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Smith-Hughes Act
Since the Smith-Hughes Act, agricultural education has improved, benefiting not only American farm and rural families but also people across the world who are fed and clothed by American farmers. It began with that first step, like with all great adventure. The Smith-Hughes Act, which marked America's first step toward reforming education, turned 100 years old in 2017. -
Future Farmers of Virginia (FFV)
The Future Farmers of Virginia was formed by Virginia Tech agricultural education professors Henry Groseclose, Harry Sanders, Walter S. Newman, and Edmund C. Magill for male students taking agriculture studies. The Future Farmers of America were modeled after the FFV. -
The First National Livestock Judging Contest.
At the American Royal Livestock and Horse Show in Kansas City, Missouri, the First National Congress of Vocational Agriculture Students congregates for a national livestock judging competition. -
National blue and corn gold are adopted as official FFA colors.
The official FFA colors are national blue and corn gold. The first Star Farmer of America is named to be Carlton Patton from Arkansas. Farm Journal magazine introduces and sponsors the First National Chapter Contest. 64 delegates will be attending the Second National FFA Convention in November to represent 33 states. The national organization is connected to 35 state associations, which have 30,000 members and over 1,500 chapters. -
Official FFA CreedOfficial FFA Creed, written by E.M. Tiffany, adopted.
E.M. Tiffany's FFA Creed is accepted as official. The first National Public Speaking Competition is won by Edward Drace of Missouri. Adopted is the first official dress attire, consisting of a dark blue shirt, blue or white slacks, a blue cap, and a yellow tie. Only boys may join the FFA, according to delegates. -
Blue corduroy jacket adopted as Official Dress.
As official dress, a blue corduroy jacket is now required. A party of FFA leaders and members travel to Washington, D.C., where President Franklin D. Roosevelt meets them on the lawn of the White House. -
First FFA-owned National Headquarters
For the first FFA-owned national headquarters, 28.5 acres of land was bought close to Alexandria, Virginia; the location was formerly part of George Washington's estate. Albert and Arthur Lacy, identical twins from Hondo, Texas, are the first members to ever hold the same Star Farmer of America title. In recognition of H.O. Sargent's dedication to assisting NFA members in achieving success and leadership in agriculture, the H.O. Sargent Trophy Award was established. -
FFA Members Join in the War Effort
In Washington, D.C., the Future Farmers of America Foundation is established to raise money for FFA programs and events. In World War II, there were 138,548 FFA members serving in the military. Agricultural mechanics receives the first National FFA Agriculture Proficiency Award. -
First FFA Chorus and National FFA Talent program held at national FFA convention.
The National FFA Convention hosts the inaugural FFA Chorus and National FFA Talent programs. Launch of the National FFA Supply Service. Membership increased by a record amount, from 238,269 in 1947 to 260,300 in 1948. The 20th National FFA Convention attracts 10,000 members, which necessitates the construction of a folding-cot hotel in the Municipal Auditorium's basement in Kansas City, Missouri. During the week of George Washington's birthday, First FFA Week is observed. -
President Harry S. Truman signed the bill, and it became Public Law 81-740.
A bill giving Future Farmers of America a federal charter is approved by the 81st U.S. Congress. On August 30, Harry S. Truman signs the legislation into law, making it Public Law 81-740. FFA is present in all 48 states, plus the territories of Hawaii and Puerto Rico, and the Rhode Island FFA Association has been granted charter status. It has five chapters and 82 members.