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FFA Timeline

  • Sam Hughes Act

    Sam Hughes Act
    Advancement in agriculture education.
  • Future Farmers of Virginia (FFV)

    Future Farmers of Virginia (FFV)
    Agricultural education teacher educators organized the Future Farmers of Virginia for boys in agriculture classes. The FFV served as the model for the Future Farmers of America.
  • The First National Congress of Vocational Agriculture Students assembles for a National Livestock Judging Contest.

    The First National Congress of Vocational Agriculture Students assembles for a National Livestock Judging Contest.
    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,
  • Future Farmers of America is established in Kansas City, Mo.

    Future Farmers of America is established in Kansas City, Mo.
    Future Farmers of America is established in Kansas City, Mo. First National FFA Convention is held in Kansas City, Mo
  • National blue and corn gold are adopted as official FFA colors.

    National blue and corn gold are adopted as official FFA colors.
    National blue and corn gold are adopted as official FFA colors. Carlton Patton from Arkansas is named the first Star Farmer of America. This is one of the first awards created by FFA, and it was sponsored until 1949 by the Kansas City Star.
  • Blue corduroy jacket adopted as Official Dress.

    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, Ala.

    New Farmers of America founded in Tuskegee, Ala.
    New Farmers of America founded in Tuskegee, Ala. Active FFA membership exceeded 100,000 members.
  • FFA Members Join in The War Effort

    FFA Members Join in The War Effort
    In 1942, just 217 people attended the convention. In 1944138,548 FFA members were serving in the Armed Services in World War II. First National FFA Agriculture Proficiency Award presented for Agricultural Mechanics.
  • President Harry S. Truman signed the bill, and it became Public Law 81-740.

    President Harry S. Truman signed the bill, and it became Public Law 81-740.
    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 is the national FFA advisor.
  • The National Future Farmer magazine

    The National Future Farmer magazine
    The 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.
    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.
  • New Farmers of America (NFA) merges with FFA

    New Farmers of America (NFA) merges with FFA
    NFA merges with FFA, increasing FFA membership by more than 50,000. Delegates vote to increase FFA membership dues from 10 cents to 50 cents, allowing all members to receive the official FFA magazine, The National Future Farmer.
  • The Washington Conference (now Washington Leadership Conference — WLC) begins.

    The Washington Conference (now Washington Leadership Conference — WLC) begins.
    FFA opens membership to females, making it possible for them to hold office and participate in competitive events at regional and national levels.
  • The National FFA Alumni Association is established.

    The National FFA Alumni Association is established.
    The National FFA Alumni Association is established. The Building Our American Communities (BOAC) program begins.
  • First Female National FFA President

     First Female National FFA President
    Jan Eberly from California becomes the first female national FFA president.
  • President Ronald Reagan speaks at the National FFA Convention via a prerecorded message.

    President Ronald Reagan speaks at the National FFA Convention via a prerecorded message.
    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.
  • Corey Flournoy, Illinois is the first African-American to be elected national FFA president.

    Corey Flournoy, Illinois is the first African-American to be elected national FFA president.
    Corey Flournoy from Illinois is the first African-American to be elected national FFA president; he is also the first urban student leader.
  • The National FFA Convention is held in Louisville, Ky.

    The National FFA Convention is held in Louisville, Ky.
    The National FFA Convention is held in Louisville, Ky., for the first time with 46,918 in attendance. Michael Van Winkle from Arkansas wins the first National Creed Speaking event.
  • The time capsule from the 50th National FFA Convention is opened.

    The time capsule from the 50th National FFA Convention is opened.
    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.
  • The 79th National FFA Convention is held in Indianapolis for the first time

    The 79th National FFA Convention is held in Indianapolis for the first time
    The 79th National FFA Convention is held in Indianapolis for the first time, with 54,589 in attendance.
  • Five FFA jackets are donated to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

    Five FFA jackets are donated to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
    FFA members earn a record 3,765 American FFA Degrees. Five FFA jackets are donated to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The Give the Gift of Blue Program begins.
  • Breanna Holbert from California is the first African-American female to be elected national FFA president.

     Breanna Holbert from California is the first African-American female to be elected national FFA president.
    Student membership hits an all-time high with 653,359 members in 8,568 chapters.