Student perceptions of the name 'Future Farmers of America'

The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of students towards enrolling into vocational agriculture classes and participating in the youth organization for vocational agriculture students, the Future Farmers of America (FFA). The study population included a representative sample of present FFA members, vocational agriculture students who had elected not to become FFA members, and potential students who had not been vocational agriculture students or FFA members. The sample was stratified by the membership totals from each state to arrive at the representative FFA membership sample and by the number of chartered chapters in each state to determine the vocational agriculture student and potential vocational agriculture student samples. A total of 97 usable opinionnaires (25.1 percent of the sample) were returned from FFA members, 97 opinionnaires (24.9 percent) were returned of which 52 opinionnaires (13.3 percent) were usable from vocational agriculture students, and 84 usable opinionnaires (21.5 percent) were returned from potential students.;Data were collected by the use of a mailed opinionnaire that was developed by the researcher. Instrument items were validated by an ad hoc advisory committee knowledgeable of vocational education and the FFA. Data analysis consisted of frequency counts, t-tests, and ANOVA's. A level of.05 of confidence was utilized.;The findings of the study indicated a positive perception of the name "Future Farmers of America." While many reasons have been suggested to change the name "Future Farmers of America," members would not support a name change. Respondents believed the name had a positive effect on enrollment in vocational agriculture, therefore the name should remain the same. The name "Future Farmers of America" conveyed a narrow image of the organization, but also adequately described the true nature, scope, and purposes of the organization. Respondents perceived course offerings, vocational agriculture teachers, high school counselors, parents, and class members as affecting new student enrollment in vocational agriculture classes and participation in the FFA.;A major recommendation by respondents was to retain the name "Future Farmers of America" and the letters "FFA" and to promote and broaden the image through improved public relation efforts.