Membership in the National FFA Organization is exploding.

Membership in the student organization that was founded 86 years ago now stands at 610,240 – which represents an increase of more than 30,500 since last year. The number of new, local FFA chapters throughout the country grew to 7,665.

“FFA, through agricultural education, is preparing our youth to ensure the security of our country’s food, fiber and natural resources for years to come,” said National FFA Organization CEO Dr. Dwight Armstrong. “Through real-world experiences, the nation’s agriculture teachers are helping students develop the technical knowledge, skills and problem-solving capabilities to be the industry’s leaders of tomorrow. FFA members will be tomorrow’s advocates for agriculture.”

The Texas FFA Association added more members than any other state, with 8,364 members. Total FFA membership in the Lone Star state stands at 103,379 with 1,021 chapters. California, with 76,470 members, is the country’s second-largest FFA association, followed by Georgia with 37,698 members, Missouri with 25,935 members and Oklahoma with 25,561 members.

The 87th annual National FFA Convention and Expo is coming up October 29 – November 1 in Louisville, Kentucky and AgWired is pleased to be able to provide coverage of our future agribusiness professionals, thanks to the generous sponsorship of our friends at FMC Corporation.