FFA

Facts!

Jan 1, 1917

-The Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act (both Smith and Hughes were Georgia Congressman) established vocational agriculture courses.

Facts!

Jan 1, 1928

-Future Farmers of America established in Kansas City, MO.
-Leslie Applegate of New Jersey selected as the first National FFA president.
-First National FFA Convention held in Kansas City: 33 delegatesfrom 18 states in attendance.
-First selectional gathering of New Farmers of America members.

Facts!

Jan 1, 1929

-National blue and corn gold adopted as official colors.
-Carlton Patton of Arkansas was named first Star Farmerof America; this was on of the first awards created by the national FFA and sponsored until 1949 by the Kansas City Star.

Facts!

Jan 1, 1930

-Official FFA Creed adopted.
-First official dress uniform was adopted: dark blue shirt, blue or white pants, a blue cap, and a yellow tie.

Facts!

Jan 1, 1933

-Blue corduroy jacket was adopted as official dress.

Facts!

Jan 1, 1935

-Active FFA membership exceeded 100,000 members.

Facts!

Jan 1, 1947

-First National FFA Band performed at national FFA convention.

Facts!

Jan 1, 1950

-The Congress of the United States passed Public Law 740, which granted the FFA a federal charter.

Facts!

Jan 1, 1957

-Former President Harry S. Truman spoke during the national convention.

Facts!

Jan 1, 1965

-The New Farmers of America (NFA) and FFA merged.

Facts!

Jan 1, 1969

-FFA opens membership to girls.

Facts!

Jan 1, 1973

-FFA Official Dress standards created.

Facts!

Jan 1, 1975

-Food for America program launched.

Facts!

Jan 1, 1982

-Jan Eberly, California, becomes the first female national FFA president.

Facts!

Jan 1, 1988

-Seventh and eighth grade students permitted to become FFA members.

Facts!

Jan 1, 1990

-Partners in Active Learning Support (PALS) program is launched.

Facts!

Jan 1, 1997

-First Agri-Entrepreneurship Awards presented.