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Smith Hughes Act
Established vocational Ag courses. -
Future Farmers of Viriginia was created
Henry Groseclose, an agricultural education instructor from Blacksburg, Va.,organizes the Future Farmers of Virginia for boys in agriculture classes. Soon similargroups are established across the country. -
First FFA national convention
During the National Livestock Judging Contests, 33 students from 18 states establishthe Future Farmers of America to provide leadership training for high school studentsof vocational agriculture. During this first annual convention, Leslie Applegate ofFreehold, N.J., is elected president and dues are set at 10 cents annually. Thenational convention was held in Kansas City 1928-1998. -
FFA official colors
The official colors—national blue and corn gold—are adopted. -
Membership is to only boys and creed is made
At the 3rd National FFA Convention, the membership issue is clarified when the allmember,male delegation amend the constitution restricting membership to boysonly under Article III, Section B. The official creed is adopted. -
FFA Jackets were made & wore
Fredericktown, Ohio, FFA members arrive at the national convention in crisp, bluecorduroy jackets with the FFA emblem on the back. Official delegates vote to adoptthe jacket as the organization’s official dress. Members still wear the nationallyrecognizedjackets today, honoring the tradition and history of FFA. More than50,000 are manufactured each year. -
FFA Federal Charter
The U.S. Congress passes Public Law 81-740, which grants the FFA a Federal Charterand stipulates that a U.S. Department of Education staff member be the national FFAadvisor. Today FFA continues to be recognized by Congress as an intracurricularpart of the educational program. -
Silver Anniversary
FFA celebrates its silver anniversary. President Dwight D. Eisenhower is the firstpresident to address a national FFA convention. Presidents Gerald Ford, JimmyCarter, George Bush and Ronald Reagan would address the FFA in the future. TheU.S. Post Office issues a special stamp to commemorate the founding of the FFA. -
FFA Headquarters is Established
The FFA headquarters is established in Alexandria, Va., on land which was part ofGeorge Washington’s estate. The FFA had owned the land since 1939 and used it fornational camps. During the dedication, members participating in the first NationalLeadership Conference for State Officers place a hand full of soil from each statearound the flagpole. -
NFA established
The New Farmers of America (NFA), the organization for African-Americanagricultural education students, merges with the FFA, adding 50,000 members. -
Changed from FFA to FFA Organization
Delegates to the national FFA convention change “Future Farmers of America” to the“National FFA Organization” to recognize the growth of agriculture and agriculturaleducation to encompass the more than 300 careers in the science, business andtechnology of agriculture. Delegates also opened FFA membership to middle schoolstudents. -
First African-American president
Corey Flournoy of Chicago, Ill., is elected national FFA president, becoming the -
FFA moves from Kansis City, Mo, to Louisville, Ky.
FFA announces its move of the national FFA convention from Kansas City, Mo., toLouisville, Ky. -
FFA national convention was held in Kansas City, Mo for the last time
The national convention was held in Kansas City for the last time in November 1998;the convention set an attendance record, drawing 49,240 members, guests andsupporters. Additionally, the National FFA Center was moved from Alexandria, Va.,to Indianapolis, In. The National FFA Center houses the National FFA Organization,the National FFA Foundation and the National FFA Alumni Association.Approximately 1,000 guests attended the dedication ceremonies on July 20, 1998.And, much like the 1959 de -
First Time held in Louisville, Ky.
The national FFA convention is held in Louisville, Ky., for the first time and will stayin Louisville through 2005; attendance was 46,918.
