FFA History

Smith-Hughes Act

Feb 23, 1917

provides funding to
states for vocational education courses.

FFA Established

Jan 1, 1928

is established at a meeting in Kansas City, Mo.

Colors Chosen for FFA

Nov 1, 1929

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

FFA Creed

Jan 1, 1930

Official FFA Creed written by E.M. Tiffany is adopted.

Official Dress

Jan 1, 1933

Blue corduroy jacketis adopted as official dress

Tuskegee Founding

Jan 1, 1935

New Farmers of America is founded in Tuskegee, Alabama

Bill Passed

Aug 30, 1950

A bill is passed by the 81st Congress of the United States that grants FFA a federal charter and specifies
that a U.S. Department of Education staff member be the national FFA advisor. On Aug. 30, President
Harry S. Truman signs the bill, and it becomes Public Law 81-740.

NFA merges with FFA

Sep 24, 1965

• New Farmers of America merges with the Future Farmers of America

First FFA Career Show

Jan 1, 1966

• First FFA National Agricultural Career Show® is held at the national FFA convention to highlight
educational and career opportunities in agriculture.

FFA Convention

Jan 1, 1968

• Presidential candidate Richard Nixon attends the national FFA convention in Kansas City.

FFA Girls

Jan 1, 1969

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

FFA Name change

Jan 1, 1988

Future Farmers of America changes its name to National FFA Organization to better reflect the
expanded agricultural opportunities encompassing science, business and technology, in addition to
production farming.

PALS Program

Jan 1, 1990

Partners in Active Learning Support (PALS) program is launched.

Agri-Entrepeneurship Awards

Jan 1, 1997

First Agri-Entrepreneurship Awards are presented.

40th Anniversary

Jan 1, 2009

FFA celebrates the 40th anniversary of women being admitted into FFA