Future farmer recognized at state convention

Submitted by Future Farmers of America

Scott Mann from the Central (Burlington) Future Farmers of America chapter was recognized at the 84th annual Illinois FFA Convention as a candidate for the American FFA Degree. The convention was held June 12-14, at the Prairie Capital Convention Center, Springfield, Ill.

After approval by the National FFA, Mann will receive the degree at a special ceremony at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., in October.

The American FFA Degree is the highest degree of membership in the FFA. It is a highly coveted award because it is presented to approximately one member in 700 of the more than 525,000 FFA members. It is presented by the National FFA Organization to members who have demonstrated exceptional agricultural and leadership ability.

To qualify for the American FFA Degree, FFA members must have advanced through a system of degrees unique to the FFA organization. FFA members begin as “Greenhands” and after one year of membership, may be advanced by the local chapter to the degree of “Chapter FFA Degree.” The third degree, “State FFA Degree,” is presented by the State FFA Association, only students who have earned the State FFA Degree are eligible for the American FFA Degree.

Candidates receive the degree based on their supervised agricultural experience program and FFA leadership activities.