Future Farmers of America
Greenhand FFA Degree Ceremony

2022

Secretary: Mr./Mdm. President, I have the applications for … (number) students enrolled in … agricultural education, agriscience, agribusiness, horticulture, etc., who are candidates for the Greenhand FFA Degree.
President: Our constitution outlines minimum qualifications for this degree. We shall now determine if these candidates qualify. Mr./Mdm. Advisor, do all candidates have satisfactory plans for programs of supervised agricultural experience?
Advisor: They have.
The advisor should give a brief summary statement regarding enrollment, production agriculture, ornamental horticulture, agribusiness, etc., including career plans and supervised agricultural experience programs. For example, number of students in production agriculture, number of students in horticulture, number of students in agribusiness.
President: Have these candidates met all other minimum qualifications of Article 6, Section C of the national constitution?
Advisor: They have.
President: The secretary will please read the names of the successful candidates.
Secretary does so.
President: Will the officers please take their places beside me?
After officers are stationed by President, President continues: Will the candidates please rise? Candidates, you are about to receive the Greenhand FFA Degree in a national organization of members who expect to enter a career in the industry of agriculture. Will you strive to further develop your abilities through active participation in the FFA? If so, answer ‘We will’.
Candidates: We will.
President: The basic beliefs of FFA members are outlined in the FFA Creed, which will be presented by … officer, member, greenhand, etc.
FFA Creed is presented.
President: I hope that you will always carry the spirit of the Creed in your hearts and the words in your memory.
Sentinel: Career development is a life-long process. Your activities in this organization will help you acquire the ability to cooperate with others for the benefit of all. A good attitude and a respect for the rights of others are essential for success in life.
Reporter: The vast agricultural complex forms the foundation of our American economy. You have chosen well by your expression of interest in a future career in this, our nation’s largest field of endeavor.
Treasurer: By your enrollment in agricultural education, you have taken an important step toward becoming a useful citizen in our democracy. May you, like George Washington, use your talents and training for the betterment of yourselves and your fellow man.
Secretary: The FFA is a national organization of young men and women preparing for careers in agriculture. I am proud to add your name to the roll of the … FFA Chapter, … (State) Association and the National Organization.
Vice President: Success in a career and in life is largely the result of a sound education and a willingness to work. Without labor, we accomplish little, and unless our labor is directed by intelligent thinking, we accomplish nothing.
Advisor: The pin worn by Greenhands is made of bronze. Because of its hardness and endurance, bronze has been used for ages by those who sought a better substitute for crude stone instruments. May those qualities of hardness and endurance carry you far in our organization.
Although you have done well and merit this recognition, let me remind you that there are heights yet to be attained. Just as there are metals more precious than bronze, there are rarer and more precious laurels to be won in our organization. The silver pin of the Chapter FFA Degree and the golden charm of the State FFA Degree await those who earn them. In order to attain these higher degrees, you must possess rare and golden qualities.
You must be malleable, but never crushed; ductile, but never drawn into anything base or dishonorable; glowing with enthusiasm, but unaltered by the heat of conflict. It is my sincere wish that some of you will eventually be awarded the golden key of the American FFA Degree.
Your future is before you. Through hard work and wise decisions, you can attain the highest place in our organization so eagerly sought by all worthy members.
President: The FFA organization practices agricultural leadership, citizenship and cooperation. If you develop your abilities, you may become a leader in this organization. We need you, and the country needs strong leadership. We now welcome you as Greenhands. The advisor will now present each of you with the Greenhand pin.