Written by: Hunter Jarrell (2024-2025 Historian)
To earn the FFA State Degree, members must meet several specific requirements that demonstrate their dedication to agricultural education and leadership. These include holding the Chapter FFA Degree, completing at least two years of agricultural education, and maintaining active membership for a minimum of two years. Members must also participate in at least eight FFA activities above the chapter level and demonstrate leadership by performing ten parliamentary law procedures, giving a six-minute speech, and serving as an officer, committee chairperson, or active committee member. Additionally, they must earn and productively invest at least $2,000 or earn at least $3,000 at an agriculture related job through a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program. A satisfactory scholastic record and community service, typically totaling 25 hours, are also required. In 2025 over 1,000 FFA members earned their State FFA Degree at the 97th Ohio FFA Convention, held in Columbus, Ohio on May 2, 2025. The state degree winners this year from our FFA Chapter were: Corey Seth, Michelle Adkins, Will Smith, and Wyatt Smith.
In conclusion, receiving the FFA State Degree is a true honor and a significant milestone in a member’s agricultural journey. It represents years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to personal growth, leadership, and service. Earning this prestigious award means that a member has gone above and beyond in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), demonstrated strong leadership skills, and made meaningful contributions to their chapter and community. It is a recognition of excellence and perseverance, and only a small percentage of FFA members achieve this level. Being awarded the State Degree is not only a celebration of past achievements but also a symbol of readiness to take on greater responsibilities in FFA and the agricultural industry.
(Pictured from left to right: Racine Southern FFA State Degree recipients-Will Smith, Michelle Adkins, Wyatt Smith, Corey Seth and FFA Advisor-Jenna Meeks)