11 Madera FFA members to be awarded American FFA Degree

Eleven local Future Farmers of America members will accept American FFA degrees at the four-day 89th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis this fall.

Aaron Caballero, Jenae Hansen, Omar Herrera, Virat Kang, Janette Larios, Matthew Mealey, Elwin Reyes, Max Ramirez, Eduardo Rodriguez, Fredy Ruiz and Francisco Vasquez have shown “the utmost dedication” to FFA “through their desire to develop their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education,” according to the national organization.

The American FFA Degree is bestowed annually for ability and achievements in agricultural business, production, processing or service programs. This year American Degrees will be awarded to 3,780 members – less than 1 percent of current FFA members.

To be eligible, FFA members must earn and productively invest $10,000 through a supervised agricultural experience program in which they start, own or hold a professional position in an existing enterprise. Recipients must also complete 50 hours community service and demonstrate leadership abilities and civic involvement.

Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key, certificate and matted frame after being recognized on stage Oct. 22 at the national convention.

The award is sponsored by ADM Crop Risk Services, Case IH, Elanco, Farm Credit and Syngenta as a project of the National FFA Foundation and the National FFA Organization.

Founded in 1928, the National FFA Organization provides agricultural education to 629,367 student members who belong to one of 7,757 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. For information, visit www.ffa.org.