FFA History

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•  1917 – SMITH HUGHES ACTThe advancement in agricultural education since the Smith – Hughes Act has bettered the quality of life not just for America’s rural and farm families but for everyone across the globe who is fed and clothed by the American Farmer. As with every great journey, it started with that first step. 2017 was the centennial celebration of the Smith – Hughes Act, America’s first step in transforming education.Continue reading 

• 1925 - Future Farmers of Virginia (FFV)

•  1925Virginia Tech agricultural education teacher educators Henry Groseclose, Harry Sanders, Walter S. Newman and Edmund C. Magill organized the Future Farmers of Virginia for boys in agriculture classes. The FFV served as the model for the Future Farmers of America.Continue reading 

• 1926 - The First National Congress of Vocational Agriculture Students assembles for a National Livestock Judging Contest.

•  1926The First National Congress of Vocational Agriculture Students assembles for a National Livestock Judging Contest at the American Royal Livestock and Horse Show in Kansas City, Mo.Continue reading 

• 1927 - H.O. Sargent and G.W. Owens write the first constitution and bylaws for the New Farmers of Virginia.

•  1927H.O. Sargent, a federal agent for agricultural education for African-Americans at the U.S. Office of Education, and G.W. Owens, a teacher-trainer at Virginia State College, write the first constitution and bylaws for the New Farmers of Virginia, an organization for African-American agriculture students. The organization holds its first state rally that same year.Continue reading 

• 1928 - Future Farmers of America is established in Kansas City, Mo.

•  1928Future Farmers of America is established in Kansas City, Mo. First National FFA Convention is held in Kansas City, Mo.: 33 delegates from 18 states (Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin) are in attendance. Leslie Applegate from New Jersey is elected first national FFA president. First sectional gathering of New Farmers of America (NFA) members is held.Continue reading 

• 1929 - National blue and corn gold are adopted as official FFA colors.

•  1929National blue and corn gold are adopted as official FFA colors. Carlton Patton from Arkansas is named the first Star Farmer of America. This is one of the first awards created by FFA, and it was sponsored until 1949 by the Kansas City Star. First National Chapter Contest is launched and sponsored by Farm Journal magazine. At the Second National FFA Convention in November, 33 states are represented by 64 delegates. Thirty-five state associations with approximately 1,500 chapters and 30,000 members are affiliated with the national organization.Continue reading 

• 1930 - Official FFA CreedOfficial FFA Creed, written by E.M. Tiffany, adopted.

•  1930Official FFA Creed, written by E.M. Tiffany, adopted. First National Public Speaking event held. Winner: Edward Drace, Missouri. First Official Dress uniform adopted: dark blue shirt, blue or white pants, blue cap and yellow tie. Delegates restricted membership to boys only. First Official FFA Manual printed.Continue reading 

• 1933 - Blue corduroy jacket adopted as Official Dress.

•  1933Blue corduroy jacket adopted as Official Dress. A group of FFA officers and members made a pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., where they were greeted on the White House lawn by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.Continue reading 

• 1935 - New Farmers of America founded in Tuskegee, Ala.

•  1935New Farmers of America founded in Tuskegee, Ala. Active FFA membership exceeded 100,000 members. To learn more about NFA, visit the New Farmers of America Records webpage in the Philanthropy Archives of the IUPUI library. An NFA digital archive is also available. The North Carolina FFA Association has a sizeable collection of historical NFA memorabilia as well.Continue reading 

• 1937 - National FFA Camp and Leadership Training School

•  1937During national convention, action taken to establish a national FFA camp and leadership training school in Washington, D.C.Continue reading 

• 1939 - First FFA-owned National Headquarters

•  193928.5 acres of land purchased near Alexandria, Va., for the first FFA-owned national headquarters; the land was part of George Washington’s estate. Identical twins Albert and Arthur Lacy of Hondo, Texas, become the only members ever to share the title of Star Farmer of America. The “H.O. Sargent Trophy Award” was created to honor H.O. Sargent’s commitment to helping NFA members achieve success and leadership in agriculture.Continue reading 

• 1942 - FFA Members Join in The War Effort

•  1942During World War II, when tens of thousands of FFA members served in the armed services, national FFA conventions were streamlined events where only delegates and award winners attend. In 1942, just 217 people attended the convention.Continue reading 

• 1944 - FFA Members Join in the War Effort

•  1944Future Farmers of America Foundation formed to raise money from business, industry, government, individuals and sponsors for FFA programs and activities. 138,548 FFA members were serving in the Armed Services in World War II. First National FFA Agriculture Proficiency Award presented for Agricultural Mechanics.Continue reading 

• 1947

•  1947First National FFA Band performed at national FFA convention.Continue reading 

• 1948 - First FFA Chorus and National FFA Talent program held at national FFA convention.

