This degree recognizes students enrolled in 7-8 grade agricultural science class making strides toward successful involvement in the FFA.  Receipt of this degree is not necessary in order to obtain the Greenhand FFA Degree.  This degree of active membership is awarded at the chapter level.

To receive a Discovery FFA Degree, members must meet the following requirements:

• Enroll in an agriculture class for at least a portion of a school year while in grades 7 – 8.
• Become a dues-paying FFA member at the chapter, state and national levels.
• Participate in at least one FFA chapter activity outside of scheduled class time.
• Have an understanding of agriculture-related careers and entrepreneurship opportunities.
• Become familiar with the local FFA chapter’s Program of Activities (POA).  
• Submit a written application for the degree.
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FFA members enrolled in their first year of high school credit agricultural science, that have satisfactory plans for a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program and that have demonstrated their understanding of the history and purpose of the FFA may apply for their Greenhand Degree. This degree of active membership is awarded at the chapter level.

Greenhand FFA Degrees are given out at the chapter level.

To receive a Greenhand FFA Degree, members must meet the following requirements:

• Enroll in an agricultural education program and have satisfactory plans for a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).
• Learn and explain the FFA Creed, FFA Mission and Motto, and FFA salute. 
• Describe and explain the meaning of the FFA emblem and FFA colors.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the FFA Code of Ethics and the proper use of the FFA jacket.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the history of the organization, the chapter constitution and bylaws and the chapter Program of Activities.
• Own or have access to the Official FFA Manual and the Official FFA Student Handbook.
• Submit a written application for the Greenhand FFA Degree.
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Those FFA members that have received their Greenhand degree may apply for the Chapter Degree.  Members must be enrolled in an agricultural science class, have completed at least two semesters in agricultural science at or above the ninth grade level, have in operation an approved SAE program, demonstrate leadership skills and be actively involved in the activities of the local FFA chapter.  This degree of active membership is awarded at the chapter level.

The Chapter FFA Degree is given to an FFA chapter’s top members.

To receive a Chapter FFA Degree, members must meet the following requirements:

• Received the Greenhand FFA Degree.
• Satisfactorily completed 180 hours (or the equivalent) of systematic school instruction in agricultural education at or above the ninth grade level.
• Have an approved SAE in operation.
• Enrolled in an agriculture course.
• Participated in the planning and implementation of at least three official FFA chapter activities.
• Earned and productively invested at least $150, or have worked at least 45 hours outside of scheduled class time, or a combination of the two, through their SAE.?
• Have developed plans for continued growth and improvement of their SAE.
• Effectively lead a group discussion for 15 minutes.
• Demonstrated five parliamentary law procedures.
• Show progress toward achievement in FFA award programs.
• Have a satisfactory academic record.
• Submitted a written application for the Chapter FFA Degree.
• Complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service activities.
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This is the highest degree of membership the State FFA Association can award.  FFA members may apply to receive the Lone Star Degree only after they have received the Chapter degree. Those wishing to receive their Lone Star Degree must have been an active FFA member for at least two years, complete at least four semesters of agricultural science at or above the ninth grade level, maintain a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program, invest significant time and money in their SAE, demonstrate their leadership skills and show a commitment to the FFA through involvement at the chapter level and above. This degree of active membership is awarded at the state level during the Texas FFA convention.

The State FFA Degree is given to the top members of a State FFA Association.

To receive a State FFA Degree, members must meet the following requirements:

• Received a Chapter FFA Degree.
• Have been an active FFA member for at least two years (24 months) at the time of receiving the State FFA Degree
• Have completed at least 2 years (360 hours) of systematic school instruction in agricultural education at our above the ninth grade level, which includes an SAE.
• Have earned and productively invested at least $1,000, or have worked at least 300 hours outside of schedule class time through an SAE.
• Demonstrated leadership ability by performing 10 parliamentary law procedures, giving a six-minute speech on a topic relating to agriculture or FFA, and serving as an FFA officer, committee chairperson, or committee member.
• Have a satisfactory academic record, certified by the agriculture teacher and the school principal or superintendent.
• Participated in the planning and implementation of the chapter’s Program of Activities.
• Participated in at least five different FFA activities above the chapter level.
• Complete at least 25 hours of community service in a minimum of two different activities. All community service hours are cumulative, i.e. the 10 community service hours used to obtain the chapter degree can be used toward the state degree.
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The American FFA Degree is a sign of great accomplishment among FFA members. Only a small percentage of FFA members ever earn the degree (the greatest percentage of members ever to receive the degree in one year was less than one half of one percent).

FFA members who qualify for the American FFA Degree:

• Have received a Greenhand FFA Degree, Chapter FFA Degree and State FFA Degree.
• Have been FFA members for at least three years.
• Have completed at least three years (540 hours) of high school agriculture classes, or 2 years of high school agriculture classes and one year of college agriculture classes (360 hours.)
• Have graduated from high school one year prior to the
• National FFA Convention at which their degree will be awarded.
• Have maintained detailed SAE records, which demonstrate outstanding planning, managerial and financial skills.
• Have earned and productively invested at least $7,500, or have earned and productively invested at least $1,500 and worked 2,250 hours beyond scheduled school hours through their SAEs.
• Have a record of outstanding leadership skills.
• Have a record of participating in community service activities.  Updated Community Service Requirements
• Have maintained a “C” grade average or better.