Program

Handbook

Rylie Krause
Table of Contents

Welcome!.......................................................................................................................... 2

Program Description.......................................................................................................... 2

Classroom Expectations.................................................................................................... 3

FFA Eligibility for Enrollment................................................................................................4

List of Ag Ed Courses........................................................................................................ 5

Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)........................................................................... 6

Eligibility for FFA Membership.............................................................................................8

FFA Activity Calendar....................................................................................................... 10

Official FFA Dress Code................................................................................................... 12

List of FFA events............................................................................................................ 14

Chapter Officers...............................................................................................................15

Medical Release Form......................................................................................................18

FFA Code of Conduct...................................................................................................... 20

Attending State and National Conventions....................................................................... 21

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Welcome!
Welcome to _________________ Agriculture Education! This handbook outlines the
three-component model of agricultural education which includes not only FFA, but also
Supervised Agricultural Experiences and courses offered through the high school
agriculture department. This handbook should serve as a guide to answer
any questions you may have about the program. If you have any questions that are not
answered in the following pages, please feel free to contact Ms. Taylor using the contact
information on the front cover.

Program Description
Agriculture Education is an intra-curricular program designed to offer students
opportunities outside of the classroom that directly reflect what they are learning daily.
The agriculture education model is therefore composed of three parts: Classroom
Education, FFA, leadership, and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE’s), work
experience. The program is designed for each student enrolled in agriculture classes to
also take part in FFA and have an SAE. Therefore, in order to be a member of the FFA
the student must first be enrolled in an agriculture class for at least one semester.
Likewise, FFA and SAE curriculum will be required in class and all students will participate
regardless of their FFA affiliation.

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Classroom Expectations
Arrive on Time
● To keep the classroom running smoothly, everyone needs to be on time and
ready to start class. You must be in your seat when the bell rings to be counted
present.

Turn Off Cell Phones and other Devices

● When class is in session, cell phones and other electronic devices (tablets, game
consoles) must be turned off. If they are not turned off and put away, they will be
confiscated.

Bring Required Materials Everyday

● Unless you have been instructed otherwise, come to class prepared with all of
the required materials you were advised to bring at the beginning of the school
year. Do not interrupt the teacher or other students to ask to borrow items you
forgot to bring to class.

Use Appropriate Speech and Body Language

● Always behave in a way that is respectful to your teacher and fellow students.
Unkind teasing and impolite behavior are unacceptable at all times and may lead
to disciplinary actions. Be respectful of other students when they are speaking.
Any form of bullying will not be tolerated.

No Cheating
● Students caught cheating will receive a zero and a phone call home. Both the
student who shares their work and the person who copies will suffer the same
consequences. Be mindful of accidental cheating by covering your paper during
exams and preparation of other graded assignments.

Listen and Follow Directions

● It is important for you to pay attention in class and follow the teacher’s directions.
You will be a more successful student if you listen in class and follow instructions.

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Turn in Work on Time
● Unless you have been given an extension, always turn in your work on time. Late
assignments will receive a lower score.

Make-Up Missed Work

● If you have missed a lesson or an assignment, make arrangements with your
teacher to complete the work.

If You Have a Question, Ask for Help

● If something is confusing – such as assignment instructions or something in your
reading materials – ask your teacher or another student for help.

Follow the Golden Rule

● Treat others the way YOU want to be treated!

FFA Eligibility for Enrollment

In order to be a member of the FFA Chapter, students must complete each of the
following:

● Be enrolled in ONE agriculture class during the current year

● Complete and sign the Code of Conduct form
● Complete and sign the Medical Release form
● Fill out the Conestoga FFA Google form
● Pay local, state, and national dues to Conestoga FFA

Students must be academically eligible in order to participate in district, state, or national

events. Throughout the year as a member, students must abide by all rules and
procedures in the school handbook while at school and attending FFA events. If a
student is “ineligible” according to the handbook, they will also be unable to compete or
attend any FFA activities until they are once again eligible.

