Ffa

History of the FFA

By iteachag

  • The National Vocational Education Act

    (better known as the Smith-Hughes Act) provides funding to
    states for vocational education courses. (Sen. Hoke Smith and Rep. Dudley Hughes – both
    representing Georgia in the U.S. Congress – are the sponsors. President Woodrow Wilson signs the
    act into law on Feb. 23, 1917.)

  • Future Farmers of Virginia

    Virginia Tech agricultural education teacher educators Henry Groseclose, Harry
    Sanders and Edmund C. Magill and Virginia state supervisor of agricultural education
    Walter S. Newman meet to discuss an organization for boys in agriculture classes.
    The Future Farmers of Virginia would serve as the model for the Future Farmers of
    America.

  • The American Royal Livestock Show

    The American Royal Livestock Show invites vocational agriculture students to participate in
    national livestock judging contests in Kansas City, Mo.

  • Future Farmers of America (FFA) is established

    Future Farmers of America (FFA) is established at a meeting in Kansas City, Mo.
    • The national FFA convention – the first – is attended by 33 delegates from 18 states.
    • Leslie Applegate of New Jersey is selected as the first national FFA president.
    • State associations of the New Farmers of America form regional sections and hold
    sectional meetings.

  • 2nd National FFA Convention

    • At the 2nd National FFA Convention in November 1929, 33 states are represented by 64 delegates.
    • Thirty-five state associations with approximately 1,500 chapters and 30,000 members are now
    affiliated with the national organization.
    • National blue and corn gold are adopted as official FFA colors.
    • The Star Farmer of America award – one of the first awards created by FFA – is presented to Carlton
    Patton of Arkansas.

  • FFA Creed Adopted

    • Official FFA Creed written by E.M. Tiffany is adopted.
    • First national public speaking event is held. Winner: Edward Drace, Missouri.
    • First Official Dress uniform is adopted: dark blue shirt, blue or white pants, blue
    cap and yellow tie.
    • Delegates restrict membership to boys only.
    • First official FFA manual is printed.