History of the FFA
Beginning of Agriculture in the classroom 1917 the Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act passed Allowing vocational agriculture to be taught to high school males
The Father of FFA 1925- Henry Groseclose organized the Future Farmers of Virginia (FFV) for the boys in his classes
First “Career Development Event” 1926- The American Royal Livestock show in Kansas City, Mo invited vocational education students to judge livestock.
Future Farmers of America Formed in 1928 In Kansas City, Missouri Leslie Applegate was the first National President
First Georgia FFA Chapter January 1929 - Statham High School was chartered as the first Georgia FFA Chapter
FFA Creed & Colors 1929- National Blue & Corn Gold adopted as official colors 1930- Creed adopted “I believe in the future of agriculture…
The Blue Jacket 1933- The Blue corduroy jacket was adopted as official dress
The New Farmers of America 1935 - The NFA was established for African Americans
U.S. Congress 1950- Public Law 740 was passed This granted the FFA a Federal Charter
Integrated FFA In 1965 the “New Farmers” merged with the FFA to create an integrated Future Farmers of America
1969 FFA welcomes female members into the organization
The FFA Alumni 1971- The FFA Alumni Association was chartered
FFA Official Dress 1973- Official dress standards created
First Female President 1982- Jan Eberly became the first female national FFA president
Name Change 1988 – The Future Farmers of America changed its name to The National FFA Organization to reflect growing diversity in the ag industry.
1989- The Future Farmer Magazine changed its name to FFA New Horizons.
Growing Membership 2007- Membership broke the half- million mark
Agriculture Education Three Circle Model