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Smith-Hughes Act Passed
The Smith-Hughes act established federal funding for vocational agriculture in high school. This was the first time agricultural educational classes were provided federal funding. -
Future Farmers of Virginia Founded
Henry Groseclose was an agriculture teacher at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He and other teachers decided to start a club for farm boys. They named this club "Future Farmers of Virginia". Henry is now known as the father of the FFA. -
Future Farmers of America Founded
Delegates agreed to form a national organization for students enrolled in agricultural education courses. They named it Future Farmers of America! -
NC FFA Association
Lillington High School in Harnett County was the first FFA chapter in North Carolina. Lillington High School would soon be followed by many other schools in North Carolina when they create their own FFA chapter. -
FFA Creed and Official Emblem
The FFA creed was written by E.M. Tiffany. It was then adopted by convention delegates at the third National FFA convention along with the official emblem. -
The FFA Jacket
The FFA jacket was designed by Dr. Gus Lintner in 1933. It is made of corduroy. -
New Farmers of America
The NFA was founded in 1935 and was the equivalent to FFA but in Minority high schools in the South. The NFA colors were back and gold. -
FFA Stamp
In 1953 the US postal service issues a commemorative FFA stamp. This stamp was unique and specific to FFA. -
NFA & FFA Merge
In 1965 the New Farmers of America and Future Farmers of America merged. These two groups formed an all male organization, women were not allowed. -
Women Allowed in FFA
Girls were officially recognized as being eligible for membership in the FFA for the first time in 1969. Today, girls make up 40% of the membership and hold 50% of the state leadership positions. -
National FFA Alumni Association
The National FFA Alumni Association was founded in 1971. This association was formed for supporters of FFA, not necessarily for former members. -
Changes to FFA
In 1988 the name of the organization was changed from Future Farmers of America to the National FFA Organization. In that same year the wording on the FFA emblem changed from “Vocational Agriculture” to “Agricultural Education.” -
FFA Magazine
The FFA magazine was originally named National Future Farmer Magazine. In 1989 the name was changed to FFA New Horizons. -
National FFA Center Moved
In 1998 the National FFA headquarters was moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. The FFA headquarters was previously located in Alexandria, Virginia. -
National Convention Location Changed
The National Convention Location changes between Kentucky and Indianapolis. In 2006 the convention moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where it remained until 2012.
