You’ve earned your Greenhand FFA Degree — now what?
For many FFA newcomers, the Greenhand FFA Degree is one of the first steps toward getting more involved in our organization. By this point, most degree recipients have learned about FFA history and traditions — reciting the FFA Creed, memorizing the mission, vision and motto statements, and recognizing parts of the emblem — and are making plans for their first supervised agricultural experience (SAE).
To excite members about the upcoming year, Missouri FFA state officers host a Greenhand Motivational Conference series.
If you want to dive deeper, consider attending a leadership conference or workshop. For example, Missouri FFA state officers host an annual Greenhand Motivational Conference series that’s designed to encourage Greenhand FFA Degree recipients to fully embrace all the opportunities FFA offers.
We chatted with Gabriel Todd and Morgan Watkins, current and former Missouri FFA state officers who helped organize this conference, about how young FFA members can dive deeper into FFA. Here are their top tips.
1. Look for an aspect of agriculture you can fall in love with.
“This is an important step because it’s the first step,” says Todd, 2023-24 Missouri FFA state vice president and a University of Missouri freshman. “When I joined FFA, I didn’t know anything about agriculture. I was able to fall in love with pigs and raise them for my SAE. As a Greenhand, I took my first step in finding an industry that I could be a part of and grow in.”
2. Stay open to new experiences.
“Getting involved in a new organization can be scary,” says Watkins, 2022-23 Missouri FFA state vice president and University of Missouri sophomore. “As a freshman member who wasn’t raised with an agricultural background, I didn’t see the purpose behind the blue corduroy jacket. The Greenhand Motivational Conference was the first and only event I attended my first year in FFA, and it truly changed my outlook on my involvement.”
From Watkins’ perspective, stepping outside your comfort zone and being open to new experiences can open doors you didn’t even know existed. “Keep an open mind and positive outlook,” she adds. “Try new things, meet new friends and embrace opportunities that come your way.”
3. Be ambitious and set goals.
Now that you’ve earned your first degree, keep going. You’re on your way to bigger things, so aim high. Talk with your advisors about earning more advanced degrees such as the American FFA Degree, which is the highest degree our organization can bestow upon its members.
“I’ve always liked the saying that a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step,” Todd says. “When it becomes difficult, remember why you decided to take the first step. Use that as motivation. When you make it, you’ll feel accomplished.”
Take the Next Step
Learn more about types of FFA degrees and access additional tips and resources at ffa.org/the-feed/go-for-the-ffa-gold/.
