FFA History and Benefits Mrs. Halkiades Smyrna High School 2012-2013
What does FFA stand for? 1928 – FFA stands for Future Farmers of America 1988 – FFA changes to National FFA Organization To represent the growing diversity of agriculture
What is FFA? FFA – a dynamic youth organization within agricultural education that changes lives and prepares students for Premier Leadership, Personal Growth and Career Success.
FFA Benefits Make new friends! Have fun! Make positive choices
FFA Benefits Cont. Become a leader Travel Outstanding conferences and conventions
FFA Benefits Cont. Be part of a team Serve your community Earn $$ and awards
How to Become an FFA Member Be enrolled in at least 1 agricultural education course during the school year Show an interest Attend meetings Strive for degrees in membership Participate in activities Pay dues Display proper conduct
Degree Requirements Official FFA Manual Page 24
1917-Smith-Hughes Act passed FFA History 1917-Smith-Hughes Act passed Allowing vocational agriculture to be taught to high school males 1925-Future Farmers of Virginia FFV serves as model for FFA
History Cont. 1928 – FFA established in Kansas City, MO 1st National FFA Convention held in Kansas City 1929 – National Blue and Corn Gold Adopted as official colors
History Cont. 1930 – Official FFA Creed adopted 1933 – Blue corduroy 1930 – Official FFA Creed adopted Written by E.M. Tiffany (3rd) Revised at 38th and 63rd National Convention “I believe…” 1933 – Blue corduroy jacket adopted as official dress
History Cont. 1935 – New Farmers of America (NFA) Agricultural student organization for African-American students
History Cont. 1947 – National FFA Week established in February (week of GW’s birthday)
History Cont. 1952 – 1st issue of The National Future Farmer Magazine was published
History Cont. 1965 – NFA merges with FFA
History Cont. 1969 – FFA opens membership to girls
History Cont. 1973 – FFA Official Dress standards created 1989 – The National Future Farmer magazine changes name to FFA New Horizons
History Cont. 1996 – FFA website debuts www.ffa.org 1998 – National convention is held in Kansas City for the last time Moved to Louisville, KY Then to Indianapolis, IN Now in Louisville, KY again Today - 557,318 FFA members
Any questions so far?