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The Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act
established vocational agriculture courses. -
Organized future farmers
Virginia Tech agricultural education teacher educators Henry Groseclose, Harry Sanders, Walter S. Newman and Edmund C. Magill organized the Future Farmers of Virginia for boys in agriculture classes. The FFV served as the model for the Future Farmers of America. -
American Royal Livestock Show
The American Royal Livestock Show invited vocational agriculture students to participate in national livestock judging contests in Kansas City, Mo. -
U.S. Office of Education
G.W. Owens, teacher-trainer at Virginia State College, and Dr. H.O. Sargent, federal agent for agricultural education for African-Americans, U.S. Office of Education, wrote the first constitution and bylaws of the New Farmers of Virginia, an organization for African-American agriculture students. -
Future Farmers of America established in Kansas City, Mo.
First National FFA Convention held in Kansas City: 33 delegates from 18 states in attendance.
Leslie Applegate of New Jersey selected as the first national FFA president.
First sectional gathering of New Farmers of America members held. -
The official colors
National blue and corn gold adopted as official colors.
Carlton Patton of Arkansas named first Star Farmer of America, one of the first awards created by FFA.
At the Second National FFA Convention in November 1929, 33 states represented by 64 delegates.
Thirty-five state associations with approximately 1,500 chapters and 30,000 members affiliated with the national organization. -
28.5 acres of land purchased
28.5 acres of land purchased near Alexandria, Va., for the first FFA-owned national headquarters; the land was part of George Washington’s estate. -
FFA Creed
Official FFA Creed, written by E.M. Tiffany, adopted.
First National Public Speaking event held. Winner: Edward Drace, Missouri.
First Official Dress uniform adopted: dark blue shirt, blue or white pants, blue cap and yellow tie.
Delegates restricted membership to boys only.
First Official FFA Manual printed. -
FFA Official Jacket
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. -
Tuskegee, Ala
New Farmers of America founded in Tuskegee, Ala.
Active FFA membership exceeded 100,000 members. -
National convention
During national convention, action taken to establish a national FFA camp and leadership training school in Washington, D.C. -
World War II
During World War II, when tens of thousands of FFA members served in the armed services, national FFA conventions were streamlined events where only delegates and award winners attend. In 1942, just 217 people attended the convention. -
FFA Formed to make money
Future Farmers of America Foundation formed to raise money from business, industry, government, individuals and sponsors for FFA programs and activities. -
FFA Band
First National FFA Band performed at national FFA convention. -
First FFA Chorus and National FFA Talent program
First FFA Chorus and National FFA Talent program held at national FFA convention.
National FFA Supply Service began operation.
Record jump in membership from 238,269 in 1947 to 260,300 in 1948; so many members attended the 20th National FFA Convention that a folding-cot hotel was set up in the basement of the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.
First FFA Week celebrated during the week of George Washington’s birthday. -
International Exchange Program
First International Exchange Program for FFA members began with Young Farmers Club of Great Britain. -
A bill was passed by the 81st Congress of the United States
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FFA opened membership to girls
FFA opened membership to girls, making it possible for them to hold office and participate in competitive events at regional and national levels. -
FFA changed its name
Future Farmers of America changed its name to the National FFA Organization to reflect the growing diversity in the industry of agriculture.
Seventh and eighth grade students permitted to become FFA members.
Agriscience Student Recognition Program introduced. -
National FFA Center in Indianapolis
National FFA Center in Indianapolis, Ind., dedicated July 20.
Agricultural Education National Headquarters dedicated in Alexandria, Va.
National convention held in Kansas City, Mo., for the last time.
Jose Santiago elected to national office; he was the first member from Puerto Rico to serve as a national officer.
The 105th Congress of the United States reviewed and passed technical amendments to Public Law 81-740 (Aug. 30, 1950). Public Law 105-225 passed on Aug. 12. -
FFA convention approved the Discovery FFA Degree
Delegates at the national FFA convention approved the Discovery FFA Degree for middle school students.
The National FFA Archives at Indiana University Purdue University in Indianapolis opened. -
National FFA launched Seeds of Hope
National FFA launched Seeds of Hope, a fundraising campaign to rebuild Gulf Coast states’ agricultural education and FFA programs following Hurricane Katrina; $835,699 in donations distributed to affected programs.
The National FFA Foundation broke the $10 million mark in raising money for FFA programs and services. -
Dr. Larry Case retired after 26 years as national FFA advisor.
Dr. Larry Case retired after 26 years as national FFA advisor.
FFA celebrated the 75th anniversary of the founding of New Farmers of America during the 83rd National FFA Convention.
Six college-age FFA members traveled to Zambia for the FFA Global Outreach: Africa program.
FFA members earned a record 3,449 American FFA Degree -
Membership hits all-time high
Membership hits all-time high with 579,678 members in 7,570 chapters.
The 86th National FFA Convention & Expo in Louisville has a record attendance of 62,998 members, teachers, supporters and guests.
FFA members earn a record 3,578 American FFA Degrees.
Ram Truck's "So God Made a Farmer" Super Bowl commercial exceeds 18 million views on YouTube; company donates $1 million to FFA
Sherene Donaldson named first female national FFA executive secretary. -
National FFA Convention & Expo returns to Indianapolis.
Membership hits all-time high with 649,355 members in 7,859 chapters.
