Madisonville’s FFA Program Shines at State and National Levels

The Future Farmers of America (FFA) was founded in 1928 with a mission to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. Over the years, FFA has become one of the largest youth leadership organizations in the world with over 850,832 members and 8,995 chapters. The vision of this organization has turned into growing the next generation of leaders who will change the world.

Texas FFA alone has 169,333 current members and 1,095 chapters. The state holds 12 areas that are divided into 66 districts. Recently, thousands of high school students gathered in Dallas for the 95th Texas FFA Convention. There were 4 days of meetings, concerts, guest speakers and competitions. More than 140 scholarships totaling over $1 million dollars were awarded to graduating seniors.

Over the years, Madisonville High School FFA has shown just how a small town can be successful. With great Agriculture teachers including Lynita Foster, Madisonville’s FFA program has shined at the regional, state, and national level.

Under Lynita Foster, there have been 5 Ag Issues National Champions, 2 Marketing National Champions, several National runner ups, 3rd place winners. The Madisonville FFA Quiz Team also hold the 2021 and 2022 National Championship title.

The Madisonville FFA Chapter was founded in 1932 and continues to produce some of the toughest teams in the state. The chapter contains active show teams, different ag mechanic classes, and a full-size greenhouse.

FFA has five degrees a member can hold; a Discovery degree, Greenhand degree, Chapter degree, State degree, and the American degree.

A Discovery FFA Degree is the first degree a member can be eligible for, and it is intended for seventh and eighth grade members who participate in FFA activities. The Greenhand FFA Degree is awarded to ninth grade or older members who learn about the FFA history, mission, and creed.

A Chapter FFA Degree is the highest degree that a chapter can award a member. It is usually awarded during the second or third year of membership.

A State FFA Degree is the highest degree a state can award a member. To receive a State FFA Degree, members must meet the requirements of already having the Chapter FFA Degree and have been an active FFA member for at least 2 years.

The American Degree is the highest honor awarded to FFA Members. It is the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization. To be eligible to receive the American FFA Degree, the member must meet specific qualifications, including the State FFA Degree.