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The Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act
The Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act (both Smith and Hughes were Georgia Congressmen) established vocational agriculture courses. -
Virgina Tech agricultural Education Teacher Educators Henry Groseclose
Virginia 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. -
The American Royal Livestock Show
The American Royal Livestock Show invited vocational agriculture students to participate in national livestock judging contests in Kansas City, Mo. -
G.W. Owens Teacher-Trainer at Virginia State College
G.W. Owens, teacher-trainer at Virginia State College, and Dr. H.O. Sargent, federal agent for agricultural education for African-Americans, U.S. Office of Education, wrote the first constitution and bylaws of the New Farmers of Virginia, an organization for African-American agriculture students. -
Future Farmers of America Established in Kansas City, Mo.
Future Farmers of America established in Kansas City, Mo.
First National FFA Convention held in Kansas City: 33 delegates from 18 states in attendance.
Leslie Applegate of New Jersey selected as the first national FFA president.
First sectional gathering of New Farmers of America members held. -
National Blue and Corn Gold adopted as official colors
National blue and corn gold adopted as official colors.
Carlton Patton of Arkansas named first Star Farmer of America, one of the first awards created by FFA.
At the Second National FFA Convention in November 1929, 33 states represented by 64 delegates.
Thirty-five state associations with approximately 1,500 chapters and 30,000 members affiliated with the national organization. -
Offical FFA Creed
Official 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. -
Blue Corduroy Jacket Adopted as Official Dress
Blue 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. -
New Farmers of America founded in Tuskegee
New Farmers of America founded in Tuskegee, Ala.
Active FFA membership exceeded 100,000 members. -
Action Taken to Establish a National FFA camp
During national convention, action taken to establish a national FFA camp and leadership training school in Washington, D.C. -
FFA National Headquarters
28.5 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. -
FFA Convention Held During World War II
During 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. -
Future Farmers of America Foundation
Future 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. -
First National FFA Band performed
First National FFA Band performed at national FFA convention. -
First FFA Chorus and National FFA Talent program held at national FFA convention
First 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. -
First International Exchange Program for FFA members
First International Exchange Program for FFA members began with Young Farmers Club of Great Britain. -
A bill was passed by the 81st Congress of the United States
A 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. -
The National Future Farmer Magazine
First issue of The National Future Farmer magazine published. -
The U.S. Post Office Department issued a special stamp to celebrate the 25th anniversary of FFA
The 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. -
Former President Harry S. Truman
Former President Harry S. Truman spoke during the national convention. -
The National Foundation Infantile
The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis presented NFA with a Certificate of Appreciation. -
New Farmers of America merged
New Farmers of America merged with the Future Farmers of America. -
First FFA Agricultural Career show
First FFA National Agricultural Career Show held at national FFA convention to highlight educational and career opportunities in agriculture.