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List of Ag Ed Courses
Courses offered as part of the HS Agriculture curriculum include:
Introductory Courses:
***Recommended for 9th graders or first-year students***
Introduction to Agriscience and World Technolgy
Advanced Agriscience and World Technology

Animal Systems:
Introduction to Agriscience and World Technolgy
Advanced Agriscience and World Technology
Animal Science
Advanced Animal Science
Equine Science
Small Animal Companionship and Husbandry

Plant Systems:
Introduction to Agriscience and World Technolgy
Advanced Agriscience and World Technology
Floral Design
Landscape Design, Maintenance, and Construction
Plant Science

Agricultural Business Systems:

Introduction to Agriscience and World Technolgy
Advanced Agriscience and World Technology
Agriculture Business and Computers
Agriculture Entrepreneurship
Agriculture Leadership

Power, Structure, and Technical Systems:

Introduction to Agriscience and World Technolgy
Advanced Agriscience and World Technology
Introduction to Agriculture Welding
Advance Agriculture Welding
Agriculture Metal Fabrication
Agriculture Mechanics

As a high school faculty, the agriculture teacher, principal, and counselor will
periodically survey the student body to determine student interests and
course needs. If you have any questions about a class or would like to see
one added, please contact Ms. Krause.

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Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)
What is an SAE?

Aligned to Your Career Plan

SAEs are designed to grow and modify as you grow and develop your skills and identify
new interests that may affect your Career Plan. The end goal of an SAE is that you are
career-ready, no matter what path you take to get there.

Student-Led
You will be the primary decision-maker throughout your SAE. Many options may be
shared with you by your instructor and other supporting adults, but you ultimately have
control.

Instructor Supervised
Your agricultural education instructor will help guide and foster growth within your SAE
as needed. They serve as your SAE mentor.

Work-Based Learning
Depending on the type of SAE you select, your work-based experience could be in or
out of school.

Measurable
Because SAE is connected to agriculturally based knowledge and skills your growth can
be measured as a graded component of your agricultural coursework. Your SAE
experience may be considered for high school graduation credits.

Connected to Agriculture
No matter what type of SAE you choose, it needs to be agriculturally related. You can
choose to experience any of the AFNR career pathways: Agribusiness Systems, Animal
Systems, Biotechnology Systems, Career Ready Practices, Environmental Systems,
Food Products and Processing Systems, Natural Resources Systems, Plant Systems.

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Power, Structural and Technical Systems.

Foundational SAE
As part of your agriculture education class, you will develop a Foundational SAE aligned
with your career interests.

CAREER EXPLORATION AND PLANNING

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS FOR COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS

PERSONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING

WORKPLACE SAFETY

AGRICULTURAL LITERACY
After choosing which is best for you it’s time to take it to the NEXT LEVEL!

The five immersion SAE types build upon the Foundational SAE components in a
real-world application.

Placement/Internship

https://ffa.app.box.com/s/6zfsilyo2dlt72bnmtc3rwcvcyqt0spv

Ownership/Entrepreneurship

https://ffa.app.box.com/s/yhmlgjy52yb0phb3xw0sgqv9rx04jyx4

Research: Experimental, Analysis, and Invention

https://ffa.app.box.com/s/01ua7f36j6ky11r5b3awuq3ipqp8vz6v

School-Based Enterprise

https://ffa.app.box.com/s/qkj0h9c6g6z9dk86bq19d4dv6vft1z9r

Service Learning

https://ffa.app.box.com/s/oeelnvqwg7kxofy6s7ceifaqnwq5jzk4

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Eligibility for FFA Membership
Active Membership Defined

Article VI of the Nebraska FFA Bylaws reads as follows: Active Membership. Any student
who is regularly enrolled in a secondary agricultural education program is entitled to
become an active member of their local chartered FFA chapter. Secondary agricultural
education programs shall be defined as grades 7-12. To retain membership during high
school, the member must:

1. Be enrolled in at least one agricultural education course during the school year
and/or follow a planned course of study for an agricultural occupation which
includes a supervised agricultural experience program, the objective of which is
preparation for an agricultural career. Members may retain their active
membership until November 30, following the fourth National FFA Convention
after graduating from high school or leaving high school.
2. Show an interest in the affairs of the organization by attending meetings, striving
for degrees of membership, and participating in other organized activities of the
chapter.
3. Pay all current local, state, and national dues by the date established by the
chapter.

