sectors. “I would encourage anyone to participate in FFA because of what it’s done for me,” says 2023-24 National FFA Southern Region Vice President Carter Howell.
As FFA membership continues to climb, one thing remains the same: It’s a community where members can learn, lead and become part of something larger than themselves.
“There’s no other organization, club or experience that has made me feel like I’m a part of something bigger than myself, and that people truly believe in me,” says 2023-24 National FFA President Amara Jackson. “Just by putting on that blue jacket, you can become that person.”
Although 2023-24 National FFA Secretary Grant Norfleet says his time in the blue jacket is coming to a close, he looks forward to seeing what future members will accomplish.
“They’re going to make their impact on the organization, the agriculture industry and ultimately society,” he says. “We have reached this milestone, and it means we have a succession plan to continue to grow leaders who ultimately change the world.”
This historic moment is just the beginning. The future of the National FFA Organization is bright, so here’s to the next chapter of its enduring legacy.
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