Paso Robles Agriculture Department ranked 19th in state; second in California for state FFA degrees

By Paso Robles Press · Tue Feb 24 2026

PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles FFA and the Agriculture Department have earned a top‑20 statewide ranking, placing 19th out of more than 350 chapters across California. This recognition reflects sustained student achievement, strong leadership development, and broad community support for the program.

The ranking is based on the same statewide metrics used in prior years: State FFA Executive Committee representation, State FFA Degrees, American FFA Degrees, State Proficiency Awards, and State Championships. Paso Robles performed strongly across those indicators, demonstrating both depth of participation and measurable outcomes from students’ Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects and classroom work.

Paso Robles is now the number two school in California for State FFA Degrees, a distinction that underscores the department’s emphasis on sustained student engagement and meaningful SAE experiences. A State FFA Degree requires significant commitment: members must document substantial SAE hours, complete required community service, and make or invest funds in their projects. High State Degree production signals that many students are meeting those rigorous requirements and gaining practical, career‑oriented experience.

The Ag Department’s broad curriculum and hands-on program offerings give students multiple pathways to excel. Courses such as Ag Business, Agricultural Welding, Animal Science, Plant Science, and Floral Design, together with SAE options like metal fabrication, veterinary science, livestock projects, and floral enterprises, enable students to build projects that meet state and national recognition criteria while gaining real‑world skills. Staff and community support underpin these accomplishments.

Being ranked 19th statewide and second in California for State FFA Degrees recognizes both current accomplishments and sustained program strength. High rates of degree attainment, proficiency awards, competitive event success, and focused leadership development create momentum: student achievement attracts greater involvement and support, which in turn enables larger SAE projects, deeper learning, and continued competitive success. 

The Paso Robles Agriculture Department and FFA welcome community involvement and student participation. To learn about programs, volunteer opportunities, or ways to support student SAEs and chapter activities, contact the Ag Department advisors at the high school: Theresa Clark, Amanda Gardner, Alison Weiss, and Matt Vierra.