
“The point of momentum is that you stay in motion. With the ongoing help of donors like you, we intend to continue to up our game so we can make a positive difference in the lives of young people and the world.”
Mark Poeschl
Chief Executive Officer
National FFA Organization
National FFA Foundation
Mark's Letter
Dear Friends,
Every day of the year, we deeply appreciate what our supporters do for FFA. Without your contributions, we could not effectively serve student members.
In 2019, we held fast to the theme of “momentum.” Not only did we feel the momentum, but we saw it. Our organization reached a record of more than 700,000 student members. The National FFA Foundation raised over $21 million, with more than $8.5 million coming from new sponsors and donors. While we enjoyed strong support from sponsors that have been with us for decades, we also experienced growth in sponsorships from companies that might be considered less traditional in the agricultural sense. While this was occurring, we continued to see elevated individual giving with donations large and small. National FFA was proud to be honored by the Cultivating Change Foundation for our efforts to ensure FFA is a welcoming and safe place for every student. SAE for All—our online tool to complement work-based, experiential learning —made its debut. And we took important steps to deepen our commitment to advocacy and agricultural literacy. Finally, with your generosity and our commitment to being good stewards of your financial gifts, we satisfied the organization’s long-term debt obligations.
It was a year that illustrated we are laser-focused on looking, thinking and moving forward. Along with those accomplishments, we also celebrated some notable milestones in 2019, including:
- 50 years of women in FFA
- 50 years of Washington Leadership Conference
- 75 years of National FFA Foundation
The point of momentum is that you stay in motion. With the ongoing help of donors like you, we intend to continue to up our game so we can make a positive difference in the lives of young people and the world.
Thank you for your support.
Mark Poeschl
Chief Executive Officer
National FFA Organization
and National FFA Foundation
Last year, 66 FFA Alumni and Supporter chapters in 16 states reported donations of more than 44,210 hours of service to FFA chapters across the country. That time is equivalent to $1.12 million.
The 2019 Give FFA Day raised more than $234,000 from 471 contributing donors. This day of giving is celebrated annually with a 24-hour online pep rally for FFA.
Because of donors like you, the Give the Gift of Blue program generated more than $215,000, funding 3,048 jackets and exceeding the goal by more than 500 jackets.
Last year, 66 FFA Alumni and Supporter chapters in 16 states reported donations of more than 44,210 hours of service to FFA chapters across the country. That time is equivalent to $1.12 million.
The 2019 Give FFA Day raised more than $234,000 from 471 contributing donors. This day of giving is celebrated annually with a 24-hour online pep rally for FFA.
Because of donors like you, the Give the Gift of Blue program generated more than $215,000, funding 3,048 jackets and exceeding the goal by more than 500 jackets.
THE IMPACT OF FFA
THE IMPACT OF FFA

“My life has been forever changed by FFA, and it is thanks to donors like you. Before, I was a very shy and introverted kid. I never thought I would have the skills to lead discussions, present workshops and give speeches inspiring future agricultural leaders.”
– Tyler S., Missouri

“My life has been forever changed by FFA, and it is thanks to donors like you. Before, I was a very shy and introverted kid. I never thought I would have the skills to lead discussions, present workshops and give speeches inspiring future agricultural leaders.”
– Tyler S., Missouri
2019 YEAR IN REVIEW
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JANUARY
The International Leadership Seminar for State Officers (ILSSO) develops a global perspective of agriculture, people, and culture in South Africa.
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FEBRUARY
FFA launches a two-year celebration to honor the 50th anniversary of female membership.
FFA members celebrate agriculture and leadership during National FFA Week.
Tractor Supply Company (TSC) patrons contribute $954,415 through in-store paper emblem donations. TSC’s Grants for Growing program awards 259 grants, impacting more than 24,000 FFA members.
471 donors generously help raise $230,000 on Give FFA Day.
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MAY
More than 70,270 high school senior FFA members become alumni upon graduation.
Culver’s guests support agricultural education on Culver’s Scoops of Thanks Day, donating more than $104,000 as part of Culver’s Thank You Farmers Project, where guests donate $1 to receive a scoop of frozen custard.
National FFA announces the pilot of a new conference series for FFA members passionate about their future careers. #FFANexGen Conferences are the first of their kind and focus on specific career pathways.
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JUNE
Washington Leadership Conference celebrates 50 years of exceptional leadership training through this once-in-a-lifetime Washington, D.C., experience.
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JULY
National FFA names the 2019 New Century Farmers selected to attend a five-day conference about production agriculture.
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OCTOBER
Cargill invests $2.1 million in FFA to inspire and educate future leaders.
More than 68,400 converge on Indianapolis for the 92nd National FFA Convention & Expo.
Microsoft, AgriNovus Indiana and National FFA bring technology to rural America; students attending the National FFA Convention & Expo experience it firsthand.
Corteva Agriscience increases its support of National FFA.
The National FFA Foundation recognizes 75 years of support from Firestone.
The FFA Blue Room hosts 4,732 FFA members during the National FFA Convention & Expo.
National FFA elects the 2019-20 national officer team.
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2019 YEAR IN REVIEW
-
JANUARY
The International Leadership Seminar for State Officers (ILSSO) develops a global perspective of agriculture, people, and culture in South Africa.
-
FEBRUARY
FFA launches a two-year celebration to honor the 50th anniversary of female membership.
FFA members celebrate agriculture and leadership during National FFA Week.
Tractor Supply Company (TSC) patrons contribute $954,415 through in-store paper emblem donations. TSC’s Grants for Growing program awards 259 grants, impacting more than 24,000 FFA members.
471 donors generously help raise $230,000 on Give FFA Day.
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MAY
More than 70,270 high school senior FFA members become alumni upon graduation.
Culver’s guests support agricultural education on Culver’s Scoops of Thanks Day, donating more than $104,000 as part of Culver’s Thank You Farmers Project, where guests donate $1 to receive a scoop of frozen custard.
National FFA announces the pilot of a new conference series for FFA members passionate about their future careers. #FFANexGen Conferences are the first of their kind and focus on specific career pathways.
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JUNE
Washington Leadership Conference celebrates 50 years of exceptional leadership training through this once-in-a-lifetime Washington, D.C., experience.
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JULY
National FFA names the 2019 New Century Farmers selected to attend a five-day conference about production agriculture.
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OCTOBER
Cargill invests $2.1 million in FFA to inspire and educate future leaders.
More than 68,400 converge on Indianapolis for the 92nd National FFA Convention & Expo.
Microsoft, AgriNovus Indiana and National FFA bring technology to rural America; students attending the National FFA Convention & Expo experience it firsthand.
Corteva Agriscience increases its support of National FFA.
The National FFA Foundation recognizes 75 years of support from Firestone.
The FFA Blue Room hosts 4,732 FFA members during the National FFA Convention & Expo.
National FFA elects the 2019-20 national officer team.
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