Junior High FFA Membership Defined

The delegates at the 61st State FFA Convention adopted a policy to allow junior high
students (7th or 8th grade) FFA membership. The following guidelines govern this
membership:

1. Membership! Any seventh or eighth-grade student who is enrolled in an

agricultural education class will be eligible for membership in the Nebraska FFA
Association. The decision about what constitutes an agricultural education class
will be made by the local agricultural education instructor.
2. Career Development Events/Awards! Career development events and award
programs may be at a local, district, or state level, depending on what the local
instructor feels is in the best interest of the program. The Nebraska School
Activities Association rules do not allow junior and senior high students to
compete for recognition.

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3. Exhibiting at Fairs! Junior High FFA members are allowed to exhibit at the
Nebraska State Fair, FFA Division providing their dues are paid to the Nebraska
FFA Association prior to exhibiting. They may also exhibit as county/local fairs if
the fair rules allow.

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FFA Activity Calendar
August December

● PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES ● ENDING OF FRUIT SALE

● DISCUSS THIS YEAR’S ● DISCUSS FFA COUNTY CDE’S
FUNDRAISER(S) ● DISCUSS PROFICIENCY
● DISCUSS THE FFA TRIP APPLICATIONS
● HOLD COMMITTEE SIGNUP FOR ● COMMITTEE REPORTS
PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES

September
January
● PLANNING FFA TRIP
● DISCUSS UPCOMING ● DISCUSS PRACTICES FOR THE
FUNDRAISER CDE TEAMS
● DISCUSS FRUIT SALE ● COMMITTEE REPORTS
● COMMITTEE SIGNUP ● PROFICIENCY APPLICATIONS
● DISCUSS FFA T-SHIRT IDEAS ● ANNOUNCE FRUIT SALE
INCENTIVE WINNERS
October ● STEAK DINNER INCENTIVE FOR
FRUIT SALE
● DISCUSS FFA TRIP ● DISCUSS NATIONAL FFA WEEK
● DISCUSS FFA FRUIT SALE ASSIGNMENTS
● COMMITTEE REPORTS
● DISCUSS FFA T-SHIRT IDEAS February
● MENTION FFA CDE SIGNUP
● NATIONAL FFA WEEK
November ● PROFICIENCY APPLICATIONS
● SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY
● DISCUSS FRUIT SALE ● COUNTY FFA CDE’S AND
● DISCUSS UPCOMING FFA PRACTICES
COUNTY CDE COMPETITIONS ● DISCUSS FFA BANQUET
● COMMITTEE REPORTS
● SAE’S FOR PROFICIENCY March
APPLICATIONS
● ELECT FFA T-SHIRT DESIGN ● DISCUSS COUNTY CDE’S AND
PRACTICES
● DISCUSS DISTRICT FFA
ELIMINATIONS AND TEAM
PRACTICES

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 ● DISCUSS FFA BANQUET May
April ● OFFICER INSTALLATION
● CHAPTER & STUDENT
● BANQUET PLANNING RECOGNITION FOR CDE’S,
● DISTRICT FFA ELIMINATIONS PROFICIENCY APPLICATIONS
● STATE FFA CONVENTION AND DEGREE CEREMONIES
● SUMMER SCHEDULE ● HONORARY CHAPTER
● GUEST SPEAKER MEMBERS
● ENTERTAINMENT
● GUEST SPEAKER

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O cial FFA Dress Code
The uniform worn by FFA members at local, state, and national functions is called Official
Dress. It provides identity and gives a distinctive and recognizable image to the
organization and its members. Official Dress has been worn with pride by millions of FFA
members since 1933.

Official Dress for Female Members:

● Black Skirt or Slacks*

● White Collared Blouse
● Official FFA Blue Scarf
● Black Dress Shoes with Closed Heel and Toe**
● Black Nylon Hosiery
● An Official FFA Jacket Zipped to the Top
● Degree Chain with State and American FFA Degree

*Has to be knee length (has to be approved by Advisor 1 WEEK Prior to contest/event),

could exchange for slacks. No leggings will be allowed.

**Heels have to be under 2.5” (has to be approved by Advisor 1 WEEK Prior to

contest/event), and could be exchanged for flats (has to be approved by Advisor 1
WEEK Prior to contest/event).

