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FFA Information
FFA Information
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Focus On the Future
American agriculture ... the industry that feeds and clothes not only our country, but many others around the world. Producing 22% of our gross national product, it is America’s largest industry.
When you hear the word "agriculture,” what images pop into your mind? Do you see cows, pigs and plows, or perhaps a man dressed in overalls driving a tractor? These are but a small part of today’s agriculture. In fact, only 7.5% of today’s agricultural careers are in farming or production agriculture. The remaining 92.6% of agricultural jobs are in marketing, finance, research, education and distribution.
Today’s agriculture is highly technical. Research scientists are developing new hybrid seeds and more effective, environmentally friendly pesticides. Agricultural engineers are designing more efficient irrigation systems, tractors and a host of other implements. Agricultural marketing specialists are helping farmers lock in commodity prices before they plant by using futures and options markets. In fact, the largest career area in agriculture is sales and marketing.
What was once a highly physical, male-dominated career area, is now a highly technical industry dependent on critical thinking and leadership skills. Today’s agriculture offers exciting, challenging careers for men and women.
FFA, Where Excellence is Made
Agriculture students have something no other group of students have, the FFA. If you want to be part of a team, excel as an individual, earn some money, get in on the fun or develop your competitive edge, FFA is the organization for you. Through FFA projects and activities you will learn the business and leadership skills needed for college and valued by employers.
FFA is:
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| Whether you’re interested in working with people or machinery, words or numbers, there is a place for you in agriculture. And you will be making a contribution to feeding and clothing the world’s citizens. | |
Careers in Agriculture
Agriscience and Engineering
Agriscience and its related occupations—engineering, biochemistry, genetics and physiology—is the fastest growing area within the agricultural industry. This is agriculture’s cutting edge.
Agricultural Marketing and Sales
Our economy is becoming increasingly interdependent. Consumers expect to walk into supermarkets and find the shelves bursting with choices. Agricultural processors count on a readily available supply of raw materials. Farmers and ranchers depend on purchasing equipment, seed, feed, chemicals and much more in a timely and efficient manner. Agricultural Marketing and Sales Specialists fill these needs.
Management and Finance
In order for today’s big business world of agriculture to operate, Management and Financial Specialists are required. From your local bank’s Agricultural Loan Officer to the Grain Elevator Manager, to USDA’s Economists, this is an area that demands both agricultural and business skills.
Social Service Professionals
Like most other industries, an increasing number of social professionals are needed in agriculture. Dietitians, Career Counselors, Park and Recreation Specialists, Naturalists and Regulatory Agents fall in this category.
Production Agriculture
If you enjoy the hands-on activities involved in raising field crops, livestock, poultry, fruits, vegetables, nursery stock, tomatoes—the list is long—production agriculture is for you. As the size and complexity of production units grow, so will the need for education.
Education and Communication
Now more than ever before, the agricultural industry needs to tell its story to the rest of the population. Because so few people are involved in production agriculture, most Americans do not understand our food and fiber system—they are agriculturally illiterate. Careers in agricultural Journalism, Broadcasting, Advertising and Education are meeting these challenges.
For more information check with us:
www.ffa.org
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©2000 Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association Inc.. Legal Notice
This site created by Bob Robeson, Southwestern Association & tomj@ineda.com
For comments or questions regarding this page contact: info@ineda.com
This page revised 08/15/02
