FFA History

  • 1917

    Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act
  • 1925

    Virginia tech agriculture education teacher educators Henry C.
  • 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 agriculture education for African Americans at the U.S. Office of education and G.W.
  • 1928

    Future farmers of American is established in Kansas City, Mo.
  • 1929

    National blue and corn gold are adopted as official FFA colors
  • 1930

    Offical FFA creed, written by E.M. Tiffany,is adopted
  • 1931

    the national FFA radio program on NBC is launched
  • 1932

    a character is granted to the Puerto Rico FFA association
  • 1933

    A group of FFA officers and members make a pilgrimage to Washington D.C. where they are greeted on the white house lawn by president franklin D. Roosevelt
  • 1935

    NFA is founded as a national organization at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama
  • 1937

    during the national FFA, convection 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 in the war effort. three former FFA members-Robert Gray from Texas, Travis hoover from California, and melvin Jordan from Oklahoma-serve with then Lt. Jimmy Doolittle and participate in the famous air raid on Tokyo.
  • 1944

    The future farmers of the American Foundation is formed in Washington, D.C., to raise money for FFA programs and activities.
  • 1946

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

    The first National FFA convection. National FFA officers go on the first goodwill tour, visiting business and industrial firms and organizations.
  • 1948

    The first FFA chorus and National FFA talent program is held at the National FFA convention
  • 1949

    The first international exchange program for the FFA members begins with young farmers club of great britiain
  • 1950

    The 81st U.S. Congress passes a bill that grants a federal charter to future farmers of America.
  • 1952

    The FFA code of ethics is adopted. The first issue of the National farmer magazine is published
  • 1953

    The U.S. Post Office Department issues a special 3-cent postage stamp—the cost of mailing a first-class letter then—to celebrate the 25th anniversary of FFA.
  • 1953

    The U.S. Post Office Department issues a special 3-cent postage stamp—the cost of mailing a first-class letter then—to celebrate the 25th anniversary of FFA. The first stamps are released in Kansas City, Mo., during the National FFA Convention.
  • 1953

    The U.S. Post Office Department issues a special 3-cent postage stamp—the cost of mailing a first-class letter then—to celebrate the 25th anniversary of FFA. The first stamps are released in Kansas City, Mo., during the National FFA Convention.
  • 1953

    The U.S. Post Office Department issues a special 3-cent postage stamp—the cost of mailing a first-class letter then—to celebrate the 25th anniversary of FFA. The first stamps are released in Kansas City, Mo., during the National FFA Convention.• President Dwight D. Eisenhower speaks at the National FFA Convention — the first U.S. president to do so — and receives an Honorary American Farmer Degree.• FFA membership reaches 363,369
  • 1953

    The U.S. Post Office Department issues a special 3-cent postage stamp—the cost of mailing a first-class letter then—to celebrate the 25th anniversary of FFA. The first stamps are released in Kansas City, Mo., during the National FFA Convention.
  • 1955

    photo of American Star Farmer Joe Moore is on the cover of Time magazine.
  • 1955

    Photo of American Star Farmer Joe Moore is on the cover of Time magazine.
  • 1955

    Photo of American Star Farmer Joe Moore is on the cover of Time magazine.
  • 1955

    Photo of American Star Farmer Joe Moore is on the cover of Time magazine.
  • 1955

    Photo of American Star Farmer Joe Moore is on the cover of Time magazine.
  • 1957

    Former President Harry S. Truman speaks during the National FFA Convention.
  • 1957

    Former President Harry S. Truman speaks during the National FFA Convention.
  • 1957

    Former President Harry S. Truman speaks during the National FFA Convention.
  • 1957

    Former President Harry S. Truman speaks during the National FFA Convention.
  • 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.
  • 1958

    The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis presents NFA with a Certificate of Appreciation.
  • 1958

    The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis presents NFA with a Certificate of Appreciation.
  • 1958

    The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis presents NFA with a Certificate of Appreciation.
  • 1958

    The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis presents NFA with a Certificate of Appreciation.
  • 1959

