History of the FFA McAllen FFA Mr. Leal

The FFA Mission FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education.

The FFA Motto Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.

Colors of the FFA Established in 1929 National Blue – Blue reminds us that the FFA is a national organization. Corn Gold –Gold reminds us that corn is a native American crop grown in every state in the US.

Symbols of the FFA Emblem The FFA emblem was designed with much thought and meaning. It is made up of five symbols.

Symbols of the FFA Emblem A cross-section of an ear of corn. The symbol of corn represents our common agricultural interests, is native to America, and is grown in every state.

Symbols of the FFA Emblem The eagle. This is symbolic of the national scope of the FFA.

Symbols of the FFA Emblem The rising sun. It symbolizes progress in agriculture and the confidence that FFA members have in the future.

Symbols of the FFA Emblem The plow. It is a symbol of labor and tillage of the soil. With out labor knowledge and wisdom can not accomplish much

Symbols of the FFA Emblem The owl. It symbolizes wisdom and knowledge.

Symbols of the FFA Emblem The words “Agricultural Education“ surround the letters “FFA.” This tells us that FFA is an important part of agriculture and agribusiness programs.

What Does FFA Stand For In 1928 the letters were a acronym for Future Farmers of America In 1988 the Delegates of the 60 th FFA National Convention voted to change the name to the National FFA Organization

How did the FFA get started 1917 – Congress passed the Smith- Hughes National Vocational Education Act to allow classes in production agriculture. Early 1920s – Henry Groseclose the “father of FFA” started the Future Farmers of Virginia (FFV) for boys only – American Royal in Kansas City, MO, started a livestock judging contests.

FFA beginnings in – Future Farmers of America was formed and held its first national convention in Kansas City, MO –Baltimore Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri –Boys only! –33 delegates from 18 states –10-cent dues

The FFA in delegates from 33 states First American Star Farmer named (Carlton Patton) The FFA Colors were chosen and voted on

Highlights from the 30s 1930 – E. M. Tiffany proposed the FFA creed – All but 2 states had chartered associations (Rhode Island and Alaska) 1939 – National FFA camp was founded

Highlights from the 40s 1944 – FFA Foundation was founded to help in fund-raising for the FFA 1947 – First FFA band 1948 – National talent competition and First FFA chorus 1948 – FFA supply service

On to the 50s 1950 – Congress granted FFA a national charter 1952 – National Future Farmer Magazine 1952 – FFA code of ethics was established 1953 – 25 th anniv. commemorative stamp 1955 – FFA goes international. Now in Japan, Brazil, Columbia, Korea, Mexico, Panama, the Philippines and Thailand

Spotlighting the 60s 1965 – New Farmers of America (African American students) merged with FFA, adding 50,000 students – Girls became members.

More recent changes 1971 – FFA alumni organization formed 1988 – Name changed from Future Farmers of America to National FFA Organization – Magazine changed from National Future Farmer Magazine to FFA New Horizons – National FFA Center moved from Alexandria, VA, to Indianapolis, IN – The National FFA Convention was moved to Louisville, Kentucky – The National FFA Convention was moved to Indianapolis, ID

National officers Chosen at National FFA Convention Each state has one candidate Competition is tough – FFA’s finest Officers include: –National president –National secretary –4 regional vice presidents 2006/2007 National Officers Photo courtesy National FFA Organization.

Then and Now delegates 18 states 2007 Over 500,000 FFA members All 50 states, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands 7,242 chapters