FFA History

  • 1917

    The Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act establishes vocational agriculture courses
  • 1925

    Virginia Tech agricultural education teacher educators Henry C. Groseclose, Harry W. Sanders, Walter S. Newman, and Edmund C. Magill organized the Future Farmers of Virginia for boys in agriculture classes. The FFV serves as the model for the future farmers of America
  • 1926

    The 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
  • 1927

    H.O Sargent, a federal agent for agricultural education for African Americans in 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
  • 1928

    First National FFA Convention is held in Kansas City, mo
    Leslie Applegate from New Jersey is elected the first National FFA president
  • 1929

    National blue and corn gold are adopted as official FFA colors. The first National chapter contest is launched and sponsored by Farm Journal magazine
  • 1930

    Official FFA creed, written by E.M. Tiffany, is adopted. Edward Drace from Missouri wins the first National public speaking event. The first official dress is adopted.
  • 1931

    The National FFA Radio Program on NBC is launched
  • 1932

    A charter is granted to the Puerto Rico FFA Association
  • 1933

    Blue corduroy jacket is adopted as official dress
  • 1935

    NFA is founded as a national organization at the Tuskegee instutute in Alabama
    David Simmons of Alabama is elected as the first national NFA president
  • 1937

    During the National FFA convention, action is taken to establish a National FFA camp and leadership training school in Washington, D.C.
  • 1939

    28.5 acres of land is purchased near Alexandria, Va, for the first FFA owned national headquarters; the land was once part of George Washington's estate
  • 1942

    FFA members join world war two and FFA members resign from the FFA to fight in the war
  • 1944

    The FFA American foundation is formed in Washington D.C.
    138,548 FFA members served in World War 2
  • 1946

    Attendance at the national FFA victory convention is 12,500. Those in attendance honor 260,450 FFA members who served and the 7,188 who paid the supreme sacrifice, losing their lives in the war
  • 1947

    National FFA officers go on the first Goodwill tour visiting businesses and industrial firms and organizations
  • 1948

    Record jump in membership from 238,269 in 1947 to 260,300 in 1948
  • 1949

    The first International exchange program for FFA members begins with the young farmers club of Great Britain
  • 1950

    The 81st U.S. Congress passes a bill that grants a federal charter to future farmers of America. President Harry S. Truman signs the bill on Aug.30, and it becomes public law 81-740
  • 1952

    The first issue of the national Future Farmers of America magazine is published
  • 1953

    President Dwight D. Eisenhower speaks at the national convention the first president to do so and receives an Honorary American Farmer degree
  • 1955

    Photo of American star farmer Joe Moore is on the cover of Tiem magazine
  • 1957

    Former President Harry S. Truman speaks during the national FFA convention
  • 1958

    The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis presents NFA with a certificate of appreciation
  • 1959

    FFA holds its first National leadership training conference for state officers in Washington, D.C.
  • 1964

    FFA sells its one-millionth FFA jacket
  • 1965

    NFA merges with FFA increasing FFA membership by more than 50,000
  • 1966

    The First National Agricultural career show is held at the National FFA convention to highlight educational and career opportunities in agriculture
  • 1967

    Elmer johnson helps develop the FFA archives at the National FFA center
  • 1968

    President candidate Richard M. Nixon speaks at the National FFA convention Nixon is elected the U.S. president the following month
  • 1969

    FFA membership opens up to females making it possible for them to run for office