    First 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.
  • 1959

    First 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.
  • 1959

    First 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.
  • 1959

    First 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.
  • 1959

    First 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.
  • 1964

    FFA sells its one-millionth FFA jacket.
  • 1964

    FFA sells its one-millionth FFA jacket.
  • 1964

    FFA sells its one-millionth FFA jacket.
  • 1964

    FFA sells its one-millionth FFA jacket.
  • 1964

    FFA sells its one-millionth FFA jacket.
  • 1965

    NFA merges with FFA, increasing FFA membership by more than 50,000.
  • 1965

    NFA merges with FFA, increasing FFA membership by more than 50,000.
  • 1965

    NFA merges with FFA, increasing FFA membership by more than 50,000.
  • 1965

    NFA merges with FFA, increasing FFA membership by more than 50,000.
  • 1965

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

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

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

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

    First FFA National Agricultural Career Show (now called expo) is held at the National FFA Convention to highlight
  • 1966

    First FFA National Agricultural Career Show (now called expo) is held at the National FFA Convention to highlight educational and career opportunities in agriculture.
  • 1967

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

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

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

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

    Elmer J. Johnson helps develop the FFA archives at the National FFA Center.
  • 1968

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

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

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

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

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

    FFA opens membership to females, making it possible for them to hold office and participate in competitive events at regional and national levels.
  • 1969

    FFA opens membership to females, making it possible for them to hold office and participate in competitive events at regional and national levels.
  • 1969

    FFA opens membership to females, making it possible for them to hold office and participate in competitive events at regional and national levels.
  • 1969

    FFA opens membership to females, making it possible for them to hold office and participate in competitive events at regional and national levels.
  • 1969

    FFA 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.
  • 1970

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

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

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

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

    New York’s Anita Decker and New Jersey’s Patricia Krowicki become the first two female delegates to the national convention.
  • 1971

    The National FFA Alumni Association is established.
  • 1971

    The National FFA Alumni Association is established.
  • 1971

    The National FFA Alumni Association is established.
  • 1971

    The National FFA Alumni Association is established.
  • 1971

    The National FFA Alumni Association is established.
  • 1973

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

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

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

    FFA Official Dress standards are created.
  • 1973

    FFA Official Dress standards are created.
  • 1974

    President Gerald Ford speaks at the National FFA Convention. The speech is carried live on network television. 1975
  • 1974

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

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

    President Gerald Ford speaks at the National FFA Convention. The speech is carried live on network television.
  • 1975

    4ood 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.
  • 1975

    Food 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.
  • 1975

    Food for America program launches.
  • 1975

    Food 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.
  • 1976

    Julie 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.
  • 1976

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

    Julie Smiley from Washington is elected national FFA vice president and is the first female to hold a national FFA office.
  • 1978

    President 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.
  • 1978

    President Jimmy Carter speaks at the 51st National FFA Convention again, this time as a U.S. president.
  • 1978

    President Jimmy Carter speaks at the 51st National FFA Convention again, this time as a U.S. president.
  • 1979

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

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

    Christe Peterson from Wisconsin wins the first Extemporaneous Public Speaking Event.
  • 1980

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

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

    The National FFA Foundation raises $1 million in one year for the first time.
  • 1982

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

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

    Jan Eberly from California becomes the first female national FFA president.
  • 1983

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

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

    The Ag Ed Network, the organization’s computerized information service, launches.
  • 1984

    The first FFA TV public service announcements air.
  • 1984

    The first FFA TV public service announcements air.
  • 1984

    The first FFA TV public service announcements air.
  • 1986

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

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

    The first Agriscience Teacher of the Year Award is presented to Steven McKay from Boonville, Calif.
  • 1987

    The 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.
  • 1987

    The first national television satellite broadcast of the National FFA Convention airs.
  • 1987

    The first national television satellite broadcast of the National FFA Convention airs.
  • 1988

    The 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.
  • 1988

    The Future Farmers of America changes its name to the National FFA Organization to reflect the growing diversity in agriculture.
  • 1988