•  1948First FFA Chorus and National FFA Talent program held at national FFA convention. National FFA Supply Service began operation. Record jump in membership from 238,269 in 1947 to 260,300 in 1948; so many members attended the 20th National FFA Convention that a folding-cot hotel was set up in the basement of the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. First FFA Week celebrated during the week of George Washington’s birthday.Continue reading 

• 1949

•  1949First International Exchange Program for FFA members began with Young Farmers Club of Great Britain.Continue reading 

• 1950 - President Harry S. Truman signed the bill, and it became Public Law 81-740.

•  1950A bill was passed by the 81st Congress of the United States that granted FFA a federal charter and specified that a U.S. Department of Education staff member be the national FFA advisor. On Aug. 30, President Harry S. Truman signed the bill, and it became Public Law 81-740.Continue reading 

• 1952

•  1952First issue of The National Future Farmer magazine published.Continue reading 

• 1953 - The U.S. Post Office Department issued a special stamp to celebrate the 25th anniversary of FFA.

•  1953The U.S. Post Office Department issued a special stamp to celebrate the 25th anniversary of FFA. President Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first president to speak at a national FFA convention.Continue reading 

• 1957

•  1957Former President Harry S. Truman spoke during the national convention.Continue reading 

• 1958

•  1958The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis presented NFA with a Certificate of Appreciation.Continue reading 

• 1959 - First National FFA Center is dedicated in Alexandria, Va.

•  1959First National FFA Center is dedicated in Alexandria, Va., on land that was once part of George Washington’s estate. An FFA camp had been located here earlier. FFA holds its first National Leadership Training Conference for state officers in Washington, D.C.Continue reading 

• 1964

•  1964FFA sells its one-millionth FFA jacket.Continue reading 

• 1965 - New Farmers of America (NFA) merges with FFA

•  1965NFA merges with FFA, increasing FFA membership by more than 50,000. Delegates vote to increase FFA membership dues from 10 cents to 50 cents, allowing all members to receive the official FFA magazine, The National Future Farmer.Continue reading 

• 1966 - First FFA National Agricultural Career Show

•  1966First FFA National Agricultural Career Show (now called expo) is held at the National FFA Convention to highlight educational and career opportunities in agriculture.Continue reading 

• 1967

•  1967Elmer J. Johnson helps develop the FFA archives at the National FFA Center.Continue reading 

• 1968 - Presidential candidate Richard M. Nixon speaks at the National FFA Convention. 

•  1968Presidential candidate Richard M. Nixon speaks at the National FFA Convention. Nixon is elected U.S. president the following month.Continue reading 

• 1969 - The Washington Conference (now Washington Leadership Conference — WLC) begins.

•  1969FFA opens membership to females, making it possible for them to hold office and participate in competitive events at regional and national levels. Ken Dunagan from Arizona is named the first American Star in Agribusiness. The Washington Conference (now Washington Leadership Conference — WLC) begins. The delegate body of the National FFA Convention establishes alumni class of membership as part of the constitution.Continue reading 

• 1970 - First Female Delegates

•  1970New York’s Anita Decker and New Jersey’s Patricia Krowicki become the first two female delegates to the national convention.Continue reading 

• 1971 - The National FFA Alumni Association is established.

•  1971The National FFA Alumni Association is established. The Building Our American Communities (BOAC) program begins.Continue reading 

• 1973 - Fred McClure, Texas is the first African-American elected to a national FFA office.

•  1973FFA Official Dress standards are created. National FFA Secretary Fred McClure from Texas is the first African-American elected to a national FFA office.Continue reading 

• 1974 - President Gerald Ford speaks at the National FFA Convention.

•  1974President Gerald Ford speaks at the National FFA Convention. The speech is carried live on network television.Continue reading 

• 1975 - Food for America program launches.

•  1975Food for America program launches. Jimmy Carter, former Georgia governor and a former member of the Plains (Ga.) FFA Chapter, speaks at the National FFA Convention. Carter was elected U.S. president the following year. First FFA Student Handbook is published.Continue reading 

• 1976 - Julie Smiley, Washington is elected national FFA vice president and is the first female to hold a national FFA office.

