[12] The National FFA Organization is a youth leadership organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education.

[14] FFA members can compete in Career Development Events (CDE) that cover job skills in everything from communications to mechanics.

[citation needed] The official colors of FFA are national blue and corn gold.

SAE programs are grouped into four areas: The most recognizable symbol of the organization is the blue corduroy jacket that is worn by FFA members.

The back of the jacket features a large FFA emblem underneath the name of the member's state.

The name of the local FFA chapter, district, region or area is embroidered below the emblem.

The jacket's color standardization was accompanied by a restoration of the embroidered FFA emblems and fit corrections led by Clemson University's Apparel Research Center.

The improved FFA jacket, produced in both Van Wert, Ohio and South Vietnam, was first made available in August 2005.

In 2016, the National FFA Organization updated its bylaws, stating that members may wear any item they are comfortable in, including those which were previously reserved for only one gender.

[23] The FFA Mission: The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds – achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.

I believe that to live and work on a good farm or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement I cannot deny.

I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so-for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.

I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.

[citation needed] FFA was created to serve high school students and has moved into middle schools where membership may begin as early as age 12, allowing members to become active earlier and stay active longer.

[citation needed] Most states hold FFA conventions at least once annually, where members gather to compete, be recognized for awards, attend leadership workshops, debate organizational issues in a delegate process, and more.

[29] FFA Career and Leadership Development Events (CDE/LDEs) are competitions that members compete in to test their skills learned through agricultural education instruction.

[33] Since then, members of the talent competition chorus, and band have provided entertainment at each National FFA Convention during the sessions.