    The National FFA Center in Indianapolis is dedicated on July 20
  • 1988

    The 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.
  • 1989

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

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

    The National Future Farmer magazine changes its name to FFA New Horizons.
  • 1990

    The 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.
  • 1990

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

    The Partners in Active Learning Support (PALS) program launches
  • 1991

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

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

    FFA chapters in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam, along with five chapters in Micronesia, are chartered.
  • 1994

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

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

    Corey Flournoy from Illinois is the first African-American to be elected national FFA president; he is also the first urban student leader.
  • 1996

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

    H.O. Sargent Award is reinstated, promoting diversity among chapters.
  • 1997

    The first Agri-Entrepreneurship Award is presented.
  • 1997

    The first Agri-Entrepreneurship Award is presented.
  • 1998

    The National FFA Center in Indianapolis is dedicated on July 20.
  • 1999

    The National FFA Convention is held in Louisville, Ky., for the first time with 46,918 in attendance.
  • 1999

    The National FFA Convention is held in Louisville, Ky., for the first time with 46,918 in attendance.
  • 2000

    The National FFA Archives at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) opens.
  • 2000

    The National FFA Archives at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) opens.
  • 2001

    Steven Offer from Wisconsin is named the first American Star in Agriscience.
  • 2001

    Steven Offer from Wisconsin is named the first American Star in Agriscience.
  • 2002

    The 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
  • 2002

    The 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.
  • 2003

    Javier 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.
  • 2003

    Javier 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.
  • 2004

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

    Javier 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.
  • 2005

    National 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.
  • 2005

    National 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.
  • 2006

    The 79th National FFA Convention is held in Indianapolis for the first time, with 54,589 in attendance.
  • 2006

    The 79th National FFA Convention is held in Indianapolis for the first time, with 54,589 in attendance.
  • 2007

    The FFA Merchandise Center opens in Indianapolis.
  • 2007

    The FFA Merchandise Center opens in Indianapolis.
  • 2008

    The FFA member networking site, FFA Nation (now defunct), launches.
  • 2008

    The FFA member networking site, FFA Nation (now defunct), launches.
  • 2009

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

    FFA celebrates 40 years of women in the organization
  • 2010

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

    Dr. Larry Case retires after 26 years as national FFA advisor.
  • 2011

    The National FFA Alumni Association celebrates its 40th anniversary.
  • 2011

    The National FFA Alumni Association celebrates its 40th anniversary.
  • 2012

    Patrick Gottsch donates $1 million on behalf of RFD-TV to the National FFA Organization, the single-largest unrestricted donation in the organization’s history.
  • 2012

    Patrick Gottsch donates $1 million on behalf of RFD-TV to the National FFA Organization, the single-largest unrestricted donation in the organization’s history.
  • 2013

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

    Sherene Donaldson is named first female national FFA executive secretary.
  • 2014

    FFA members earn a record 3,765 American FFA Degrees.
  • 2014

    FFA members earn a record 3,765 American FFA Degrees.
  • 2015

    FFA announces the national convention and expo to move to Indianapolis from 2016-24.
  • 2015

    FFA 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.
  • 2016

    National FFA Alumni membership jumps to 225,891 members, up from 62,705 in 2015.
  • 2016

    National FFA Alumni membership jumps to 225,891 members, up from 62,705 in 2015.
  • 2017

    Convention delegate recommendations to alter Official Dress and the opening ceremony get approval from the National FFA Board of Directors.
  • 2017

    Convention delegate recommendations to alter Official Dress and the opening ceremony get approval from the National FFA Board of Directors.
  • 2018

    The 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.
  • 2018

    The 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.
  • 2019

    FFA celebrates 50 years of female membership in the organization.
  • 2019

    FFA celebrates 50 years of female membership in the organization.
  • 2020

    Student membership hits an all-time high with 760,113 members in 8,739 chapters.
  • 2020

    Student membership hits an all-time high with 760,113 members in 8,739 chapters.
  • 2021

    FFA celebrates 50 years of alumni membership.