•  1976Julie Smiley from Washington is elected national FFA vice president and is the first female to hold a national FFA office. Alaska becomes the last of the 50 states to obtain a national charter.Continue reading 

• 1978 - President Jimmy Carter speaks at the 51st National FFA Convention

•  1978President Jimmy Carter speaks at the 51st National FFA Convention again, this time as a U.S. president. The commemorative marker noting the site of the organization’s founding is unveiled in Kansas City, Mo.Continue reading 

• 1979

•  1979Christe Peterson from Wisconsin wins the first Extemporaneous Public Speaking Event.Continue reading 

• 1980

•  1980The National FFA Foundation raises $1 million in one year for the first time.Continue reading 

• 1982 - First Female National FFA President

•  1982Jan Eberly from California becomes the first female national FFA president.Continue reading 

• 1983

•  1983The Ag Ed Network, the organization’s computerized information service, launches.Continue reading 

• 1984

•  1984The first FFA TV public service announcements air.Continue reading 

• 1986 - The First Agriscience Teacher of the Year Award

•  1986The first Agriscience Teacher of the Year Award is presented to Steven McKay from Boonville, Calif.Continue reading 

• 1987 - Vice President George H.W. Bush speaks at the National FFA Convention.

•  1987The first national television satellite broadcast of the National FFA Convention airs. Vice President George H.W. Bush speaks at the National FFA Convention. Bush is elected U.S. president the following year.Continue reading 

• 1988 - President Ronald Reagan speaks at the National FFA Convention via a prerecorded message.

•  1988The Future Farmers of America changes its name to the National FFA Organization to reflect the growing diversity in agriculture. Seventh and eighth grade students are permitted to become FFA members. The Agriscience Student Recognition Program is introduced. President Ronald Reagan speaks at the National FFA Convention via a prerecorded message.Continue reading 

• 1989

•  1989The National Future Farmer magazine changes its name to FFA New Horizons.Continue reading 

• 1990 - The Partners in Active Learning Support (PALS) program launches. 

•  1990The Partners in Active Learning Support (PALS) program launches. National convention delegates vote to raise the number of official voting delegates to 475 based on proportional representation. Delegates vote “no” to a new FFA Creed during the 63rd National FFA Convention.Continue reading 

• 1991

•  1991FFA chapters in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam, along with five chapters in Micronesia, are chartered.Continue reading 

• 1994 - Corey Flournoy, Illinois is the first African-American to be elected national FFA president.

•  1994Corey Flournoy from Illinois is the first African-American to be elected national FFA president; he is also the first urban student leader.Continue reading 

• 1996 - H.O. Sargent Award is reinstated, promoting diversity among chapters.

•  1996H.O. Sargent Award is reinstated, promoting diversity among chapters. FFA announces its decision to move the National FFA Center from Alexandria, Va., to Indianapolis. FFA announces its decision to move the National FFA Convention from Kansas City, Mo., to Louisville, Ky., in 1999. The official website for FFA, FFA.org, debuts.Continue reading 

• 1998 - Jose Santiago, Puerto Rico is the first member from Puerto Rico to serve as a national FFA officer.

•  1998The National FFA Center in Indianapolis is dedicated on July 20. The Agricultural Education National Headquarters is dedicated in Alexandria, Va. The National FFA Convention is held in Kansas City, Mo., for the last time. Jose Santiago from Puerto Rico is elected national FFA vice president. He is the first member from Puerto Rico to serve as a national FFA officer. Public Law 81-740 is revised through the 105th Congress and replaced by Public Law 105-225 on Aug. 12.Continue reading 

• 1999 - The National FFA Convention is held in Louisville, Ky.

•  1999The National FFA Convention is held in Louisville, Ky., for the first time with 46,918 in attendance. Michael Van Winkle from Arkansas wins the first National Creed Speaking event.Continue reading 

• 2000 - Delegates at the National FFA Convention approve the Discovery FFA Degree

•  2000The National FFA Archives at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) opens. Delegates at the National FFA Convention approve the Discovery FFA Degree for middle school students.Continue reading 

• 2001

•  2001Steven Offer from Wisconsin is named the first American Star in Agriscience. Nicholas Streff from South Dakota is named the first American Star in Agricultural Placement.Continue reading 

• 2002 - The time capsule from the 50th National FFA Convention is opened.

•  2002The 75th National FFA Convention is held in Louisville, Ky. To celebrate this special event, the time capsule from the 50th National FFA Convention is opened. Special guest Muhammad Ali is recognized at Reflections to honor the growing diversity of the National FFA Organization. Karlene Lindow from Wisconsin is named American Star Farmer. Lindow is the first female to receive this award. Official Dress standards are revised.Continue reading 

• 2003 - Javier Moreno, Puerto Rico, he becomes the first person with a native language other than English and the first Puerto Rican elected to this office.

