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 (FFV) 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 and horse show in Kansa City, MO.
  • 1927

    H.O Sargent, a Federal agent for agricultural education for African Americans at the U.S. Office of education, and G.W. Owens, a teacher-trainer at Virginia, an Organization for African American agricultural students the organization holds its first state rally that same year.
  • 1928

    Future Farmers of America is established in Kansas City, MO.
  • 1929

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

    Official FFA creed is 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

    Blue corduroy jacket is adopted as official Dress.
  • 1935

    Activa FFA membership exceeds 100,000 members.
  • 1937

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

    28.5 acres of land is purchased in Alexandria, Va., for the first FFA - owned national headquarters; the land once 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 Oaklahoma - serve with Lt. col Jimmy Doolittle and participate in the famous air raid on Tokyo.
  • 1944

    The Future Farmers of America Foundation is formed in Washington, D.C., to raise money for FFA programs and activites.
  • 1946

    Attendance at the national FFA ¨Victory Convention" 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 band performs at the national FFA Convention.
  • 1948

    The first FFA Chorus and National FFA talent program is held at the National FFA Convention.
  • 1949

    The first international Exchange Program for FFA members begins with the young Farmers' Club of Breat Britain.
  • 1950

    The Rhode Island FFA Association with five Chapters and 82 members, is charted - FFA is in all 48 states, plus the Territory of Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
  • 1952

    The FFA Code of Ethics is adopted.
  • 1953

    FFA memberships reach 393,369 members.
  • 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.
  • 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 500,000.
  • 1966

    The First FFA national agriculture 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.
  • 1968

    presidential candidate Richard M. Nixon speaks at the national FFA convention. Nixion 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.
  • 1970

    New York Anita Decker and New Jersey Patricia krowicki become the first two females delegates to the national convention.
  • 1971

    The national FFA Alumni Association is established.
  • 1973

    FFA official dress standers are created.
  • 1974

    president Gerald ford speaks at the national FFA convention. The speech is carried live on network television.
  • 1975

    Food for America program launches.
  • 1976

    Alaska becomes the last of the 50 states to obtain a national character.
  • 1978

    President Jimmy Carter speaks at the 51st National FFA Convention again, this time as U.S president.
  • 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.
  • 1982

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

    The Ag Ed network, the organization's computerized information service, launches.
  • 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.
  • 1987

    the first national television satellite broadcast of the national FFA convention airs.
  • 1988

    The agriscience students recognition program is introduced.
  • 1989

    The national future farmer's magazine changes its name to FFA New Horizons.
  • 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.