Official Dress for Male Members:

● Black Slacks*
● White Collared Shirt**
● Official FFA Necktie
● Black Dress Shoes***
● Black Socks
● An official FFA Jacket Zipped to the Top
● Degree Chain with State and American FFA Degree

*Black Slacks may be exchanged with NICE Black Wrangler Jeans (have to be approved
by Advisor 1 WEEK Prior to contest/event)

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**Can exchange for a Pearl Snap Wrangler Shirt

***Can exchange for Black Western Boots (Has to be approved by Advisor 1 WEEK
Prior to contest/event)

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List of FFA events
FFA Degree Program

FFA members can earn degrees as they progress through the phases of their leadership,
academic, and career skills development. Each degree advancment has specific
requirements that must be achieved.

There are five-degree levels:

1. DISCOVERY DEGREE
2. GREENHAND DEGREE
3. CHAPTER FFA DEGREE
4. STATE FFA DEGREE
5. AMERICAN FFA DEGREE

Proficieny Awards

Agricultural proficiency awards honor FFA members who, through their SAE's, have
developed social life skills that can apply toward their future careers. Students can
compete for awards and areas covering everything from our cultural communications to
wildlife management.

Career Development Events

Nebraska Career Development Events (CDEs) help students develop abilities to think
critically, communicate clearly and develop skills for a competitive job market. Some of
the CDEs state-winning individuals and teams will move onto National Convention.

Leadership Development Events

Nebraska leadership development events provide FFA members with experience and
practice of influencing theirs through speaking and parliamentary procedure
competitions. The state winning individual, or team will represent Nebraska at National
Convention.

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Chapter O cers
Section A. The offices of an FFA chapter shall be: President, Vice President, Secretary,
Treasurer, Reporter, and Sentinel. Other officers including Chaplin, Historian, and
Parliamentarian may be elected as deemed appropriate by the local advisor and/or
governing body. The teacher of agricultural education shall be the FFA advisor.

Section B. The election of chapter FFA officers will include:

1. Written application submitted by the applicant to the advisor by the deadline set.
2. Formal interview process with a panel that may or may not include: 1) School
administration, 2) School staff and/or faculty 3) FFA Alumni Members 4) Advisory
Committee members 5) Current Senior FFA Officers
3. The panel of interviewers will select the officers out of the candidates that are
interviewed.
4. Those chosen slates of candidates will be presented to the chapter and
approved by the active members of the chapter.

Section C. Officer Duties are as follows:

President
● Preside over meetings according to accepted rules of parliamentary procedure.
● Appoint committees and serve on them as an ex-officio, non-voting member.
● Coordinate the activities of the chapter and evaluate the progress of each division
of the POA.
● Represent the chapter in public relations and official functions.
Vice President
● Assume all duties of the president if necessary.
● Develop the POA and serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the POA
committees.
● Coordinate all committee work.
● Work closely with the president and advisor to assess progress toward meeting
chapter goals.
Secretary
● Prepare and post the agenda for each chapter meeting.
● Prepare and present the minutes of each chapter meeting.
● Place all committee reports in the secretary’s file.
● Be responsible for chapter correspondence.
● Maintain member attendance and activity records and issue membership cards.

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 ● Have an officer binder on hand for each meeting, including the following:
○ The secretary’s file
○ Copy of the POA, including all standing and special committees
○ Official FFA Manual and the Official FFA Student Handbook
○ Copy of the chapter constitution and bylaws
Treasurer
● Receive, record, and deposit FFA funds and issue receipts.
● Present monthly treasurer's reports at chapter meetings.
● Collect dues and special assessments.
● Maintain neat and accurate treasury records.
● Prepare and submit the membership roster and dues to the National FFA
Organization through the state FFA association office in cooperation with the
secretary.
● Serve as chairperson of the finance committee.
Reporter
● Serve as chair of the POA public relations committee.
● Plan public information programs with local radio, television, newspaper, and
service clubs and make use of other opportunities to tell the FFA story.
● Release news and information to local and regional news media
● Publish a chapter newsletter or website.
● Prepare and maintain a chapter scrapbook.
● Send local stories to area, district, and state reporters and to any school
publications.
● Send articles and photographs to FFA New Horizons and other national and
regional publications and websites.
● Work with local media on radio and television appearances and FFA news.
● Serve as the chapter photographer.
Sentinel
● Assist the president in maintaining order.
● Keep the meeting room, chapter equipment, and supplies in proper condition.
● Welcome guests and visitors.
● Keep the meeting room comfortable.
● Take charge of candidates for degree ceremonies
● Assist with special features and refreshments.

Advisor
● Supervise chapter activities year-round.
● Inform prospective students and parents about FFA.
● Instruct students in leadership and personal development.