•  2003Javier Moreno from Puerto Rico is elected national president; he becomes the first person with a native language other than English and the first Puerto Rican elected to this office. “Only Blue Will Do!” launches. The campaign focuses on restoring the official FFA jacket colors to the true national blue and corn gold, as well as providing a superior-fitting jacket. “FFA Live!” launches on RFD-TV.Continue reading 

• 2004

•  2004The first live webcast of the National FFA Convention premieres on FFA.org.Continue reading 

• 2005 - National FFA launches Seeds of Hope

•  2005National FFA launches Seeds of Hope, a fundraising campaign to rebuild Gulf Coast states’ agricultural education and FFA programs following Hurricane Katrina; $835,699 in donations is distributed to affected programs. The National FFA Foundation tops the $10 million mark in raising money in one year for FFA programs and services.Continue reading 

• 2006 - The 79th National FFA Convention is held in Indianapolis for the first time

•  2006The 79th National FFA Convention is held in Indianapolis for the first time, with 54,589 in attendance. The National FFA Foundation announces its first $1 million contribution from the Ford Motor Company.Continue reading 

• 2007 - The FFA Merchandise Center opens in Indianapolis. 

•  2007The FFA Merchandise Center opens in Indianapolis. FFA membership exceeds the half-million mark with 500,823 members in 7,358 chapters. FFA New Horizons adds online feature—FFAnewhorizons.org.Continue reading 

• 2008

•  2008The FFA member networking site, FFA Nation (now defunct), launches. The FFA board of directors makes the decision to rotate the National FFA Convention between Louisville and Indianapolis, beginning with Louisville in 2013.Continue reading 

• 2009

•  2009FFA celebrates 40 years of women in the organization.Continue reading 

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• 2010 - Dr. Larry Case retires after 26 years as national FFA advisor.

•  2010Dr. Larry Case retires after 26 years as national FFA advisor. FFA celebrates the 75th anniversary of the founding of NFA. Six college-age FFA members travel to Zambia for the FFA Global Outreach: Africa program.Continue reading 

• 2011 - Dr. Steve A. Brown is named national advisor/board chair.

•  2011The National FFA Alumni Association celebrates its 40th anniversary. FFA celebrates Native Americans in FFA, agriculture and agricultural education during the 84th National FFA Convention. Dr. Steve A. Brown is named national advisor/board chair.Continue reading 

• 2012 - FFA celebrates Latinos/Hispanics in FFA

•  2012Patrick Gottsch donates $1 million on behalf of RFD-TV to the National FFA Organization, the single-largest unrestricted donation in the organization’s history. National FFA Foundation receives a record of more than $16.2 million in support of FFA. FFA members and supporters pack 1,005,048 meals during the national convention and expo’s FFA Rally to Fight Hunger. FFA celebrates Latinos/Hispanics in FFA, agriculture and agricultural education during the national convention and expo.Continue reading 

• 2013 - Sherene Donaldson is named first female national FFA executive secretary. 

•  2013Sherene Donaldson is named first female national FFA executive secretary. Ram Truck’s “So God Made a Farmer” Super Bowl commercial exceeds 18 million views on YouTube; company donates $1 million to FFA. FFA Today Radio Show debuts on SiriusXM’s RURAL RADIO channel.Continue reading 

• 2014 - Five FFA jackets are donated to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

•  2014FFA members earn a record 3,765 American FFA Degrees. Five FFA jackets are donated to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The Give the Gift of Blue Program begins.Continue reading 

• 2015 - First Lady Michelle Obama gives video greetings to attendees at the national convention and expo.

•  2015FFA announces the national convention and expo to move to Indianapolis from 2016-24. First Lady Michelle Obama gives video greetings to attendees at the national convention and expo. Membership in the National FFA Alumni Association reaches 62,705 alumni. The organization’s official website, FFA.org, is updated to include a new look, a personalized dashboard, the resource My Journey, the FFA Resume Generator© and the FFA Brand Center. The FFA emblem is also newly refreshed to modernize the FFA brand.Continue reading 

• 2016 - FFA, Discovery Education and AgCareers.com partner to create AgExplorer

•  2016National FFA Alumni membership jumps to 225,891 members, up from 62,705 in 2015. FFA, Discovery Education and AgCareers.com partner to create AgExplorer, a career website to help students explore unique careers in agriculture.Continue reading 

• 2017 - Breanna Holbert from California is the first African-American female to be elected national FFA president.

•  2017Convention delegate recommendations to alter Official Dress and the opening ceremony get approval from the National FFA Board of Directors. Breanna Holbert from California is the first African-American female to be elected national FFA president.Continue reading 

• 2018

•  2018The board of directors votes to rename the National FFA Alumni Association to National FFA Alumni and Supporters and change its bylaws to operational policies. The National FFA Alumni Council becomes the National FFA Alumni and Supporters Advisory Committee. The 91st National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis has a record attendance of 69,944. President Donald Trump speaks at the National FFA Convention & Expo.Continue reading 

• 2019

•  2019Student membership hits an all-time high with 700,170 members in 8,612 chapters. FFA celebrates the 50th anniversaries of the Washington Leadership Conference and the delegate vote that allowed female membership. The National FFA Foundation celebrates its 75th anniversary.