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 ● Build school and community support for the program.
● Encourage the involvement of all chapter members in activities.
● Prepare students for involvement in career development events and leadership
programs.
Historian*
● Develop and maintain a scrapbook of memorabilia to record the chapter’s history.
● Research and prepare items of significance to the chapter’s history.
● Prepare displays of chapter activities and submit stories of former members to the
media.
● Assist the reporter in providing photography for chapter needs.
Parliamentarian*
● Be proficient with parliamentary procedure.
● Rule on all questions of parliamentary conduct at chapter meetings.
● Serve as a participant or an ex-officio member of the parliamentary procedure
team.
● Conduct parliamentary procedure workshops at the chapter level.
● Chair or serve as an ex-officio member on the conduct of meetings committee.
Chaplain*
● Present the invocation at banquets and other functions.
● Conduct reflection services at summer camps and conferences.

* Denotes additional offices that students can be elected into

- All Officer Team members are expected to attend every Officer and Chapter
meeting unless substantial circumstances arise and they have discussed this with
the officer team and advisor.
- All officers are expected to have their Officer Binder with them at every meeting.
- All officers are expected to follow the FFA Code of Conduct and represent the
School, Chapter, and Organization with respect.
- All Officers should have a genuine desire to get involved in promoting agriculture,
FFA, and leadership

Officers and their duties are taken from The Official FFA Handbook located at ffa.org

17
Medical Release Form

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FFA Code of Conduct
FFA members conduct themselves at all times to be a credit to their organization,
chapter, school, community, and family.

As an FFA member, I pledge to:

1. Develop my potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career

success.
2. Make a positive difference in the lives of others.
3. Dress neatly and appropriately for the occasion. (See pages 23 & 24 of the
Official FFA Manual for proper use of Official Dress or pages 11& 12 of program
handbook)
4. Respect the rights of others and their property.
5. Be courteous, honest, and fair with others.
6. Communicate in an appropriate, purposeful, and positive manner.
7. Demonstrate good sportsmanship by being modest in winning and generous in
defeat.
8. Make myself aware of FFA programs and activities and be an active participant.
9. Conduct and value a supervised agricultural experience program.
10. Strive to establish and enhance my skills through agricultural education in order
to enter a successful career.
11. Appreciate and promote diversity in our organization.

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Attending State and National Conventions
State FFA Convention
Most years, a large number of students have “earned their way” to the State FFA
Convention in Lincoln by earning awards or competing in contests. These students have
first priority. Once we have determined how many students have “earned their way” we will
know how many other students we will be able to take, based on the chapter budget and
the number of hotel rooms allocated to our chapter. Other students wishing to attend must
fill out an application and will be selected through a competitive process based on the
quality of their application, as well as some minimum requirements as listed in our
constitution and in the next paragraph. Applications are judged by a committee of FFA
Supporters & Alumni Association members.

There is no limit to the number of times a student may attend a state convention. However,
in order to make sure that only active and dedicated FFA members attend the convention,
the chapter has the following restrictions: 1) participated in at least half of the “BIG 4”
(Range Judging, Livestock Selection, District LSE, District CDE, AND 2) must have
attended at least 50% of FFA meetings/activities during current school year AND 3) must
have submitted a proficiency application for district review. This information will be verified
by the advisor.

Students will miss up to 3 days of school, so they must get assignments in advance from
their teachers. All students attending the State Convention (including those who have
“earned their way”) may be required to pay a minimal fee based on our chapter budget,
level of qualification, application, and FFA points.

Applications can be picked up from the advisor. Applications are due at or before the
March FFA Member/Parent Meeting.

National FFA Convention

Students who have “earned their way” to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN
by earning awards or competing in contests have first priority. Once we have determined
how many students have “earned their way” we will know how many other students we
will be able to take, based on the chapter budget, transportation available, and the number
of hotel rooms allocated to our chapter.

Highlights of the convention may include the Convention Sessions, the National, FFA
Career Show; National Contests; Leadership Workshops; Field Trips to area attractions.
Visit the FFA website at http://www.ffa.org/convention/ for more information.

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Students will miss four days of school to attend the National Convention, so they must get
assignments in advance from their teachers. All students attending the National FFA
Convention (including those who have “earned their way”) will pay a fee in the range of
$225-275 depending on the total cost of the trip.

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